by Easton Lieurance (Posted on October 16, 2026 @ 1:16 p.m.)

Have you noticed the construction all around you at the Alamo Heights Junior School? Do you wonder what they are building? Many AHJS teachers and students have been, too. The school has been experiencing many changes, including recess spaces, caution fences, new walkways, and more. But new changes are ahead for the school that students can look forward to. The school is planning on building a new annex, new gym and athletic facilities, new classrooms in the 100 and 200 buildings, a new cafeteria, and a new playground. These changes are something to look forward to, but there will also be many changes to schedules, buildings, facilities, and much more.

The project is part of a $371 million bond approved by Alamo Heights ISD voters in May 2023 that will fund construction across multiple district campuses. The construction is aimed at addressing the outdated facilities. Alamo Heights Independent School District voters approved the construction in May 2023. Dr. Guthrie explained that he is excited for the construction to better benefit students and athletes with better facilities and buildings.

Do you wonder where the construction will be at the end of this year? Dr. Guthrie, principal of AHJS, stated, “By the end of this school year, the new gym should be pretty close to being framed out,” demonstrating that this will be a long-term project directed toward the future of Alamo Heights students.

Students also wonder when the construction will be done. According to the Alamo Heights Junior School official website, the construction should be completed around fall 2028. This means that the sixth-grade students this year will see construction every year at the junior school. Dr. Guthrie added that sixth-grade students would be the most affected by this construction, but also added, “they’re going to benefit from the entirely completed campus.”

Beyond the long-term timeline, students are already experiencing daily disruptions. Eighth-grade student Zander Uribe explained, “The noises near the STEM building have been distracting me recently.” The construction has clearly affected the daily school experience.

Student recesses have also been changed. The normal recess area is part of the construction. Students were moved to the blacktop and the courtyard. Eighth-grade student Maverick Alsabrook explained, “With all the construction, we have less opportunities and options for recess.”

Orange caution fences surround the former recess area, and heavy machinery sits during school hours. During passing periods, students follow temporary walkways marked with signs directing them around the construction zone. The sound of drilling and hammering echoes across campus during school days.

Dr. Guthrie also stated, “Monitor the fences and follow the signs,” when asked how students can help stay safe with the construction. Students are advised to use walkways and follow signs for their own safety.

Beyond safety concerns, the construction will create additional logistical challenges in years to come. Starting in fall 2027, each grade will split into two lunch periods based on last name while the cafeteria undergoes construction. Students with last names A–L will eat first in the limited cafeteria space, while M–Z students attend recess. Then, the groups will switch. According to Dr. Guthrie, this will solve the problem of limited cafeteria space.

After the construction is finished, there are many things that future students can look forward to. These include basketball gyms, a football field, an annex, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and renovated 100s and 200s classrooms. There are many new and exciting opportunities that future students can look forward to. According to Dr. Guthrie, construction company Bartlett Cocke cannot start tearing down buildings until the construction is completed.

Students are very excited for these new facilities, especially those in the athletics program. Eighth-grade student Floyd Gray said, “I think these new sports facilities will be revolutionary for the future of AHJS students by adding resources and opportunities.” He also added that the dim lights and low ceiling affected his performance on the court. The outdated gym, built in 1959, is in need of a replacement.

Dr. Guthrie said, “For a long time our kids have been asked to play in gyms that were much less than the schools they were playing.” Eighth-grade student George Macdaniel added, “I like the idea of Alamo Heights Sports Facilities being the best. I guess it’s just my competitive school spirit.” He added that playing in the new gym and field brings him lots of excitement.

The $371 million construction project will transform AHJS over the next four years. While current students navigate daily disruptions, they and future Mules will benefit from modern facilities designed to support learning and athletics for decades to come.