Stillwater, Oklahoma, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Stillwater, Oklahoma, is set to undergo a major transformation in its educational system with the construction of a new high school. This facility, designed for 1,960 students, will integrate 9th graders into the high school environment, enhancing their educational experience. Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, the project reflects the district’s proactive approach to growing student numbers and modernizing facilities. With a dedicated performing arts wing and plans for future expansions, the new high school aims to better serve the region’s youth and their educational needs.
Stillwater, Oklahoma is set to embrace significant changes in its educational landscape as Stillwater Public Schools embarks on an ambitious construction project for a new high school. This new facility, currently under construction, is designed to accommodate the increasing student population and to provide modern educational resources for freshmen through seniors.
One of the most notable aspects of the new high school is its ability to serve as a central hub for students, aiming to enhance the overall educational experience. With a capacity to house up to 1,960 students, the new school will allow for concurrent enrollment opportunities and facilitate better organization of off-campus educational activities. The current high school, which serves grades 10 through 12, has around 1,700 students. As part of the transition, the 2023-2024 school year marks the last year that 9th grade will be considered a junior high level, with a newly proposed structure for grade configuration.
The new grade configuration plan will see a shift to Pre-K through 4th grade in elementary, 5th and 6th in middle school, 7th and 8th in junior high, and 9th through 12th in high school. School officials believe that integrating 9th-grade students into the high school environment will positively affect their social dynamics, enhance their educational journey, and centralize their high school coursework.
Historically, there has been a significant demand for 9th graders during summer school, with about 50% of attendees being students seeking to earn credits for graduation. This underscores the need for a more focused curriculum that can address the academic needs of these students. Furthermore, the new high school design includes plans for future class expansions, helping accommodate ongoing growth in student numbers.
The completion of the academic buildings is anticipated for fall 2026, aligning with the start of a new school year. Following the conclusion of the academic construction, additional facilities for extracurricular activities will begin development. The planned performing arts wing will span 36,240 square feet, providing necessary space for arts and performance-related programs. This new school is being constructed approximately ten years ahead of schedule, reflecting a proactive approach by the district.
As construction progresses, plans are also in place to demolish the existing high school building by fall 2026. Renovations to the current structure would cost over $30 million, while demolition will only cost about $1.5 million. These efforts are part of an overall strategy by Stillwater Public Schools to enhance educational opportunities and facilities for their student body. Superintendent Tyler Bridges has highlighted this commitment to growth and student success as a driving force behind the new building initiative.
This ongoing project is not just a response to increasing student numbers, but it also represents an investment in the future of education in Stillwater, prioritizing the need for modern, effective learning environments.
FAQ Section
What is the capacity of the new high school?
The new high school will have the capacity to house up to 1,960 students.
When is the new high school expected to be completed?
The academic buildings are expected to be completed by fall 2026.
What changes are planned for the grade configuration?
The new configuration will include Pre-K through 4th in elementary, 5th and 6th in middle school, 7th and 8th in junior high, and 9th through 12th in high school.
Why is the current high school being demolished?
The current high school will be demolished instead of renovated to save costs, as renovation is estimated to exceed $30 million.
Key Features of the New High School
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,960 students |
| Permanently Assigned Grades | 9th through 12th grades in high school |
| Performing Arts Wing | 36,240 square feet |
| Completion Date | Fall 2026 |
| Current High School Status | Demolished by Fall 2026 |
| Cost of Renovation vs. Demolition | Renovation: over $30 million; Demolition: $1.5 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
