Bellefonte, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Bellefonte is moving forward with the construction of a $55 million state-of-the-art elementary school, set to accommodate 600 students in grades K-5. Spanning 98,000 square feet, this facility will feature flexible learning spaces, safety enhancements, and accessibility options designed with community input. Set to be completed by December 2025, the school will also serve as a community hub, including a library and STEM lab, while honoring local heritage through its design.
Bellefonte is progressing on its ambitious $55 million state-of-the-art elementary school, with construction having commenced in June 2024. The new facility is projected to be completed by December 2025 and will officially welcome around 600 students in grades K-5 in the fall of 2026. This new educational space aims to provide modern, efficient, and flexible learning environments for the community.
The school will span a substantial 98,000 square feet, featuring various energy-efficient design elements, thanks to architects KCBA. Throughout the planning phases, local community feedback from a series of listening meetings significantly influenced the design, ensuring that the facility meets the needs of its future occupants.
A standout feature of the new school includes flexible learning spaces designed to adapt as teaching methodologies evolve. This flexibility is complemented by essential safety features, such as secure entry vestibules that limit access to the building and hallways structured to improve visibility in case of emergencies. Traffic patterns are also being meticulously planned to enhance safety and ease congestion during school drop-offs and pick-ups.
The design incorporates modular classroom setups that allow for future expansions should enrollment increase. Multi-use areas will enable small-group instruction, and versatile spaces like gymnasiums and learning courtyards will offer additional educational opportunities. Many features have been customized based on input from both the community and faculty, ensuring that necessary storage and specialized areas are adequately addressed.
The new school prioritizes accessibility, boasting widened doorways, mechanical hoists, and sensory rooms tailored for students with special needs. Classroom design also incorporates color and shape navigation aids to assist younger students as they learn to find their way through the building.
Additionally, the district has selected high-quality materials for the construction to reduce lifecycle costs, focusing on longevity and reducing necessary maintenance. Each classroom will have individually controlled heating and cooling systems, not only improving energy efficiency but also minimizing classroom noise.
Beyond serving as an educational institution, the school is planned to be a community hub. It will include a library, gymnasium, and STEM lab, making it an educational resource for both students and the general public. To honor the town’s culture, a “Hallway of History” will celebrate Bellefonte’s local heritage.
The new elementary school’s establishment comes alongside the closure of the existing Bellefonte and Benner elementary schools. As the new school prepares to open, leadership roles have been determined, with current principals appointed as co-principals. The district is also planning to assess school boundaries based on incoming kindergarten class sizes. Ongoing meetings are being held to discuss potential renovations or closures of existing elementary establishments.
Key Features of the New Elementary School
- Location: Bellefonte
- Construction Budget: $55 million
- Size: 98,000 square feet
- Capacity: Approximately 600 students (K-5)
- Completion Date: December 2025
- Opening Date: Fall 2026
- Flexible learning spaces
- Safety features: Secure entry, emergency-ready hallways
- Community spaces: Library, gymnasium, STEM lab
- Accessibility: Customized for special needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected opening date of the new elementary school?
The school is projected to open in the fall of 2026.
How many students will the new school accommodate?
It is designed to accommodate approximately 600 students in grades K-5.
Who is the architect behind the new school?
The school is being designed by KCBA architects.
How large will the school be?
The school will span approximately 98,000 square feet.
What kind of features will the school include for accessibility?
The school will feature widened doorways, mechanical hoists, and sensory rooms for students with special needs.
Chart: Key Features of Bellefonte’s New Elementary School
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Construction Budget | $55 million |
| Building Size | 98,000 square feet |
| Capacity | Approximately 600 students |
| Completion Date | December 2025 |
| Safety Features | Secure entry points, emergency-ready hallways |
| Community Hub | Library, gymnasium, STEM lab |
| Accessibility Features | Widened doorways, mechanical hoists, sensory rooms |
| Flexible Learning Spaces | Adaptable classrooms designed for modern educational needs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lock Haven News: Bellefonte Elementary Construction Project
- Centre Daily: Bellefonte School Updates
- WJAC TV: Bellefonte School Board Discusses Future
- Google Search: Bellefonte Elementary Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bellefonte
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
