News You Can Use March 2026

We are moving forward toward a new High Point High School!! High Point High is the oldest high school in the county that has never been replaced. Over the years, there have been additions and some renovations. High Point opened in 1954 and was named for its location as the highest point in Prince George’s County. High Point will be replaced with a new, state-of-the-art 423,000-square-foot facility on the current site. Designed to accommodate 2,600 students, the new school will address overcrowding and provide modern learning environments that support 21st-century instruction. The project includes updated core spaces, enhanced safety features, energy-efficient systems, and dedicated areas for career and technical education. Once complete, the new building will expand access to high-quality educational opportunities for students in the northern area of the county.

The new school will be built on the existing track and football field. Construction avoids the existing structure altogether. Students will remain at the current High Point while the new school is built.

The preliminary site plan for the new High Point High School

Specialty spaces will include an auditorium, gymnasium, AFJROTC suite, CTE programs, cafeteria courtyard, media center, visual arts suite, and a performing arts suite. Academic spaces will include core classrooms, ELD classrooms, science labs, computer labs, tech labs, small-group instruction rooms, collaboration spaces, and outdoor learning spaces.

Timeline:

January 2026 — Schematic design submitted to PGCPS

July 2026 (Projected) — Design development submission to PGCPS

March 2027 (Projected) — Construction document submission to PGCPS

April 2028 (Projected) — Construction manager bid award

June 2028 (Projected) — Start of construction

August 2031 (Projected) — Building occupancy

August 2031 (Projected) — Demolition of existing school and site work

August 2032 (Projected) — Final completion

I hope and pray that we stay on track moving forward and that nothing happens to the money in the budget for construction. I graduated from High Point in 1975, and I have been lobbying for a new or renovated school for over twenty-five years. When the project is fully completed — new school and new outdoor athletic field — in 2032, I will be 75. I cannot wait to see this project completed. The children in our community deserve a new, state-of-the-art school! 

Several years ago, when I was talking to a dear friend, otherwise known as “my son,” I was expressing my frustration about High Point constantly being pushed back. I made a comment that I hoped to still be here to see the new school open. My son’s response was“Karen, I have no doubt that if the politicians create any more roadblocks, you will come back and haunt all of them until there is a new High Point.”

I hope I do not have to resort to hauntings!

You can view the project overview at https://www.pgcps.org/offices/capital-programs/projects/high-point.

FYI, coming right behind High Point’s construction is a new North County High School in Adelphi, which will pull students from Northwestern and High Point. This school will also accommodate 2,600 students.

If you would like to see more details on layout, etc., send an email request to karenmcoakley@gmail.com.

May love connect us, faith direct us, and God protect us. Happy St. Patrick's Day!