The Kent School District hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the new Canyon Ridge Middle School on the East Hill.

Community members, students, Kent School Board members and district staff toured the newly remodeled building. The renovated campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious and technology-enabled classrooms, modern learning spaces and upgraded athletic facilities, according to a district news release.

“We are thrilled to officially open the doors of Canyon Ridge Middle School and welcome the community to this amazing facility,” said Wade Barringer, deputy superintendent of the Kent School District, in the news release. “The remodeled building reflects our commitment to hands-on learning and providing our students with the best possible educational experience. The remodel was part of our new sixth through eighth grade middle school model approved by the school board and paid for by local levy dollars. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to the many successes that will take place within these walls.”

The Kent School Board in October 2022 approved an $8 million renovation for Canyon Ridge. The district renovated the former Kent Phoenix Academy and Sequoia Middle School, 11100 SE 264th St., to help handle the transition this fall of sixth-grade students to middle schools from elementary schools.

The board approved in June a district staff request for an additional $2.5 million for the renovation, including $1.5 million for a synthetic turf field that cost higher than anticipated ($4 million initial costs) due to a water retention system.

The new synthetic field and eight-lane rubber track is expected to be ready by the end of October, according to an earlier interview with Canyon Ridge Middle School Principal Brian Gauthier