MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Ground was broken on Dec. 16 for the first new high school in Marion County in over 20 years.

Set to open in August 2026, the new high school will be located in Marion Oaks, marking a significant milestone since Forest High School joined the district in 2003.

Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullet speaks before ground is broken on a new high school in SW Marion County. Courtesy: MCPS
The honor guard kicked off the groundbreaking event for Marion County’s newest public high school on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Courtesy: MCPS

The state-of-the-art campus, spanning 115 acres already owned by the Marion County Public School Board, comes with an anticipated price tag of $154 million. Designed to accommodate future growth, the facility will feature 2,011 student stations, with the capacity to expand by an additional 700 spaces.

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“We’re very excited to be here today, and there was a lot of work to get here,” said Dr. Diane Gullett, Marion County Public Schools superintendent. “We will have a space academy out here. The opportunities for our students to engage in additional pathways and certifications… are really exciting for Marion County.”

An artist’s rendering of the new high school to be built in SW Marion County. Courtesy: MCPS
Ground has officially been broken in a ceremony at the site of Marion County’s newest high school. Courtesy: MCPS
Marion County School Board members (L-R): Dr. Sarah James, Eric Cummings, Lori Conrad, Nancy Thrower, and Dr. Allison B. Campbell.
An artist’s rendering of a bird-eye view of Marion County’s newest high school in Marion Oaks. Courtey: MCPS

 

The campus will include:

  • Three building complexes with tilt-up wall construction and enhanced security.
  • A full-service cafeteria seating 858, indoor and outdoor.
  • A performing arts auditorium for 800.
  • 61 classrooms, 20 labs, and art/music suites.
  • A 1,332-seat gymnasium and a 2,000-seat athletic stadium.

“This is going to be a tremendous addition to the community,” said School Board member Nancy Thrower. “It’s really fun to see it come together.”

Marion County School Board Chair Lori Conrad emphasized the project’s broader impact: “We’re not just building a school; we’re building a foundation for innovation, inspiration, and achievement.”

The project highlights collaboration under the new interlocal agreement between the Marion County Commission and Marion County Public Schools. Commissioner Michelle Stone praised the partnership as vital for the community’s future growth.