10/290/21 South High Community School Grand Opening

Having opened its doors for the start of a new school year last month, Worcester students, staff and community members attended the opening ceremony and a dedication event at the New South High Community School on Sunday, October 17. 

The new $210 million, 360,000-square-foot facility replaced the original building that had been in use since 1978 and stood as one of the last “open-concept high schools” in the state. The approximately 40% larger replacement includes drastically improved classrooms that are more conducive to learning, a 750-seat auditorium, science labs, art rooms, a cafeteria with a bistro and bakery, and an expanded auto shop. One of the most exciting new features is the improved space for Andy’s Attic, a South High Community School initiative that offers clothing for students in need.

Almost double the size of its predecessor, the new high school has a capacity of 1,400 students and will serve as one of the most diverse schools in all of the Commonwealth. 

City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. described the new school as a “stellar achievement in design and construction.” Graduates of the old high school reflected on their fond memories at the old building, while expressing palpable excitement about the new school’s transformation. 

Despite challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, joint venture Fontaine Brothers/W.T. Rich Company delivered the state-of-the-art school on time and $8 million under budget. 

W.T. Rich is proud to have been a part of the project team that delivered the state-of-the-art school for the Worcester Community and its South High students, teachers and staff.

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