Frisco Independent School District Plans for Eighth High School

FRISCO, Texas — School board trustees of the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) viewed preliminary designs for their newest high school scheduled to open in August 2015.

The general layout and exterior design was presented by Plano, Texas-based SHW Group along with examples of possible inspiration for design.

This will be the eighth high school at FISD, which is seeing a rapid growth in student population. A study released by the Center for Government Research named FISD as the fastest growing school district in the nation with a growth rate of 110 percent from 2005 to 2010.

“Frisco ISD continues to be a destination district for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Lyon in a statement. “It’s no surprise. Frisco ISD has a strong tradition of excellence in and out of the classroom and our students graduate prepared to succeed in college, career and life.”

While the exterior design is still in discussion, the basic layout and programming for the interior of the new two-story school has been finalized along with the plans for the sports fields, field house and parking lot, according to Shana Wortham, executive director of communications for FISD.

The high school will have a capacity of 2,100 students and will relieve the pressing student growth by receiving students from Frisco High School and Wakeland High School.

A new FISD middle school and elementary school will also open in August 2015 while Independence High School, the seventh high school for the district currently in construction, and two new elementary schools are scheduled to open in August 2014.

At the start of the 2015-2016 school year, the grand total of schools in FISD will total 58, as well as four special program centers. The district will include eight high schools, 14 middle schools and 36 elementary schools.

School officials have stated that the design and construction of two more high schools is a definite possibility for FISD’s future.

“We’ve tried to take a conservative but proactive approach in addressing student growth,” said Richard Wilkinson, deputy superintendent of business and operations, in a statement. “Taxpayers expect us to be responsible with their money and we’ve been able to stretch available bond funds much longer than originally anticipated.”

With more than 43,000 students in FISD, the student population is expected to rise by 3,000 students each year.