Groundbreaking Ceremony Ushers in a New Era for Gulf Shores High School

R. Ken Cooper • April 26, 2024

Gulf Shores Launches Construction of State-of-the-Art High School, to open Fall 2026

Gulf Shores City Schools Rendering

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores City Schools and the City of Gulf Shores kicked off construction of the new Gulf Shores High School with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 26. The event was attended by city and school leaders, community members, students, and the project team. The new high school is viewed as a key development in the area's educational facilities.


Mayor Robert Craft of Gulf Shores expressed enthusiasm about the school's potential to become a community pillar, enhancing opportunities for local youth. The facility, spanning 287,000 square feet, is slated to open in fall 2026. It aims to foster innovation and provide students with advanced learning environments.

The high school will feature specialized academy labs for fields such as biomedical sciences, marine biology, culinary arts, and finance. Additionally, it will house spaces dedicated to music production, broadcasting, and other arts, enabling students to pursue various interests.


Superintendent Matt Akin emphasized that the school symbolizes the community's commitment to high educational standards. The design includes collaborative spaces and adaptable learning environments to support diverse learning styles. Notable areas include a "flex suite" for versatile use and a "sandbar" for student interaction.


The new Dolphin athletics center will enhance the school's sports programs with facilities like gymnasiums, locker rooms, and a covered practice facility. Designed to reflect the coastal locale, the building incorporates blue tones and natural light, promoting a vibrant learning atmosphere.


The project team includes Goodwyn Mills Cawood and DLR Group for architectural design, with Rabren General Contractors overseeing construction. Volkert, Inc. serves as the program manager. For more details, contact Gulf Shores City Schools at 251.968.9873.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Heat Advisories
By OBA Staff July 27, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County has opened a free cooling center in Foley in response to dangerous heat affecting the area. The center is at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 506 N. Pine St., Foley. It will be open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pets are welcome, provided they remain under their
Things To Do on The Gulf Coast This Week.
By Jessica A. Taylor July 27, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Whether you’re a local hunting for something fresh or a visitor eager to make the most of your beach holiday, you’ve come to the right place. This week’s lineup is full of adventures that make the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable–hands-on animal encounters, free family fun under the stars,
Gulf Shores City Hall
By K. Cooper July 27, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council will meet to address a packed agenda of municipal resolutions, public infrastructure updates, and local tourism initiatives. The meeting's formal presentations will open with Pastor Jim Kinder of Orange Beach Church, who will deliver the invocation, followed by
Salty Kidz Rodeo at Gulf State Park Pier
By K. Cooper July 27, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Salty Kidz Rodeo is returning to Gulf State Park Pier. Organizers say they cannot wait to welcome families to the Gulf Coast. The annual event has become a beloved tradition for families in the area. This year promises an exciting day of fishing, fun, and lasting memories.
NOAA: Coral Reefs in the Gulf
By OBA Staff | NOAA July 26, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf of Mexico is an ecosystem defined by its resilience, having endured one of the most significant man-made environmental disasters in history: the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Beginning on April 20, 2010, this catastrophic event released nearly 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gul
Vote
By Guy Busby July 26, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Registered voters in Baldwin County Voting Precinct 61 are receiving updated voter information cards. The precinct is in the Foley area. The update follows a name change at the precinct’s polling place. County officials said the physical voting site has not changed.
2026 Brett Robertson Coastal Triathlon
By K. Cooper July 26, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will host the 19th annual Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in September. Organized by Magic Sports USA, the event draws athletes from across the region to compete along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Racers can choose sprint and Olympic distances, as well as relay formats for t
Foley's New Public Library
By Guy Busby July 25, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is getting a much larger, more feature-rich public library at a new location on East Orange Avenue. The new facility will offer residents twice the space of the current building and bring a wide range of new services and programs to the community. A grand opening celebration is planned in A
Aerial View of CHaRM Recycling Facility In Orange Beach
By OBA Staff July 25, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County has opened a new Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials in Orange Beach. The facility is the third CHaRM location the authority has launched since August 2025 and is also the largest of the three currently operating in the county. The open
Gulf Amberjack
By OBA Staff, from David Rainer’s Outdoor Alabama Article July 25, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new multi-year scientific study has found that the Gulf of America holds roughly twice as many greater amberjack as federal fisheries managers have estimated. The research, which used the same methods developed for the landmark Great Red Snapper Count, involved 11 institutions across the
Show More