Ballenger was built in 1973 as a special education campus. The school provides a therapy pool, added in 1988, that serves as the school district's Adaptive Aquatics Center for special education students.

The building has a large, central area that serves as a cafeteria and physical education room. Four pods containing four classrooms in a semi-open arrangement surround the central area.

Ballenger also has four outdoor learning environments/playgrounds.

Each class has one computer for teacher and student use, although classroom computers are not wired for Internet access. However, the front office and library provide Internet-ready computers for students and teachers.

Parents are involved with the Head Start Policy Council and as volunteers in classrooms or in the parenting room. Family involvement specialists provide a number of parenting classes throughout the school year.

Ballenger annually hosts a Safety Fair, a Family Fun Night, Donuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms programs, and a March of Dimes Spring Parade.

Because the school is a Head Start and pre-K institution, inclusion of students with disabilities is emphasized in programs such as Book Bag Buddies and Home Literacy.