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144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/10/26

Key Takeaways

  • San Diego High School opened a new student services and classroom building that will serve as a secure campus entryway and provide modern learning and support spaces for students.
  • The facility is part of the larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project launched in 2022, which also includes campus renovations, a redesigned quad, and a new engineering design lab.
  • The facility is part of the larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project launched in 2022, which also includes campus renovations, a redesigned quad, and a new engineering design lab.

San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building, according to a district news release. The newest facility on the 144-year-old campus will serve as a secure campus entryway, and the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.

The new classroom building features a lobby, classrooms, student support spaces, collaborative student workspaces, a staff lounge, and new security technology. On display are historical items from the building’s history, including a set of historical wooden doors and photos of the school from over the years.

“It’s night and day from our old building,” said SDHS Principal Franny Del Carmen. “This new façade is inviting, warm, and truly beautiful. Importantly, it provides students with a college-level facility with quality learning spaces. We also kept a lot of history inside the building, so we are acknowledging our rich history while moving into the future.”

The city renewed its 99-year lease with the school in October 2021 after a voter-approved ballot measure, according to the news release. In addition to the new student services and classroom building, the SDHS Whole Site Modernization Project also encompasses a modernized toward and central campus quad; a new College, Career, and Technical Education Engineering Design Lab; and classroom renovations around campus.

“San Diegans believe in investing in high-quality public schools in every neighborhood across our district,” said Richard Barrera, Board of Education President. “Because of their efforts, this 144-year-old campus, which is intimately part of our city, will not only stay at its historic location, but will flourish for years to come.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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