Video: Take a virtual tour of the new ‘crown jewel’ high school of Sheldon ISD (Source: Houston Chronicle)

By Chris Shelton

The new C. E. King High School is here.

Students entered the $146 million campus for the first time on Jan. 8. Built to provide an experience similar to a business or college atmosphere, the 580,000 square foot high school is built with an open, three-story design divided into three primary sections all connecting to one spine through the building.

The school will have a lot of natural lighting, collaboration spaces and an emphasis on classrooms designed for career training in fields such as auto mechanics or cosmetology, said JP Grom, Vice President and Business Group Director for Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. Lan, Inc. serves as project manager of the bond.

The school will have outdoor athletic facilities for track, softball, baseball and a space for a potential natatorium. It will also feature an indoor practice facility that can be used by all sports during inclement weather. The campus is designed to hold up to 3,500 students.