Phase 2 of the new high school, including the Humanities Wing and new Library, is now open. “It’s taken us over 7 years to get to this point and I’m thrilled to see three-quarters of the new Arlington High School facility finished” expressed Jeff Thielman, Chair of the Arlington High School Building Committee.

The largest and most complex of the four phases, Phase 2 features a 44-classroom humanities wing, a 600-seat cafeteria, a two-story library, forum stairs, an exterior learning courtyard, school district offices, and the School Committee room. Also included is Menotomy Preschool, which is anticipated to open to students in early January 2024.

“It’s exciting to see this team effort coming together,” noted Matthew Janger, Arlington High School Principal. “We’re excited for the opportunities this new space will provide for learning and collaboration for our students.”

“I’d like to thank the community’s patience and ongoing support," remarked Dr. Elizabeth Homan, Superintendent of the Arlington Public Schools. “With the completion of Menotomy Preschool next month, both our youngest and oldest students will benefit from new learning spaces that will nurture and support their growth.”

At the opening, students packed the Mass. Ave. lobby while principal Janger pulled back a divider to reveal the entryway to the new wing. Students streamed into the new facility, while others took their time to explore while the AHS High School band performed.

“With a project of this scope and complexity, I am pleased to report that the project remains on budget and has only experienced minor schedule delays.” commented Jim Feeney, Arlington’s Town Manager. “As the project proceeds, our responsive and proactive project team continues to deliver a state-of-the-art, all-electric facility that will help Arlington meet its Net Zero goals.”

Phase 3 construction has already begun and encompasses the athletics wing, black box theater and outdoor amphitheater. With the completion of Phase 3, anticipated to open December 2024, the new facility will be complete. The final and 4th phase of the project, expected to be complete in September 2025, will involve the construction of two additional multi-use, synthetic turf athletic fields, plus landscaping and a connection to the Minuteman Bikeway.

Project partners for the new high school include the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), Owner’s Project Manager Skanska USA, designer HMFH Architects and Construction Manager Consigli USA. For more information, visit www.ahsbuilding.org.

 

Students explore the new wing of the new Arlington High School.

Past and present team members, Town, School, and State Officials and AHS Building Committee members gather moments before opening the new Humanities wing.

Students study at the new AHS Library.