The contractor said the first phase is focused on site preparation, including abatement and removal of the existing building, with new construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026. | Photo Credit: Sundt Construction
What You Need to Know
- Sundt Construction has started site preparation for the Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School facility in San Diego.
- Sundt described the project as a 96,000-gross-square-foot, five-story campus planned to serve about 800 students, with new construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
- The 85,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project centers on a light-filled atrium intended to function as a vertical student commons.
- Albert Einstein Academies’ board previously postponed the school’s opening to fall 2027, citing supply chain delays.
Learn More
SAN DIEGO — Sundt Construction has started work on the Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School project in San Diego, moving into early site preparation ahead of new construction expected later this year.
“Breaking ground on this project is an exciting milestone. We’re proud to help create an environment that will support students’ growth, curiosity and future success,” said John Messick, Sundt project director, according to an update from Sundt.
In its announcement, Sundt said the future campus is planned as a 96,000-gross-square-foot, five-story facility designed to support International Baccalaureate instruction and the academic progression of Albert Einstein Academy’s middle years program students. Once complete, the high school is expected to serve approximately 800 students, Sundt said.
Planned spaces include 25 classrooms and workrooms, a library, central circulation and collaboration areas, administrative offices, a multipurpose room, food service and culinary classrooms, fitness, dance and weight rooms, a music room and a 200-seat auditorium, according to Sundt. The contractor said the first phase is focused on site preparation, including abatement and removal of the existing building, with new construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026. The adaptive reuse project will be organized around a central, light-filled atrium that serves as a vertical student commons. It will include flexible collaboration zones, quiet study areas and outdoor learning balconies intended to give students more choice in how they learn and connect.
Civic and activity-based programs are planned for the first two stories to allow easier access for community members. The primary community hub and main entry are planned for level three at street level, while classrooms, labs and other academic instruction spaces are planned for the two upper levels.
Separately, the Albert Einstein Academies Board of Trustees announced that it postponed the opening of Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School. “Originally scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the new high school will now open in fall 2027,” according to an update posted by Albert Einstein Academies. The charter operator cited supply chain delays affecting construction materials.
The school will ultimately reach 800 students in grades 9–12 in the 2029–2030 academic year.
Sundt has supported San Diego Unified School District across multiple K-12 facilities, including current and recent work at Hardy Elementary School, Canyon Hills High School, Marston Middle School and Morse High School.
This article is based on information published by Sundt Construction, DLR Group and Albert Einstein Academies.