News Summary
Stillwater Public Schools is developing a new high school facility to improve student learning environments and address growing enrollment numbers. The new campus will accommodate grades 9-12, expand academic and extracurricular spaces, and implement new grade configurations. This project demonstrates the district’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and ensuring that students are well-supported throughout their schooling.
Stillwater, Oklahoma – Major Changes in High School Infrastructure and Grade Configuration Underway
Stillwater Public Schools is making significant progress on a new high school facility scheduled to open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The project, currently in its first year of construction, represents a major step forward for the district, aiming to enhance student learning environments, expand capacity, and update campus facilities to meet growing educational needs.
Development of a Larger, Unified Campus
The new high school will serve as a central hub for students in grades 9 through 12, replacing the current structure that serves grades 10 through 12. The existing high school has an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students, but the new facility is designed with a capacity of up to 1,960 students. This increased capacity will support growing enrollment numbers and allow for more concurrent enrollment opportunities and off-campus activities.
Additional planning has accounted for future growth, with the building designed to accommodate expanded class sizes, ensuring the campus remains effective for years to come. The goal is to establish a more unified high school experience with larger facilities that can support a range of extracurricular activities and student engagement.
Enhancements to Academic and Extracurricular Spaces
Construction of academic buildings is scheduled for completion by fall 2026, with an emphasis on creating a state-of-the-art learning environment. Notably, the new high school will feature a 36,240 square foot performing arts wing and increased classroom space – developments that have been advanced approximately ten years earlier than initially planned.
Post-occupancy, construction will begin on extracurricular spaces to enhance student participation in arts, sports, and other activities. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to provide students with diverse opportunities within a modern campus setting.
Transition in Grade Configuration and Policy Changes
The 2023-2024 school year will mark the final year that 9th grade is categorized as part of junior high. Starting July 1, 2024, the district will implement a transitional grade configuration: Pre-K through 5th grade in elementary, 6th and 7th grades in middle school, 8th grade in junior high, and 9th through 12th grades in high school. The final, long-term configuration will group grades as Pre-K to 4th in elementary, 5th and 6th in middle school, 7th and 8th in junior high, and 9th through 12th in high school.
Superintendent Tyler Bridges has emphasized the district’s commitment to integrating 9th graders into the high school environment permanently. Moving 9th graders to the high school is expected to improve their social experiences, provide more focused curriculum offerings, and centralize high school coursework in one location.
Addressing Student Needs and Future Planning
The district identified challenges with the current grade structure, as data shows that 50% of students attending summer school are 9th graders requiring credits for graduation. This highlights the need for targeted academic programs and staffing to support this critical transition year.
To facilitate a smooth shift, the district is planning the phased removal of the current high school building, with demolition scheduled for fall 2026. This approach will be cost-effective; renovating the existing structure is projected to cost over $30 million, whereas demolition and new construction are estimated to total around $1.5 million.
The district views the new campus as a vital component of its growth and success strategy, aligning with its long-term vision to provide students with the resources, facilities, and academic pathways necessary for future achievement.
Summary
In summary, Stillwater Public Schools is actively developing a new high school facility that will enhance academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities for students. With construction progressing sooner than anticipated, the district aims to open the new campus by fall 2026, followed by the removal of the current high school building. These changes reflect the district’s dedication to accommodating student growth and fostering an environment conducive to success across all grade levels.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Washington Nationals Break Signing Record with Eli Willits
Additional Resources
- OC Olly: Stillwater High School Vision
- KOCO: Stillwater Public Schools Cuts
- Stillwater News Press: New Superintendent
- CBS News: Stillwater Schools Data Breach
- KSTP: Multi-Grade Classrooms Complaints
- Wikipedia: Education in Oklahoma
- Google Search: Stillwater Public Schools
- Google Scholar: Stillwater Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Stillwater Schools
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
