SAN ANTONIO – The start of the school year for Northside Independent School District means it will soon open its newest school, Harlan High School.
The new 486,000-square-foot facility is Northside's 11th comprehensive high school.
It shows off a large staircase that overlooks the cafeteria, dozens of classrooms with more than 2,500 desks and a large library, built with a lot of space to work, and a massive auditorium.
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"I'm excited about the entire campus," said Robert Harris, Harlan High School principal. "I have a couple of favorite spots already. The library is an awesome space. It has an awesome view and also the auditorium is nice, but, as I said, the entire campus is state-of-the-art and our students and community will love our school."
The outdoor area is also massive, complete with football fields, courts and a track.
Harlan is also the site of a new competitive gym, which will host all Northside ISD schools.
Although this year the school will open to about 1,400 students, Harris said he anticipates it will be at its capacity of 3,000 very soon.
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Priscilla Williams, head counselor at Harlan, said that she's been busy, getting ready for the first day of school.
"We're excited to meet all the students and families of Harlan High School," Williams said. "We can't wait until the first day of school. We're busy and getting everything ready to make sure everything is ready and smooth for all the students that come through our doors."
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The first day of school is on Aug. 28.
Harris said parents are asked to bring their students early because school officials not sure what the traffic will look like on that first day.
They are also asking students not to cross FM 471. The district will provide buses to students who live on the other side.
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