Bellefonte, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The ongoing construction of Bellefonte’s new elementary school, budgeted at $55 million, is progressing on schedule for a fall opening. Designed to accommodate 600 students, the 98,000-square-foot facility will feature energy-efficient designs, flexible learning spaces, and safety features. Community input shaped the planning process, ensuring it meets educational needs and aims to serve as a community hub. The school will open in conjunction with the closure of the existing elementary schools, enhancing educational resources for local families.
Bellefonte’s New Elementary School Construction Progresses, On Track for 2026 Opening
Bellefonte’s new elementary school is currently under construction with a budget of $55 million. The project began in June 2024 and is on schedule to welcome students from kindergarten to grade five in the fall of 2026.
The new school building will span 98,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate approximately 600 students. Substantial completion of the school is anticipated by December 2025, allowing time for finishing touches before the new academic year begins.
Community Involvement and Design Specifications
The design and layout of the school incorporate extensive feedback gathered during community listening meetings held over the past several years. Architects from KCBA crafted a blueprint aimed at providing a high-quality educational environment with energy-efficient features embedded throughout.
Key aspects of the design include flexible learning spaces that can adapt seamlessly to evolving teaching methods. Safety is a major focus, with features such as secure entry vestibules and hallways designed to reduce sightlines in case of emergencies. The planning also addresses traffic patterns and parking to enhance safety and diminish congestion during student drop-off and pick-up times.
Innovative Features for Future Expansion
Classroom designs include modular layouts, allowing for future expansions based on enrollment fluctuations. The school will feature multi-use spaces for small-group instruction, alongside versatile areas such as gymnasiums, courtyards, and specially designed Learning Stairs.
The customization of the school has been significantly influenced by input from community members and faculty. This feedback ensures that essential areas like storage and special subject classrooms are adequately planned to meet the needs of students. Accessibility is also a priority, with features including widened doorways, mechanical hoists, and sensory rooms specifically designed for students with special needs.
Classroom Design and Community Integration
To aid navigation within the school, particularly for younger students, classroom colors and shapes have been thoughtfully selected as navigational aids. Furthermore, high-quality materials are being utilized to minimize lifecycle costs, ensuring long-term durability and lower maintenance demands.
Heating and cooling systems will be individually controlled in each classroom, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing noise pollution. In addition to its role in education, the school is designed to function as a community hub, providing shared resources such as a library, gymnasium, and STEM lab available for both educational and public use.
Historical Context and Future Planning
Moreover, the new elementary school will honor Bellefonte’s rich history through a dedicated “Hallway of History” that showcases local heritage. The opening of the new school will coincide with the closure of the existing Bellefonte and Benner elementary schools.
Leadership roles for the new institution have already been identified, with current principals appointed as co-principals. As preparations for the transition continue, the district plans to review school boundaries based on the anticipated size of incoming kindergarten classes. Overview meetings concerning the potential closure or renovations of current elementary schools are also ongoing.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget | $55 million |
| Building Size | 98,000 square feet |
| Student Capacity | Approximately 600 students |
| Completion Date | December 2025 |
| Safety Features | Secure vestibules, mitigated sightlines |
| Energy Efficiency | Individually controlled heating and cooling |
| Community Facilities | Library, gymnasium, STEM lab |
| Accessibility Features | Widened doorways, sensory rooms |
FAQ Section
When is the new Bellefonte elementary school scheduled to open?
The new Bellefonte elementary school is expected to open in fall 2026.
What is the budget for the construction of the new school?
The budget for the new school construction is $55 million.
What features are included in the new school design?
The new school will include flexible learning spaces, safety features, community facilities, and accessibility elements.
Will the existing elementary schools close with the new school’s opening?
Yes, the existing Bellefonte and Benner elementary schools will close when the new school opens.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lock Haven News: Bellefonte Elementary Construction Project
- Centre Daily: Bellefonte School Updates
- WJAC TV: Bellefonte School Board Discusses Future
- Google Search: Bellefonte Elementary Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bellefonte
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
