Gulf Shores High School starts to become reality with groundbreaking ceremony

Gulf Shores City Schools and the City of Gulf Shores celebrated the start of construction on the new Gulf Shores High School with an official groundbreaking ceremony on April 26, 2024. City and school officials were joined by community leaders, students, residents and project team members to mark the momentous occasion, which represents a significant milestone in developing the community’s educational infrastructure

“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our city and our students,” said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “The new Gulf Shores High School will be a cornerstone of pride for our community, a place where our young people can thrive and prepare for bright futures.”

The new 287,000-square-foot facility is set to open its doors in the fall of 2026, promising a transformative experience for students, parents, and teachers alike. Designed with a vision to cultivate innovation and empower every student, the new Gulf Shores High School will offer cutting-edge facilities and hands-on learning opportunities. From state-of-the-art academy labs specializing in biomedical, marine biology, culinary arts, and finance to dynamic spaces for music production, broadcasting, and the arts, students will have the tools they need to explore their passions and unleash their creativity.

“The new Gulf Shores High School is more than just a building; it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to excellence in education,” said Matt Akin, Superintendent of Gulf Shores City Schools. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their potential.”

Gulf Shores High School’ has a ‘scommitment to fostering a sense of community is evident in its design, with collaborative spaces such as widened hallways, a media center with a maker space and video production studio, and a courtyard providing “learning stairs” for connection and interaction. Gulf Shores City Schools prioritize inclusivity and diversity of learning styles, reflected in the incorporation of adaptable learning spaces and flexible classroom designs.

A standout feature of the new high school is a “flex suite,” a versatile area that can accommodate groups of varying sizes, allowing for seamless transitions between different activities and purposes. Similarly, the “sandbar” in the main hallway serves as a focal point for academic and social interaction, offering students a dynamic space to connect and collaborate.

Athletics have always been a cornerstone of the Gulf Shores community, and the new Dolphin athletics center will further elevate the sports programs. Equipped with top-notch facilities including competition-size gymnasiums, locker rooms, athletic training rooms, a weight room, and a full-length covered practice facility, the athletics center will provide student-athletes with the resources they need to excel both on and off the field.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal surroundings, the design of the facility incorporates elements reminiscent of the Gulf waters, with vibrant blue tones and intricate details evoking the beauty of the shoreline. Tall windows and expansive glass panels flood the interior spaces with natural light, creating an inviting and energizing atmosphere for learning and growth.

“The collective dedication of our educators, passionate community members and forward-thinking leaders has shaped the vision for our new Gulf Shores High School” said Kevin Corcoran, Gulf Shores City Schools Board of Education President. “This school will be a hub of innovation, a center for excellence, and shape the future for generations to come.”

The project team includes Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) and DLR Group for architecture design, Rabren General Contractors for construction, and Volkert, Inc. serving as the program manager. GMC also provided interior design, civil engineering, environmental services, landscape architecture and geotechnical engineering.