By Erin Albanese
The design for a major high school expansion– including a 30-classroom addition – are taking shape.
“It just looks cool,” said Principal Nate Robrahn, who has been involved in the design process. “It will look like a campus.”
Construction will start in the spring on work that will eventually consist of $40 million in improvements at the high school, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW. The project is funded by the $79 million bond passed by voters last November, which is generating about $23.5 million for a first phase in 2018 and the remaining $56 million for a second phase in 2022.
The addition should be ready for students in 2021, with completion in 2022. Ninth-graders could join 10th through 12th graders at the high school in 2023. Currently, ninth-grade is at Wyoming Junior High.
Robrahn said he looks forward to offering his students wide-open spaces, with room for project-based and group learning.
See more designs of the planned expansion
Other highlights:
- A large cafeteria with high ceilings to offer an open, coffee-shop feel
- A Learning Stair to serve as a unique stairwell and place for formal and informal gathering
- Classrooms will have removable walls to allow for team teaching and shared lessons
- Wider hallways
- Breakout areas for small group work and project-based learning
- Added parking, ease and flow on exterior of the building
- New softball field on the corner of Prairie Parkway and Burlingame Avenue
- Media center relocation
- Science lab renovation
- Athletic upgrades to include space for wrestling and cheer practice, a new stadium entry plaza, new track and football field surfaces, press box updates, concession area upgrades
- Interior and exterior lighting upgrades
- Parking expansion on the west side of the building
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