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Construction at Garden Oaks Montessori is gaining ground as the school’s two new building additions are more than a quarter of the way complete and renovations to the existing building are underway.

The construction of the two new additions are a key feature of the $26.7 million project, which is part of the HISD voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. Roof installation is complete on the two-story addition, which is being outfitted with doors and windows. On the three-story addition, steel work is complete and roofing is underway.

Renovations to the library and installation of the steel framing for the cafeteria expansion also are underway, and the new circle drive is halfway done.

“I’m excited to see the new structure going up,” Garden Oaks Principal Lindsey Pollock said. “Public Montessoris are an investment. It is a gift to our entire community, our children, and our teachers.”

Design plans for the school feature new and renovated classroom spaces, as well as a new multipurpose gymnasium, updated library, secure and defined main entrance, additional parking, and designated driveways for bus and parent drop off.

The two-story addition will contain a new gym, administrative lobby with check-in area, and additional classroom spaces. The other will contain three levels of classroom space with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten on the ground floor, fourth through sixth grade on the second floor, and seventh and eighth grade on the top floor. First through third grade will be housed in renovated classroom spaces.

Construction is slated for completion during the third quarter of 2018.

Garden Oaks is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. Active construction is underway on roughly three dozen campuses across the district. Almost half of the schools in the program will be complete and open to students by the end of this summer. Once all work is finished, the district will boast of one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.