Chapel Hill High School

A complete modernization reshaped Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools' oldest operating high school, preserving the community's rich heritage while creating advanced educational spaces designed for future students. The extensive renovation eliminated mobile units, strengthened security, and reconfigured the campus to support contemporary learning approaches.

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Campus Redesign and Security Enhancement

The renovation redirected the school's layout, positioning a new main entrance that links with neighboring middle and elementary school campuses. This redesign involved demolishing two original buildings while constructing two new connector buildings that join the remaining structures. By converting from an open to a closed campus model, the project improved security while creating a protected courtyard that serves as an engaging space for outdoor learning and student interaction.

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Learning Spaces

Inside the renovated facility, core curricular departments maintain their central positioning, with classrooms arranged around extended learning labs. These versatile breakout spaces support collaborative learning opportunities and active educational experiences. Career technical education spaces are distributed throughout the building, enabling enhanced opportunities for project-based learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The renovation replaced previously enclosed, low-ceilinged buildings with an open, dynamic environment that promotes engagement and creativity. Classroom clusters surrounding extended learning areas provide flexible spaces for both individual and group activities. Adjacent teacher collaboration rooms include individual planning kiosks and accommodate department-wide meetings, while dedicated student project rooms offer private spaces for focused work and small group discussions.

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Enhanced Capacity and Functionality

The modernization expanded the school's capacity to accommodate 1,625 students, eliminating the need for 12 mobile academic and administrative units. The newly created courtyard, formed by connecting the existing auditorium and gymnasium buildings, functions as a space for outdoor education, social gathering, and group activities.

Throughout the facility, improvements to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, combined with updated interior finishes, ensure the building meets current educational requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. The integration of career and technical education spaces throughout the campus creates opportunities for hands-on learning and practical skill development.

This renovation project has produced an educational environment that honors Chapel Hill High School's legacy while providing students and educators with the tools and spaces they need to excel in education today.