Three classrooms added to Pilgrim Academy expansion

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Three new classrooms are being added to the current expansion of Pilgrim Academy as part of a plan allowing forecasted bond surplus funds to be used for outstanding needs at bond campuses across the district.

The new plan, approved last month by the HISD Board of Education, set aside an additional $842,000 for Pilgrim.

“We are excited about the expansion, but have been concerned that we need even more classroom space,” Pilgrim Principal Diana Castillo said. “I’m so pleased that the board was able to allocate funds for the additional classrooms.”

Pilgrim was built in 2007 as a new elementary school in the Galleria area and since has expanded to add a middle school program housed largely in temporary buildings.

As part of the 2012 Bond Program, the school received $7.9 million for a much-needed expansion, which is currently under construction and includes a new science lab, gymnasium, flexible learning areas, teacher work spaces and additional classrooms.

Additionally, the expansion and new addition were designed with the ability to accommodate community meetings and public events. Flexible spaces can be closed off from the rest of the school, and the soccer field also will be available for use after school hours.

More information on the Pilgrim Academy project

Pilgrim Academy is among 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt across the district as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Construction is now underway at roughly three dozen campuses — more activity than any other time in district history. Almost 50 percent of bond projects will be complete and open to students by the end of this summer. Once all work is complete, HISD will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the nation.