Our newest school -- Grandview Heights Secondary -- is ready to open its doors!

September means welcoming back students, and Surrey Schools is welcoming a brand new secondary school to the district that's opening its doors to students in South Surrey.

Grandview Heights Secondary, located at 16987 25 Ave., is set to open for more than 1,000 students and 65 staff on Sept. 7. The long-waited school, which will serve the rapidly growing neighbourhood, is the first new secondary school in South Surrey in 28 years, since Elgin Park Secondary opened in 1993.

"After so much anticipation, we are extremely excited to see Grandview Heights Secondary open its doors to families," said Surrey Board of Education Chair Laurie Larsen. "As the area continues to grow, we are excited to see the halls of Grandview fill with students, both the ones who have grown up nearby or have recently moved in, and how this school will become a staple of the community for decades to come."

With 60 classrooms, the three-storey school has a capacity for 1,500 students. It will start with Grade 8 to 11 students in the first year to allow this year's Grade 12 students to graduate with their peers at their existing secondary schools.

The opening of Grandview Heights Secondary will bring substantial overcrowding relief to Earl Marriott Secondary (EMS) and Semiahmoo Secondary, and reduce the need for portables. Five portables will be removed from EMS, bringing its portable count down from 11 to six.

The school's design features a large multi-purpose atrium, two gymnasiums, a theatre, dance studio, music and band room, learning studios, collaboration spaces, breakout rooms, science labs, computer labs, learning commons, fitness room and weight room.

"The heartbeat of our school is our atrium," said principal Darren Bedard. "When you walk in, you're inspired by the natural light and the beauty of it. It's really, truly unique."

Grandview Heights Secondary will serve as the secondary school for students living in the catchments for Morgan Elementary, Pacific Heights Elementary, Rosemary Heights Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary and parts of Douglas Elementary and Edgewood Elementary.

"I'm excited to see the look on our students' faces and parents who walk through our doors," said Bedard. "The community has waited a long time for this building and I can't wait to share that with the students and start this new journey of creating a vibrant and inclusive school culture.

"My hope is students will feel they have found a place they can call home, where they can spread their wings, take risks and engage in a learning journey that will prepare them for the future."

A big welcome to all of our Grandview Heights Secondary students and staff!

Click on these images to view some of the new indoor spaces: