Katherine Johnson Middle School breaks ground on new campus location

Katherine Johnson Middle School staff, students and community members eagerly gathered the morning of April 14 to break ground at the future campus location on Kent Drive. The active site bustled with construction vehicles as the community gathered to celebrate new beginnings for the middle school.

“Our staff and students are excited to be able to call this new campus their own and to establish Katherine Johnson Middle School’s own unique identity and campus culture,” said Principal Damon Smith.

In recognition of the school's namesake, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, the campus will feature a prominent Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) wing for students. The new campus will also feature an administration building, classroom buildings, science and maker space, library, multipurpose room, parking lot and drop-off zone.

“Katherine Johnson’s new campus will provide next-generation classrooms to meet updated teaching and learning standards and give our students the space to learn and grow during their crucial middle school years.,” shared Board of Education President, Zima Creason.

This construction project is highly anticipated by Katherine Johnson students, families and staff. Since opening in Aug. 2021, the middle school has shared a campus with Encina Preparatory High School.

“I’m excited that we’re going to have our own space, and that it’s going to be bigger,” said Amica Greco, sixth-grade student at Katherine Johnson.

The new Katherine Johnson Middle School campus is designed by Lionakis Architects, managed by Kitchell Construction, and constructed by Flint Builders, and is anticipated to have a 2024 completion date.

Follow construction progress and sign up for updates by visiting www.sanjuan.edu/buildKJMS.