One of San Diego’s oldest high schools will undergo a major modernization project that includes new classrooms, an expanded quad area and a revamped entrance to set the tone for the facelift.

On Tuesday, local city and school leaders gathered at San Diego High School to celebrate the beginning of construction for the upgrade. The Whole Site Modernization project will work on the 140-year-old campus to bring a renovated interior, new restrooms, improvements to the school’s outdoor sports facilities and more.

As the school continues to serve its 2,500 students, construction will be done through phases and is expected to be completed in 2025, according to the San Diego Unified School District.

Funding for the project was made possible by residents voting in favor of Propositions S, Z and Measure YY – all school bond measures to improve SDUSD campuses.

San Diego High has been a part of the San Diego landscape since 1882. It got a new building in 1907. It got a new main building and expanded campus in 1976. That was 45 years ago.

“It’s definitely dated. This remodel is very much needed,” said freshman Aaliyah Parrish.

“It needs a little help, yes,” agreed sophomore Ivanna Rodriguez.

“If you look at the school right now, this is nothing like it’s going to look,” declared Associated Student Body President Aries Cole.

“To think we’ve been waiting through the years for this moment to happen, I’m just going to be ecstatic to build for my future,” said principal Francisca del Carmen.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2025, 143 years after the school first opened.

“It’s better late than never,” smiled Rodriguez.

“We’re seeing something nice come up and it’s just lifting up everyone’s spirits,” said Cole.

“Students are our future and investing in the students is really important,” added Parrish.

The plans to modernize San Diego High School were finally able to move forward after the San Diego City Council approved SDUSD's 99-year lease on the school property attached to Balboa Park.