Conceptual image showcasing the construction site of the new high school at Stillwater Public Schools, aimed at enhancing educational facilities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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