West Point High School (Arizona)

On September 19, 2018, the Tolleson Union High School District broke ground on its seventh high school,[2] with the intent to relieve overcrowding in the fast-growing district.[1] Prior to the opening of West Point, the school district was turning away potential students; at its other high schools, it had pressed teachers' lounges into service as extra classrooms and put into place portable classroom structures to provide needed space.[3] The name West Point and Dragons mascot were determined in consultation with parents, community members, and students.[2]

The $108 million construction cost primarily came from $48 million from the Arizona School Facilities Board[3] and $53 million from a 2016 voter-approved bond.[2] Design of the 310,000-square-foot (29,000 m²) school complex was conducted by ADM Group, with Chasse Building Team serving as the general contractor. Prominent in the school's design is a wing theme inspired by the school's proximity to Luke Air Force Base.[2] The 11-building campus was designed around a "secure but open" plan, with strategically placed windows, one-way windows in the principal's office,[1] and the ability to lock any door in the facility remotely.[4] The grades are 9th though 12th

The district announced that Brandi Haskins, a 28-year district veteran who had been the principal of La Joya Community High School, would transfer to the new West Point in January 2019.[5]

The first phase of the school opened to an estimated 1,200[1] freshmen and sophomores on July 31, 2019, with construction on a second phase of sports fields, a performing arts center, and classroom space currently underway to allow the school to open to juniors and seniors for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 school years, respectively.[5]

The primary academic feature of West Point High School is an academy (West Point Leadership Academy) in partnership with Luke Air Force Base, which is modeled after the school-within-a-school program at the district's University High School. The academy will feature a STEAM curriculum and emphasize leadership and community service.[2]