Science classrooms within Building B, which are nearest to the main administrative entrance of San Juan High School have already stripped down to their shells of raw flooring and bare walls. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Work crews have begun demolishing classrooms in the science wing at San Juan High School as part of a $15 million modernization project.

The project, funded through the 2024 K–12 and community college facilities modernization bond, will transform the 12,000-square-foot science wing to include two new large chemistry classrooms, three life science classrooms and two additional general science classrooms.

Much of the existing science wing, located in Building B, was built in the 1930s. Temporary classrooms will be put in place when classes start in August, said Principal David Levis.

The project also includes creation of a makerspace for hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities; a new teacher prep area and shared lab prep space; and new family resource center with private offices and new modernized restrooms.

The updated science labs will open onto an outdoor courtyard, promoting indoor-outdoor learning opportunities, Levis said.

The project includes the demolition and reconstruction of approximately 12,000 square feet of the existing science wing, along with temporary classroom space for displaced classes.

Four existing science classrooms in Building B will be temporarily relocated to other classrooms before the start of the fall semester. The new locations are expected to be B13 (chemistry), E4 (physics), D11 (physics/ environmental science) and D13 (biology) when school resumes in August, Levis said.

Returning San Juan students continue to have multiple pedestrian access points to their classrooms in nearby Buildings A, C, D and E which will not be affected by the ongoing construction project, Levis said. The science wing faces the student cafeteria courtyard.

San Juan High School Principal David Levis points to the “B” science wing which is undergoing a $15 million modernization project which began this summer. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan 

Science classrooms within Building B, which are nearest to the administrative entrance of San Juan High School have already stripped down to their shells of raw flooring and bare walls. Banks of former student lockers await removal.

The modernization project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027, just prior to the start of the 2027-28 school year.

The San Juan Unified School District has partnered with Studio W Architects to modernize the existing science wing at San Juan High School, transforming the building into a forward-thinking educational environment that supports contemporary science programs and support services.

Additional campus site upgrades include new perimeter fencing accessibility improvements. There will be a minor refresh to existing classrooms in other buildings at San Juan High School which may include flooring replacement and new interior paint, according to the district.

The new classrooms will also be equipped with appropriate safety stations and chemical storage to meet current standards.

San Juan students and their families can learn more about the ongoing San Juan High School science wing modernization project at: www.sanjuan.edu/our-district/construction-news/construction-projects/san-juan-high-school-science-wing-modernization.