WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield’s largest public building project in years is quickly taking shape as construction continues on the new Wakefield Memorial High School, which promises to transform how local students learn and gather for decades to come.

Last week, members of the Town Council, the Permanent Building Committee, Wakefield Public Schools staff, designers from SMMA Architects, and Bond Construction leaders walked the site to see firsthand how the work is advancing.

“The facility is progressing quickly and the building is scheduled to be complete this year.”

The new facility, which replaces the current Wakefield Memorial High School built in 1960, is designed to meet modern educational needs and safety standards while giving students and staff the space, tools, and technology they need to thrive.

When finished, the state-of-the-art school will include:

• Flexible learning classrooms for collaborative teaching and project-based work.
• Modern science and STEM labs to support hands-on learning in the sciences and tech.
• Upgraded performing arts spaces, including a new auditorium and music rooms.
• A bright, welcoming media center and expanded student support areas.
• New gymnasiums, athletic training spaces, and outdoor fields.
• Sustainable building systems aimed at improving energy efficiency and lowering utility costs.

The Town says these upgrades will help Wakefield students compete academically while providing a modern, safe environment that meets today’s learning standards.

Local officials also note the project will benefit the entire community — the new high school will serve as a hub for town events, sports, arts performances, and other civic gatherings. Once open, it will stand as a new point of pride for residents and an important factor in keeping Wakefield attractive for families and businesses.

“The facility is progressing quickly and the building is scheduled to be complete this year,” town leaders emphasized, encouraging residents to stay updated and involved as the project enters the final phases.

In addition to the construction work, town and school leaders are planning ahead for the smooth transition from the old high school to the new building. This includes scheduling, teacher training for new classroom tech, and community tours closer to the opening date.

For many in Wakefield, the new high school has been years in the making. The community has supported the project through public meetings, budget approvals, and multiple planning phases, all to ensure that the town’s students will learn in a facility designed for modern times.

To keep the community informed, the project team regularly posts updated photos, design renderings, and construction milestones on the official project website. Residents can explore floor plans, see behind-the-scenes construction progress, and learn about opportunities to visit the site before opening day.

As Wakefield looks ahead to the final stages of construction, leaders say the new high school is more than a building — it’s a promise that the town is investing in education, local pride, and the next generation of students who will carry Wakefield forward.

Originally reported by Chris Rhatigan in Patch.