Allentown, PA – August 21, 2025 – On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Allentown School District School Board of Directors received the latest architectural plans for the highly anticipated new K–8 school on the city’s East Side, a project years in the making and shaped by extensive community and educator input.
“This school represents our continued commitment to creating state-of-the-art, innovative learning spaces that uplift, empower, and prepare every student for future success,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Allentown School District. “In alignment with the collective aspirations and priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan, we will build a long overdue school on the East Side that inspires the next generation of students and families..
The approximately 195,000-square-foot facility will accommodate about 1,200 K-8 students and feature a makerspace, multipurpose room, playing fields, and green space. Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with doors opening during the 2027–2028 school year.
The new school is being built in collaboratively with real estate developer, The City Center Group as part of a larger planned community project on Allentown’s East Side. It reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to community-focused growth and planning.
"The new school will truly be a game-changer for the community, said Steve Berhens, from Breslin Architects. “It is being designed under the premise that students of ASD deserve a facility second to none in support of theme-based, innovative learning that prepares them for high school and beyond. We expect it to be the new benchmark of quality and performance in the region. We are thrilled and honored to be part of the team bringing this to fruition."
The East Side location was selected following a careful analysis of enrollment growth, facility needs, and community access. The design replaces earlier concepts with a more open and inviting layout, countering prior public concerns and reinforcing the district’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness.
In addition to the new K–8 school, the District is also moving forward with the previously announced Family Engagement & Resource Center at Bridgeview Academy. That project is expected to break ground this fall and will serve as a welcoming hub for families, offering adult education, workforce development, ESL classes, and healthcare services in partnership with a local provider. Together, these capital projects reflect the District’s commitment to creating schools and spaces that support the whole child and the entire community.
The full presentation from the August 21, 2025 Board Meeting & Video Flyerover is available on the Allentown School District website.
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