News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has officially initiated construction on the Frayser Community High School. Set to serve around 1,500 students, this new facility aims to rejuvenate the Frayser neighborhood and enhance educational opportunities. The school will feature modern amenities and is expected to be completed by 2027, replacing the aging Trezevant High School. This project is part of a larger initiative to improve local education infrastructure and foster community development in the area.
Memphis Announces Groundbreaking for New Frayser Community High School, Expected to Open by 2027
Memphis, TN — Memphis-Shelby County Schools officially broke ground on a new high school in the Frayser neighborhood on April 1, 2025. The ceremony took place at 1530 Dellwood Avenue, the former site of MLK Prep High School. This new facility aims to serve approximately 1,500 students and is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the community and improve educational opportunities.
Details of the New School
The Frayser Community High School will encompass roughly 270,000 square feet of space, replacing the aging Trezevant High School. The project is estimated to cost nearly $112 million. Significant funding has been allocated toward this initiative, with an additional nearly $34 million from Shelby County ensuring that construction proceeds as planned. The increased funding has enabled construction to begin ahead of schedule, according to district officials.
Construction and Design Features
The current plan includes a three-story main building, a gymnasium, a renovated auditorium, and various athletic facilities. The school will be equipped with modern features such as advanced broadcast facilities, cutting-edge graphic design classrooms, and innovative open learning spaces. These design elements aim to provide a contemporary learning environment tailored to meet the needs of today’s students.
Phased Development Approach
The construction process is divided into two phases. The initial phase involves building the primary structure and essential facilities, with an anticipated completion and operational status by 2027. The second phase will focus on expanding the school’s capabilities, including a specialized center for career and technology education, a creative arts or fine arts center, an auxiliary gym, STEM laboratories, and an expanded auditorium. These additions will further enhance the school’s educational offerings and extracurricular options.
Community and Educational Development
The new high school is a key aspect of the ongoing community revitalization efforts in Frayser. It aims to provide students with modern educational facilities and foster a positive environment conducive to learning and growth. The project aligns with broader initiatives to improve the quality of education and upward mobility for local students.
Official Perspectives
Local officials and school leaders emphasize the importance of creating modern, safe, and state-of-the-art educational spaces for students. City leadership, including the mayor, underscored that such facilities are vital for fostering student success and community development. Both city officials and school administrators have acknowledged the long-standing need for improved learning environments in Frayser.
Background and Context
This project is part of the Achievement School District’s initiatives designed to enhance education outcomes in Memphis neighborhoods. Replacing Trezevant High School and developing new facilities align with efforts to modernize school infrastructure and address the evolving needs of students. The demolition of MLK Prep High School in 2024 cleared the way for the new construction, marking a significant step forward in these revitalization goals.
Overall, the new Frayser Community High School represents a major investment in Memphis’s education infrastructure, with construction plans indicating readiness for completion by 2027, providing a fresh start for students and the broader community.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Groundbreaking for New Frayser High School
- Wikipedia: Frayser, Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis: Additional Funding for New Frayser High School
- Google Search: Frayser Community High School
- Tennessee Tribune: Memphis-Shelby County Schools Breaks Ground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Local Memphis: Frayser Community High School News
- Google News: Frayser High School Construction
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