Located north of Water Spring Elementary in the Waterleigh community, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is addressing the continued growing need for school capacity in Horizon West. spaces in the community, with the construction of a new school at Site 47-E-W-4, showcasing the district’s commitment to academic growth and infrastructure development.

The development of this new school comes as a direct response to the increasing student population at Water Spring Elementary, and it aims to alleviate overcrowding and resource strain, providing a conducive learning environment for students and staff. Schools throughout Horizon West continue to face crowding issues, with 7 schools overcapacity in the 2023-2024 school year, of which Water Spring Elementary is at 171% capacity, over by 514 students.

The school, designed by SchenkelShultz, has an adopted budget of $45.0 million. The school’s construction is set to complete in June 2024. The school, encompassing a gross floor area of 97,941 SF on a 15-acre site, is expected to have a student capacity of 837.

The new school will host a variety of facilities including an Administration Office, Multipurpose/Cafeteria, Kitchen, Media Center, Art and Music Labs, Science Labs, Computer Labs, and Multipurpose Labs. Additionally, there will be classrooms, a covered play area, hard courts, playgrounds, and covered walkways. The school will feature enhanced classroom technology, including new computers and interactive touch-screen panels, providing a conducive learning environment for students.

The new school is set to open its doors to students in August 2024.