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Construction of the new Sharpstown High School is nearly two-thirds of the way complete, with the new facility expected to open to students in January 2018 when they return from winter break.

Project officials said the concrete walls of the gym and exterior glass wall in the main building are nearly complete, and the interior painting and tiling are halfway done. In addition, air conditioning units have been installed on the roof, wooden cabinets are being installed in science labs, and the outdoor amphitheater is being formed.

“We are all very excited to be in a new building,” Sharpstown High School Principal Daniel De Leon said. “We cannot wait for our students to take advantage of the updated technology, the new science classrooms, and the more collaborative learning environment that the new building will provide.”

The $54.9 million project, which is a part of the HISD 2012 Bond Program, will accommodate 1,300 to 1,500 students once complete.

The new school will feature a two-story, light-filled atrium, classrooms equipped with modern technology and grouped into neighborhoods, flexible learning spaces, a large dining commons, gymnasium, JROTC building, and fine arts wing. Students also will have access to a state-of-the-art media communications area complete with rooms for both editing and filming.

Construction is slated for completion during third quarter of 2017 with move-in to occur during winter break. Demolition of the old building will begin in January 2018, making way for a parking lot, basketball court, and a band practice field.

Sharpstown High School is among 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Roughly three dozen campuses are under active construction across the district — 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.