Stillwater Public Schools Begins Construction on New High School

News Summary

Stillwater Public Schools is constructing a new high school to accommodate 9th graders starting in the upcoming school year. The new facility aims to support a growing student population, expanding from the current capacity to house nearly 2,000 students. The project is set for completion by fall 2026, with a focus on creating a cohesive educational experience and enhancing college readiness for freshmen. As the district restructures grades, this new layout will streamline educational resources and community interactions.

Stillwater – Stillwater Public Schools is currently in its first year of construction on a new high school that will welcome 9th graders starting in the 2023-2024 school year. This change will shift the school system’s grade configuration, enhancing educational experiences for these students and accommodating a growing enrollment.

The new high school facility is designed to house up to 1,960 students, an increase from the current high school’s capacity that serves around 1,700 students in grades 10-12. The expansion aims to support concurrent enrollment programs and off-campus activities, which are essential for student development and preparedness for higher education.

Superintendent Tyler Bridges emphasized the district’s commitment to integrating 9th grade into high school to provide a more cohesive and centralized focus on education, social experiences, and college readiness. The current grade configuration includes Pre-K through 5th in elementary, 6th and 7th in middle school, 8th grade in junior high, and grades 9 through 12 in high school.

Construction Progress and Timeline

The completion of the new academic building is projected for fall 2026, coinciding with the new school year when the new high school will officially open. Following the completion of academic buildings, construction on extracurricular spaces, including a 36,240 square foot performing arts wing, is expected to commence. This facility is being developed approximately ten years ahead of the initial plans.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Bo Gamble noted that the construction timeline has progressed more quickly than anticipated, indicating a positive trajectory for the project’s completion. The current high school building will be demolished by fall 2026 to save on costs, as the expense of renovation is estimated to exceed $30 million, while demolition will cost approximately $1.5 million.

Rationale for Moving Ninth Grade

The decision to move 9th graders to the high school comes after recognizing the need for a dedicated high school curriculum and support system for incoming freshmen. Historically, around 50% of summer school attendees have been 9th graders seeking credits toward graduation. This trending statistic highlights the necessity for a more focused curriculum and additional staff for this grade level, making the transition beneficial for students.

The new layout and services offered by the upcoming high school facility aim to support the growing student population and their extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of unity across the district’s programs. The long-term vision of Stillwater Public Schools revolves around enhancing educational success and adapting to the needs of the community.

Future Outlook

The district envisions a final grade configuration where elementary school will consist of Pre-K through 4th grade, middle school will cover 5th and 6th grade, junior high will comprise 7th and 8th grade, and high school will include grades 9 through 12. This restructuring will not only accommodate the increasing number of students but also streamline educational resources and community interactions.

With the new high school on track for completion and the planned integration of 9th graders, Stillwater Public Schools is demonstrating a proactive approach to improving its educational framework and facilities. As these developments occur, the district continues to align its mission with the needs of its students, community, and future educational landscape.

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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