A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Castaic High School Wednesday in anticipation of the new school’s first day of class on Monday.

Castaic High School played host to a number of school officials, local dignitaries and community members as many of those involved in the school’s development reflected on the process and celebrated the achievement.

“This is amazing — four years ago, almost to the day, I was up here on a piece of dirt land with a shovel and I turned a shovel of dirt over. And four years and three days later, we have a school that is going to function and open on Monday,” said  Linda Storli, a William S. Hart Union High School District board member. “So I’m very, very excited.”

Assemblywoman Christy Smith and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger were both in attendance, and presented school district officials with certificates of recognition on behalf of the State Assembly and Los Angeles County, respectively.

“I remember when this school was a twinkle in this board’s eye. Many members have come and gone in that time,” said Smith at the event. “So this school opens its doors with an already storied history, and maybe a history that the students who will end up walking the halls here may never know, but we all know what it took to get to this moment.”

The school is set to open with an enrollment of only ninth graders initially, and is expected to add a grade every year until their first graduating class in 2023, according to officials.

“I look at this as an investment in the community, and I got chills when you told me about the students that are coming from charter schools, from other schools coming and enrolling here,” said Barger at the event. “That speaks volumes to the quality education, but it also speaks volumes to the fact that this was long overdue and needed in this community.”

College of the Canyons Chancellor Dianne Van Hook also recognized the achievement on behalf of the local community college, awarding a Resolution from the Board of Trustees to the school and the district.

The new 250,000-square-foot campus is expected to be headed by Principal Melanie Hagman.

Students are expected to have access to an advanced Career Technical Education program, athletics, performing arts and other extracurricular activities. The school boasts a 450-seat performing arts center.

Additionally, Castaic High School features a partnership with College of the Canyons to bring the iCAN Academy to the campus.

The unique academy offers students the opportunity to earn dual credit for high school and college over their high school experience while still offering access to traditional extracurriculars.

For more information about Castaic High School, visit the website here.

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