New Compton High School Opens in Los Angeles Following $232 Million Redevelopment
Los Angeles – August 2025: The new Compton High School has been completed on a 31-acre campus south of downtown Los Angeles. It is set to welcome 1,800 students at the start of the school year. The $232 million project replaces the city’s historic high school, originally built in 1896 and demolished in 2019.
Campus Features
The new facilities include: - 140,639 sq ft academic building - 36,534 sq ft gymnasium - Football stadium - Half-sized Olympic swimming pool - Fully digital library with no physical books
The exterior of the new Compton High School showcases a large mural of musician Dr. Dre at the Performing Arts Center. At the heart of the campus stands the Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center, a 40,868 sq ft venue funded through a $10 million donation from the renowned musician and producer Dr. Dre.
Design and Construction
The campus was designed by DLR Group and managed by Cumming Group. It was built by Swinerton Builders. At the height of construction, nearly 200 workers were on site each day, highlighting the scale and ambition of the redevelopment.
Local Initiative and Vision
The project was carried out under the “Built by Compton” initiative, which prioritizes local hiring and the involvement of small businesses.
An aerial shot highlights the arrangement of academic and sports buildings across the 31-acre campus. Speaking about the opening, principal Larry Natividad noted: “For too long, perceptions of Compton have been shaped by outdated narratives that fail to reflect the strength, resilience and brilliance of our community. The new Compton High School stands as a bold statement: the future of Compton is bright, innovative and full of promise.”
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article highlights the new Compton High School as a 31-acre educational campus. It combines an academic building, gymnasium, digital library, and a performing arts center supported by private funding. The imagery suggests expansive layouts defined by modern concrete structures and horizontal lines. This reinforces an institutional identity. Yet, questions arise regarding contextual relevance, as the architecture appears detached from Compton’s layered social and urban history. Nevertheless, the integration of technology and future-oriented infrastructure positions the project as a strong example of educational design strategies. It is aimed at long-term adaptability. Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences ArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums. Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural news worldwide. ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe. https://archup.net/metals-in-construction-2023-design-challenge/ https://archup.net/riyadh-begins-redevelopment-of-king-fahd-stadium-ahead-of-the-2034-world-cup/ Read the full article
