The Osceola School District reached a major milestone last week with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new AAA High School. Located at 5800 Nova Road in St. Cloud, this 46-acre campus in eastern Osceola County is set to open in 2026 and will feature a three-story classroom facility designed to support sustainable education and meet the needs of the growing community. The new school is intended to relieve overcrowding at both Harmony and St. Cloud High Schools and is being constructed near the district’s new transportation facility.
The new campus will feature 11 permanent buildings, encompassing an impressive 345,640 square feet of space. Designed with energy efficiency at the forefront, the project aims for an Energy Utilization Index (EUI) of 25 or less and a ventilation efficiency of .20 cubic feet per minute per envelope square footage. Once completed, the school will accommodate 2,522 student stations, ensuring it meets the needs of the growing eastern Osceola County community.
“This groundbreaking is a significant moment for our district and community,” said Osceola School Board Chairwoman Heather Kahoun. “The AAA High School represents our commitment to providing top-quality education in state-of-the-art facilities that support both sustainability and growth. This school will not only relieve overcrowding at Harmony and St. Cloud High Schools but will also serve as a cornerstone for the future of education in eastern Osceola County.”
Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff echoed Chairwoman Kahoun’s comments, adding, “The construction of AAA High School is a reflection of our dedication to meeting the needs of our growing community. With its innovative design, energy efficiency, and advanced facilities, this campus will offer students a learning environment that fosters success and prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Facilities at AAA High School include a three-story classroom building that will house administration, media, and guidance offices. Additional structures include spaces for an auditorium and music programs, a dining hall, a gymnasium with locker rooms, and a central plant for energy management. Outdoor amenities will include a track with a football field, basketball and tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, and general play areas.
To enhance convenience and sustainability, the school will incorporate separate loops for buses and parents, with covered canopies for protection from the elements. A double-stacked car queue will ensure smooth traffic flow during busy drop-off and pick-up times, while 777 parking spaces will accommodate staff and visitors. The campus will also include updated utilities such as sewer, water, storm drainage, LP gas, and advanced mechanical systems, alongside a central plant to support its operations.
This $184 million project is the result of a collaborative effort between the Osceola County School Board, Schenkel Shultz, and Wharton-Smith, Inc. It reflects a commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and providing students with a world-class education.