GIRARD - A 21st-century school has opened in Girard.
High school principal William Ryser said the school, which took more than a year to construct, sits on 25 acres off Shannon Road.
Classes at Girard Junior and Senior High School begin Tuesday, although students have already been at the school for orientations in August.
When 760 students and 45 teachers in grades 7 through 12 begin their school year in the building this week, they will be greeted by eight computer labs and 260 computers, two gyms, 330 parking spaces and security cameras throughout the interior and exterior.
Ryser said with 52 rooms on two floors, the south end of the first level is the activity section for music rooms, art room and library. The north end houses junior high. The second level is for the high school students.
He said the Girard education will again focus on college prep technology, engineering, math and economics. Students have the opportunity to participate in after-classes programs such as robotics and fine arts.
Construction of the new school complex was $26 million with 80 percent coming from the state and 20 percent from Girard property owners.
The old building, constructed in 1924, became obsolete for studying and will be demolished this year. There are no plans for the property where the old building stands.
"I hope that students will enjoy studying in the new school," Ryser said.