Maricopa Unified holds grand opening for second high school in the area

PHOENIX — Maricopa Unified School District celebrated the opening of its second high school in the area on Tuesday, officials said.

“The ribbon-cutting marks the completion of phase one of what will eventually be a 125,000-square-foot state-of-the-art school set across 80 acres,” Tracey Lopeman, superintendent of MUSD, said in a press release.

Included in the first phase of the opening of Desert Sunrise High School is a two-story classroom building, an administration building, a football field, parking lot, gymnasium and music building.

The school, located on Murphy and Farrell roads, is big enough to accommodate 1,300 students, with 600 freshmen and sophomores currently enrolled, Lopeman said.

The school’s colors are navy blue, gray and gold, while its mascot is the Golden Hawks.

“Both the mascot and colors were chosen to embody the intention, values and culture of the school, and the logo symbolizes the promise of sunrise and the majestic prominence of the mountain views in the area,” Lopeman said.

Officials also announced Marlene Armstrong, a long-time school administrator and teacher, will serve as the school’s principal.

Shortly after school officials celebrated the completion of phase one, ground broke on phase two.

The next phase of construction is estimated to be completed by July 1, 2023, and will include additional sporting facilities, a performance stage and a student commons building.

A third phase of construction has been planned without a timeline and is contingent upon more funding availability.

“Phase three could bring even more arts and career and technical education classes to campus,” Lopeman said.

“A competition gymnasium complex will also be added as will tennis courts, additional baseball and softball field and grandstand seating.”

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