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��.��

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��. 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.��

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What You Need to Know:��

• DLR Group released renderings and a modernization plan to replace��roughly 30%��of Palisades Charter High School classrooms lost in the Palisades Fire one year ago.��

• The plan includes a new two-story classroom building, a single-story academy building, and restored athletics facilities, with interim spaces planned to keep programs running during construction.��

• Los Angeles Unified School District expects a partial campus return in January, with major construction slated to begin in late 2026 and full occupancy��anticipated��in 2028.��

• Design priorities include expanded career technical education space, indoor-outdoor learning areas, and wildfire-resiliency strategies spanning site planning, materials, and indoor air quality protections.��

Learn More:��

LOS ANGELES — DLR Group has unveiled a rebuild and modernization plan for Palisades Charter High School, releasing new campus renderings on the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire that destroyed about 30% of the school’s classroom space.��

Working with Los Angeles Unified School District and community stakeholders, the design team said the effort is intended to return students and staff to permanent facilities while adding flexible learning environments and resiliency features shaped by wildfire risk.��

As lead architect, DLR Group’s scope includes a new two-story classroom building and a single-story academy building, along with a restored track and field area that adds a new field building and a renewed facility to replace the baseball field. The firm said construction sequencing will incorporate strategically placed spaces to support on-campus programs while work is underway.��

Los Angeles Unified plans a partial campus return this month, using remediated surviving buildings and modular interim classrooms. New-building construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with full occupancy of the reimagined campus��anticipated��in 2028.��

Programmatically, the team is using the rebuild to address spaces lost in the fire and update learning environments. With career technical education areas impacted, the two-story building is planned to centralize film, media, engineering, and maker spaces. DLR Group said the CTE suite is designed to support acoustic needs, advanced filming capability and indoor-outdoor flexibility. The plan also adds collaborative and gathering areas intended to serve the broader campus.��

The design concept emphasizes interwoven indoor-outdoor circulation and gathering spaces, extending learning beyond traditional classrooms.��DLR��Group said the approach draws inspiration from the campus setting between coastal cliffs and a canyon. Planned features include learning stairs; ground-floor science, engineering, and maker spaces connected to outdoor learning zones; and stacked classroom configurations paired with adjacent teacher collaboration areas. Outdoor plazas, rain gardens, and amphitheater-like spaces are intended to support layered moments of learning and gathering.��

Fire resiliency measures are embedded in both site planning and building systems, according to the release. Landscape strategies include native, fire-adapted plantings, terraced slopes, shaded fuel break areas, and a maintained 30-foot defensible zone around new buildings that��avoids��woody plants and bark mulch while using fire-resistant ground covers. Stormwater features are designed to serve as fire breaks while providing rainwater collection.��

On the building side, DLR Group said the design specifies Class A roofing and non-combustible cladding, including metal panel systems and brick veneer to align with existing campus architecture. To support indoor air quality during wildfire events, the buildings are designed to shift to a protective mode, with sealed economizers, reduced roof penetrations and rooftop mechanical strategies intended to limit smoke intrusion. Rooftop solar panels are planned to provide power support during emergencies.��

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DLR Group has announced the appointment of Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, as Global K-12 Education Leader. Wyckoff will lead the strategic vision for DLR Group’s $200 million K-12 Education studio, the �ھ�����’s largest sector. Her teams span all 36 DLR Group offices, executing future-focused educational designs across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe and Asia.��

Since she joined DLR Group in 2015, Wyckoff played an integral role in growing the Southwest K-12 Education studios from $5 million to over $37 million. She is recognized as an accomplished team leader, mentor, and champion of the �ھ�����’s design work.����

Her leadership acumen stretches beyond the K-12 Education studio at DLR Group. She currently serves on DLR Group’s Advisory Board where she advocates for the �ھ�����’s core value of ownership and is an advisor to the DLR Group Board of Directors. This past year, she was an instrumental member of the Vision 2030 Strategic Leadership Team, a select group that spearheaded the goals and trajectory of the firm over the next five years.��

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By Lindsey Coulter��

At a Glance: Metro Tech High School Renovation ��

• Scope and Timeline: Multi-phased modernization project including 150,000+ square feet of renovations and a new 22,500-square-foot competition gymnasium, set for completion before the 2027–2028 school year.��
• Design and Construction Team: Led by DLR Group (design) and McCarthy Building Companies Inc. (construction), with input from students, district leaders, and local industry experts.��
• Career and Technical Education Focus: Modernized facilities for 20 CTE programs, including nursing, cosmetology, floral design, and childcare, designed to support real-world training and future career readiness.��
• Campus Enhancements: New sports fields, theater space, administrative offices, crosswalks, paved walkways, and infrastructure upgrades including cooling towers and underground mechanical systems.��
• Student Involvement: Active learning opportunities during construction through PXU’s ACE Mentorship and CTE programs, with tours and hands-on experiences integrated into the renovation process.��

PHOENIX — Construction is underway at Metro Tech High School as the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) embarks on a comprehensive, multi-phased renovation and expansion aimed at redefining career and technical education (CTE) in Arizona.��

Designed by DLR Group and built by McCarthy Building Companies Inc., the transformation will enhance all 20 of Metro Tech’s CTE programs with cutting-edge facilities, new construction and more than 150,000 square feet of renovations. A new 22,500-square-foot competition gymnasium, upgraded sports fields, and a complete reimagining of the campus layout are central components of the overhaul, scheduled for completion before the 2027-2028 school year.��

“We are extremely excited for the future of Metro Tech High School,” said PXU Superintendent Thea Andrade in a statement. “With the overwhelming public support behind our bond funding this project, we will offer the next generation of PXU students the best possible educational experience.”��

DLR Group’s campus design emphasizes student experience and accessibility, with a focus on pedestrian-friendly improvements such as new crosswalks and paved pathways. The design also incorporates adaptive reuse principles, preserving historical elements of the original West High School campus, which dates back to 1947.��

“This renovation shifts what’s possible for our students in real, tangible ways,” said Metro Tech Principal Shawna Wright in a statement. “We’re not just updating walls and equipment; we’re building collaborative spaces that will give students the skills they need to exceed in jobs we have not even imagined yet.”��

The campus-wide modernization includes targeted updates to key CTE program spaces, such as floral design, nursing assisting, cosmetology and childcare. These updated environments will be designed to meet program-specific needs and technological requirements. A new campus entrance will also welcome students and visitors with upgraded administrative offices and room for future expansion.��

Additional features of the project include a new white box theater for school and community events, new baseball, soccer, and softball fields, and enhanced infrastructure including additional parking, expanded bus stalls, new cooling towers and a full overhaul of the underground mechanical piping system.��

“This project is about more than construction – it’s about building once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities for students on this campus,” said McCarthy Project Director Tyler Shupe in a statement. “We’re proud to create a campus that reflects the ambition and skill of Metro Tech’s students, bringing them alongside us through the process. Phoenix Union’s incredible commitment to training and developing the next generation of skilled trade workers, medical professionals and other vital careers is clear from the transformative vision of this project.”��

As part of that vision, students from Metro Tech and other PXU schools will be actively engaged in the construction process. McCarthy will provide real-world learning experiences through site tours and mentorship opportunities aligned with Metro Tech’s ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentorship program and CTE coursework in construction and electrical trades.��

“Metro Tech High School has been a cornerstone of the Phoenix community for years and we are excited to work with PXU and MT leaders to develop a design that will expand educational opportunities for students and show the community the amazing programs they provide,” said David Schmidt, principal and architect with DLR Group, in a statement.��

Serving more than 1,800 students on a 35-acre campus, Metro Tech is one of 23 schools in PXU, one of the largest high school districts in the U.S. The renovation continues a century-long collaboration between PXU and DLR Group.��

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An Iowa State University alumni holding 20-plus years of expertise, Roth has two decades of experience in building and leading design teams, partnering with school districts, and creating learning environments with the focus of supporting students and educators. Her diverse design background allows her to blend interior architecture; furniture, fixtures and equipment; and planning to showcase the power educational environments have to instill joy, support student and staff wellbeing, and improve student outcomes.

Roth serves as the president of the A4LE Kansas City Chapter, sits on the MWGL board, and is involved in the House of Delegates. She is involved in the EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist program and will earn her ECLPS certification this summer.

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By Lindsey Coulter

Principal Larry Natividad, Ed.D., describes the new $225-million Compton High School as breathtaking, calling it a project that redefines the community. More than that, the sprawling new campus is part of a broader shift in how people think about the city of Compton, Calif., and its residents.

“For too long, perceptions of Compton have been shaped by outdated narratives … that fail to reflect the strength, resilience and brilliance of our community,” Natividad said. “The new Compton High School stands as a bold statement: The future of Compton is bright, innovative and full of promise.”

The beautiful new 223,650-square-foot campus—brought to life by DLR Group, Swinerton Building Company and project management firm Cumming—was featured as the Facility of the Month in the as an example not only of innovative design and construction, but also progress and possibility.

91��Ƶ spoke with Natividad to understand how the project has helped to rewrite the community’s narrative and create a renewed sense of pride and hope among students and educators.

SCN: How have students responded to the facility?

Natividad: The response from our scholars has been one of awe, excitement and renewed hope. Many students express that it finally feels like they are in a place that honors who they are and who they have the potential to become. The new Compton High School offers a world-class learning environment that rivals top-tier facilities anywhere in the world, and our scholars are inspired by the message that they are worthy of excellence.

Compton High School is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of what vision, perseverance, and community collaboration can achieve. In this environment, our scholars can flourish, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. We’ve seen a rise in student engagement, pride, and a deeper sense of belonging.

At the same time, this transformation brings a new level of visibility and accountability. Some students have shared that it feels like “all eyes are on us,” and that can be overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to a systems-based approach that ensures timely support, open communication, and inclusive problem-solving so every student feels heard and supported through this transition.

SCN: How has the new facility changed the educator experience?

Natividad: This is not just a change in location. It’s a transformation in how we educate, inspire, and lead. The transition from traditional classrooms to shared learning studios represents a significant mindset shift in public education. These flexible, collaborative spaces are designed to promote innovation and maximize instructional impact. With this shift comes the opportunity and responsibility for educators to rethink how space is used to support student achievement.

As we move forward, we are laser focused on academic results. Our goal is continuous improvement, with targeted outcomes that include increasing our [California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress] and math test scores in the upcoming year. We are also prioritizing growth in science performance, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation for all students. We are also mindful that our focus is also to support and enhance the educational attainment for our special education scholars, foster and homeless youth, our English language learners.

SCN: What is your favorite aspect of the design?

Natividad: The open-air feel of the building, especially in the Academic Building, where the majority of our learning studios are located. The high ceilings and spacious walkways create an environment that feels expansive, inviting, and modern. The learning studios themselves are designed as just-in-time classrooms, where educators no longer “own” a space individually, but collaborate and share rooms to maximize the building’s capacity and serve more scholars efficiently and effectively.

I also appreciate the thoughtful use of natural lighting. It creates a bright, comfortable atmosphere that encourages breathing room for both thought and creativity. It truly feels like a place built for learning and growth.

The Dr. Dre Performing Arts Center is another standout feature of our campus. With 901 seats, it is designed to host world-class performances and elevate our scholars’ experiences in the arts. Our new gymnasium, which accommodates 903 spectators, marks a major step forward in rebuilding our championship athletic program. Combined with our half Olympic-sized pool, home to our inaugural aquatics program, we are proudly positioning Compton High School to develop scholar-athletes who can become

Olympians, professionals and leaders in the global sports industry.

In addition, our state-of-the-art stadium seats 2,099 spectators and will be the proud home of our Tarbabe football program this fall.

SCN: How does the new campus build a sense of safety and community?

Natividad: Safety is our number one priority. A secure and disciplined environment is the foundation of a vibrant learning community; one where scholars can thrive and pursue their futures with confidence. Our campus is equipped with more than163 cameras and state-of-the-art surveillance tools that monitor activity 24/7. This technology allows us to trace movement from multiple angles and investigate potential threats swiftly and effectively.

A safe campus isn’t just about protection; it’s about creating the conditions where students and staff feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. Our new Compton High School embodies that vision. Through intentional investment in our scholars and facilities, we are building a strong sense of community and belonging. Our students know they deserve the very best educational experience in the world. With access to modern learning studios, student conference rooms, and global connectivity through live-streaming classrooms that reflect real-world industry settings, our scholars are immersed in an environment that boldly tells them that their education matters.

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green City Schools officially broke ground this month on a new 155,000-square-foot high school to better serve the growing community.

Global, integrated design firm DLR Group, in partnership with emersionDESIGN of Cincinnati, designed the new high school facility, which will serve approximately 880 Bowling Green students in grades nine through 12.

The three-story facility will be centered around a learning hub and commons (which will offer dining and multipurpose space), where hallways from all academic departments will converge. A learning stair offers another area for instruction and gathering, while the new Dedicated Learning Center will host special education and life skills courses. To increase student engagement, learning will be put on display and celebrated throughout the school, showcasing educational programming in general classrooms and labs, agriculture, marketing, performing and fine arts, business, robotics and broadcasting spaces. A new competition gymnasium serving 1,750 spectators with full court views from an elevated walking track is another focal point of the design.

The approximately $63 million project will be supported by a $72.8 million bond passed in November 2023 a bond issue approved by local voters in 2023. The additional funding will help to cover some environmental upgrades and efficiency investments, such as the addition of 140 geothermal wells and heat pumps, a modern building automation system, LED lighting with occupancy sensors and energy-recovery units. Some of the additional funds will also support the redevelopment of the existing high school facility.

The project also the first transformational project advocated for by the district’s educational facilities master plan since its approval in October 2023. As community engagement was crucial to the project’s development, the project team hosted visioning meetings with students and teachers, who emphasized that the new school should be a central point of pride for the Bowling Green community. The design team spent 18 months exploring numerous design, layout and orientation options that balanced the educational needs and budget.

“The new Bowling Green High School embodies the design excellence that’s possible when everyone works together with a shared commitment to student success,” said Dusty Lake, associate and K-12 education client leader for DLR Group. “Our extensive planning and visioning with the district have driven the design of this new school. Every decision has been a collaborative effort, ensuring the outcome not only meets but exceeds expectations.”

The project should be completed in time to welcome students for the 2027-28 school year. Following the transition into the new facility, the current high school, which has served the community since 1963, will be partially redeveloped into the new Bowling Green City Schools Activity Center, set to open in 2028.

The design team also collaborated with the construction management team of Rudolph Libbe Inc. and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, which will contribute roughly 17% of construction costs.

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HESPERIA, Calif.—General contractor Erickson-Hall Construction Co., along with designer DLR Group, has commenced work on the new Hesperia High School Event Center. The project for the Hesperia Unified School District involves crafting a ground-up 35,000-square-foot facility that will have space to host athletic competitions as well as other events. The district serves the High Desert community of Hesperia, encompassing children from some 140 square miles.

Inside the new Event Center will be a modern stage and 500 spectator seats. In addition to the public gathering space itself, the Event Center will also have classrooms, multi-use spaces and other facilities that will be useful to both the school and the surrounding community. On the outside, Erickson-Hall’s work encompasses re-landscaping the surrounding turf, relocating the school’s existing tennis courts and various other external site work.

The Event Center project is also aimed at equity, with the Hesperia Unified School District aiming to increase opportunities for students who might not have access to them otherwise. Accordingly, the district is making strides toward reaching out to students with disabilities, those who are still learning English, as well as students from low-income homes. Another key element of the district improvement plan is to ensure that mental-health services are part of the high school’s improvement.

Hesperia Unified School District Superintendent David Olney spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the collaboration the district enjoys with Erickson-Hall. Olney described the Event Center project as “transformative” for the entire student community.

“The Hesperia High School Event Center will be a cornerstone for academic and community growth, offering a dynamic space that fosters creativity, learning and engagement for both students and the wider community.”

“The Event Center is unique because it introduces a whole different avenue of opportunity for not just the students but also the community,” added president of Erickson-Hall Mat Gates. “The flex area is a prime example of this because it is a multi-functional space for the community to enjoy.

In a subsequent statement emailed to 91��Ƶ about the construction progress, Erickson-Hall Construction Project Executive David Irwin said the contractor has already achieved two significant milestones by demolishing the old tennis courts as well as prepping the replacement courts, which Irwin said will be ready for the upcoming season.

“After this rainy season, we look forward to getting the masonry and structural steel operations started,” Irwin said of the contractor’s work beyond the courts.

Erickson-Hall has successfully delivered $1.5 billion worth of both college and K-12 construction work. The firm offers such services as construction management, preconstruction, design-build and lease-lendback. A Southern California mainstay since 1998, Erickson-Hall operates from offices in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties.

“We are proud to deliver a facility that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of Hesperia Unified School District and the Hesperia community,” said Gates.

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