The hallways have bustled with students since the start of the 2022-2023 academic year, but Baldwin County Public Schools officially cut the ribbons on two schools Nov. 16.

The new facilities are part of the school system's "Pay as You Go Program" that has completed $145 million in construction projects in four years.

Daphne High School ninth-grade Academy

Daphne High School's ninth Grade Academy, known as The Freshman Experience at Daphne High School or FX, is the second facility of its kind to open in Baldwin County. The buildings are designed to take the growth pressure off crowded campuses and provide freshman with an easier transition to high school.

The new wing, south of the main building, has over 38,000 square feet of space and includes 22 classrooms, two science rooms, an art room, conference room, administrative area and two teacher work rooms.

"We are excited about the new ninth grade building at Daphne High School. This new academy concept helps us scaffold support around the rising ninth grade students as they enter high school and better prepare them for their experience over four years," said John "Fletcher" Comer, Daphne High School principal.

Stonebridge Elementary School

Stonebridge Elementary School is the newest K through sixth elementary school to open this academic year. The school took pressure off Spanish Fort Elementary and Rockwell Elementary through a redistricting of the area.

The state-of-the-art facility includes over 132,000 square feet with 56 classrooms, two pre-K classrooms, two STEM classrooms, six special needs classrooms and two Pathway classrooms.

The spacious cafetorium has seating for 480 and includes a stage. The gymnasium has seating for 450. Additional spaces for students include a chorus room, band room and a media center. The facility has campus-wide surveillance system and a storm shelter.

At the helm of the new school is Principal Misty Wilkinson who served as principal at Loxley Elementary School for eight years.

"We are excited to open a school to serve the local neighborhoods. We have facilities that are state of the art. We have begun our student clubs and incorporating Leader in Me into our daily routings through the support from our local communities. We anticipate many great things in the days and years ahead," Wilkinson said.