Mesa County Valley School District 51 opened the doors to the brand new Grand Junction High School on August 15th, 2024. A celebration with the marching band, cheerleaders, an assortment of speakers, and a the cutting of a huge orange ribbon marked the opening of the new school. 

The newly built high school was specially designed to offer students a variety of career-based learning pathways. The facility also includes a 1,450-seat auditorium, which is the largest performing arts venue seating capacity between Denver and Salt Lake City. 

The entire school is 265,000 square feet and it serves 1,800 students. The 1956 high school remained in operation during the two-year construction period, as the new three-story school was built on the original campus. 

The new school features an brand new music suite, which includes a band room, choir room, orchestra room, staff offices, and storage areas. The main staff office is home to a Wenger Music Library System, and there is a smaller library off the 2nd floor choir room as well.

The orchestra room has an instrument storage area featuring cello and bass String Instrument Storage Racks for a secure and mobile storage solution. Orchestra students also use Wenger Cellists Chairs, Nota Chairs, and a Mobile Folio Cabinet for sheet music organization.

The new performing arts center in the high school highlights Wenger and J.R Clancy equipment, including J.R Clancy rigging, controls, and PowerLift® hoists. The auditorium also includes custom built STRATA® Pit Filler, providing integral support and freeing up space below. 

“This new school is a testament to collaboration,” said Brian Hill, superintendent of Mesa County School District 51. The school was completed on time and under the $145 million budget for the project, Hill said.