Grand Junction High School’s long-awaited new campus is nearly ready, with final construction wrapping up in June. The multi-year project, funded by a voter-approved bond, has already allowed students to move into the new building, while athletic facilities remain the last piece to be completed.

A Major Upgrade for Students and Staff

The high school’s new building, which opened at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, provides modern classrooms, upgraded technology, and improved safety measures. District officials say the changes have already made a significant impact on the student experience.

The final phase of construction focuses on sports facilities, which will be built on the site of the old school building. This means student-athletes will no longer have to rely on borrowed or temporary spaces for games and practices.

New Athletic Facilities on the Way

Once completed, the new athletic complex will feature:

• A lacrosse field to accommodate the growing popularity of the sport.
• Tennis courts for competitive and recreational use.
• Baseball fields for school teams and community events.
• Additional improvements to support student-athletes and school programs.

For now, teams have had to practice and compete in off-campus locations, but that will change once construction is finished this summer.

A Long Time Coming

Construction began in 2022, after voters approved the bond in 2021. The full project has taken nearly three years, with delays and adjustments along the way. However, the district is confident that the wait will be worth it.

“It’s exciting to see all of it get completed and to see really our students be able to enjoy the space,” said Clint Garcia, District 51’s Chief Operations Officer.

What’s Next for District 51?

With Grand Junction High School’s project nearing completion, the district has several more improvements lined up for summer 2025 and beyond. Plans include:

District officials remain committed to enhancing learning environments across the region, ensuring students have access to modern, safe, and high-quality facilities.