News Summary
Stillwater Public Schools is expanding its high school to integrate 9th grade, modernize facilities, and increase capacity to accommodate nearly 2,000 students. The new campus will include a performing arts wing and improvements to support student gatherings and programs. The construction is set to complete by fall 2026, with a strategic focus on enhancing educational experiences and fostering growth.
Stillwater, Oklahoma — Major High School Expansion in Progress with Focus on Integrating 9th Grade
Stillwater Public Schools is underway with the construction of a new high school set to significantly expand campus capacity and modernize facilities, including creating a dedicated space for student gatherings and college recruitment activities. The new facility aims to serve as a central hub for students, providing larger, more versatile spaces to accommodate a growing student population and enhanced extracurricular programming.
Construction and Timeline
The project marks the first year of construction, with a scheduled completion date in fall 2026. The new high school will feature a 36,240 square foot performing arts wing and additional classrooms, developed approximately ten years earlier than initially planned. Following the completion of academic buildings, construction of extracurricular spaces is expected to begin shortly after, further enriching student opportunities on campus.
The current high school campus, which serves roughly 1,700 students in grades 10 through 12, will be replaced by the new facility designed to accommodate up to 1,960 students. This increase in capacity is intended to support a continuous growth trend and provide room for future expansion, including larger class sizes and more comprehensive programs.
Changes in Grade Configuration
The 2023-2024 school year marks a transitional period where 9th grade will no longer be classified as junior high, but rather integrated into the high school. This is the final year in which 9th grade remains separate from the main high school campus. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the district will implement a revised grade structure: elementary schools will serve Pre-K through 5th grade, middle schools will cover 6th and 7th grades, and junior high will include 8th grade. The high school will then comprise grades 9 through 12, providing a cohesive senior-secondary education environment.
District Vision and Rationale
Superintendent Tyler Bridges has emphasized the district’s commitment to fully integrating 9th graders into the high school setting. This move aims to improve students’ social experiences by consolidating grades into one comprehensive campus and enhancing alignment of coursework. It also addresses the needs of students requiring additional credits for graduation, as data indicate that approximately 50% of summer school attendees are 9th graders facing credit challenges.
Facility Progress and Demolition Plans
The current high school building is set to be demolished by fall 2026, a cost-effective decision as renovation estimates exceed $30 million. In comparison, demolition costs are projected at approximately $1.5 million. This approach aligns with the district’s broader goals of growth and modernization, providing the necessary infrastructure to support student success and expanded educational offerings.
Future Outlook
The new high school campus is designed with future growth in mind, incorporating space for additional students and expanded programs. The development reflects the district’s strategic planning to create a unified campus that fosters academic achievement, extracurricular engagement, and student development. As construction progresses, district officials remain focused on timely completion to ensure new facilities are operational for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.
Overall, the ongoing project demonstrates a comprehensive effort to enhance educational facilities and improve student experiences in Stillwater, aligning with long-term district objectives for student success and community growth.
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HERE Resources
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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
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