ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Elk Grove High School welcomed the community this month to see its newly modernized campus, the result of a multi-year renovation project that included updated classrooms, new buildings and a revitalized quad.

The project, which took about two to three years to complete, replaced aging infrastructure and upgraded indoor areas, including the cafeteria, band room, sports facilities (including the Bill Cartwright basketball arena) and weight room.

 

Here is a recently captured aerial shot of Elk Grove High School. Photo by Tim W. O’Hara

According to the Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove Union High School was the first union high school in California when it opened in 1893. Today, Elk Grove High is the second-oldest high school in Sacramento County, making its modernization a milestone in meeting current needs.

Friends & Alumni of Elk Grove High School Association hosted a free community open house Aug. 9 to visit the newly renovated campus, located at 8850 Valley Oak Lane. Several alumni attended the open house, including Elk Grove Historical Society members Louis Silveira and Jim Entrican.

Friends & Alumni of Elk Grove High School Association hosted a free community open house Aug. 9 to visit the newly renovated campus, located at 8850 Valley Oak Lane. Several alumni attended the open house, including Elk Grove Historical Society and Elk Grove Lions Club members. Photo courtesy of Louis Silveira

“The main quad has a beautiful face lift and is truly a central focus and gathering point,” said Silveira. “It was well- designed and well-done.”

The association was created to serve and support our alumni, students and the community in their efforts to preserve and enhance Elk Grove High School’s education.

Among the notable guests were Elizabeth Pinkerton, a distinguished educator who began her career in Elk Grove Unified in 1962, and Citizen of the Year Raelynn Bayles. The Elk Grove Lions Club supported the event by serving hot dogs, chips and water.

 

Among the notable guests at the open house on Saturday, Aug. 9 were former Citizen columnist Elizabeth Pinkerton, right, a distinguished educator who began her career in Elk Grove Unified in 1962; and Citizen of the Year Raelynn Bayles, left. Photo courtesy of Louis Silveira

On Aug. 12, Elk Grove Unified School District held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed project ready just in time for the 2025-26 school year. Representatives from construction firm Flint Builders and design firm Lionakis, which led the project, were recognized for their role in transforming the campus.

The ceremony also drew local leaders, including Mayor Bobbie Allen-Singh, Councilmember Rod Brewer, Elk Grove Unified School District President Michael Vargas and Trustees Susan Davis, Heidi Moore, Jennifer Ballerini and Delia Baulwin.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew local leaders, including Mayor Bobbie Allen-Singh, councilmember Rod Brewer, Elk Grove Unified School District President Michael Vargas and trustees Susan Davis, Heidi Moore, Jennifer Ballerini and Delia Baulwin. Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Unified School District

With its renovations finished, the event emphasized honoring Elk Grove High’s more than 130-year-old legacy while offering students a modernized campus designed to serve generations to come.