Carlsbad Municipal School District

Carlsbad High School is more than just a campus — it's a landmark rooted in over a century of community pride, achievement, and tradition. As we begin the process of reimagining its future, the Carlsbad Municipal School District, the steering committee, and the selected architectural team are committed to honoring the legacy of the main building while creating a modern space that will serve generations to come.

This webpage will serve as your central source for project updates, including links to surveys, survey results, livestreams of public meetings, and future announcements.

Stay in the loop on the CHS redesign project by joining our Community Group—anyone can sign up to get real-time updates, announcements, and progress reports. Click the button below to go to ParentSquare and join.

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CHS Redesign Group

Carlsbad's commitment to education runs deep. Here's a brief look at how our schools have evolved alongside our community:

• 1889: The first Adobe School was built for $1,995 at South Main and Bronson. Later that year, the Rock School was constructed for $2,000.
• 1893: Enrollment reached 252 students, and the “Brick School” — a two-story building with nine classrooms and a bell tower — was built where Edison School stands today.
• 1899: The town officially changed its name from Eddy to Carlsbad. Local newspapers praised the community's commitment to high-quality schools.
• 1903: Indoor restrooms were added to the Brick School.
• 1908: A second Carlsbad High School was built on the current Central Office site.
• 1916 - 1917: The Brick School was replaced with a new building using the original locally made bricks.
• 1923: A growing student body led to the construction of another high school where JMA (Jefferson Montessori Academy) now stands.
• 1939: Yet another new high school opened, now known as P.R. Leyva Intermediate School.
• Early 1960s: With enrollment surpassing 9,200 students, the decision was made to build a new, modern campus for juniors and seniors.

• 1962: The campus-style Carlsbad High School officially opened at the end of Church Street, built into the foothills and featuring “The Main” — the iconic heart of the school.
• 1982: The campus expanded to 10 buildings, including a Little Theater, a planetarium, two gyms, a natatorium, and multiple vocational facilities. It became the home for grades 9 - 12.
• 1982: Enrollment in Carlsbad Municipal Schools was nearly 7,000 students across all grades.
• Superintendent Tom Hansen, who led the district for 24 years, retired in this era of growth and development

The redesign of Carlsbad High School is a collaborative effort, and the community will continue to play a central role throughout the process. This page will be regularly updated with links to active surveys and opportunities for feedback, as well as published survey results. You'll also find livestreams and recordings of public meetings, along with key announcements as the project moves forward. We invite you to check back often and stay engaged as we work together to shape the future of a campus that means so much to so many.