It’s Dre Day at New Compton High School
Compton High is Jewel of Hub City
By Francis Taylor| Executive Editor
Compton Unified School District (CUSD) officially opened the new Compton High School recently with a stirring ribbon cutting ceremony attended by more than 300 community members, dignitaries and scholars. The event offered a first look at the state-of-the-art campus, a future-ready educational facility that marks a major milestone in Compton’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
“This ribbon cutting marks far more than the opening of a new school, it marks the fulfillment of a sacred promise to our community,” said CUSD Board of Trustees President Micah Ali. “The new Compton High School is not just a building, it has limitless student potential, it is frame-breaking and dream-making. It is a sanctuary of scholarship and a launchpad for opportunity, built by Compton, for Compton, and for generations yet to come. What began with a bold vote of confidence in 2015 has now become a living, thriving testament to what we can achieve when we dream, plan and build together.”
The award-winning design, which includes athletic facilities and a performing arts center, builds upon the district’s momentum and expands opportunities for future generations of Compton’s scholars. It also represents the first new high school facility constructed in nearly a decade in the greater Los Angeles area.
“With a 93 percent graduation rate, the highest among similar school districts in Los Angeles County and the entire state of California serving more than 10,000 students, Compton Unified continues to lead with measurable academic gains,” said Superintendent Dr. Darin Brqwley. “This new high school stands as a bold symbol of what is possible when high expectations and innovation come together. If not only honors the academic excellence our scholars demonstrate every day, it also serves as an innovation hub for the next generation of leaders, pioneers and change-makers.”
Compton High School has stood for more than 125 years as a pillar of the Compton community. The new campus honors that legacy while setting a new standard for 22st -century learning.
The 223,650-square-feet campus spans 31 acres and is designed to foster connectivity across its facilities. The central “Academic Boulevard” immerses scholars in project-based learning, flexible classrooms, and a robust career and technical education curriculum. Compton’s storied athletic tradition continues with a stadium, tennis courts and a half-size Olympic swimming pool, offering scholars and fans access to collegiate-caliber sports facilities.
At the southern end of the campus stands the Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young Performing Arts Center, made possible by a $10 million Contribution from the legendary Compton native. The 900-seat venue is a hub for creativity, building on Compton’s historic performing arts legacy.
“The new Compton High School Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue and educational facility,” said Dr. Dre. “The design fully brings to life our vision for the students and the community. From State-of-the-art music and recording studios to performance spaces that rival professional venues, students will have access to the tools, training, and inspiration they need to pursue their passion and build lasting careers in music, arts , media and beyond.”
The ribbon cutting celebration, filled with pride and optimism, opened with powerful performances by the Compton High School Marching band and the National Children’s Chorus – Compton High School chapter.
The project was made possible by the support of key partners, including design firm DLR Group, project management firm Cumming and construction company Swinerton, along with many trade partners and local small businesses. Through its ‘Built by Compton’ Initiative, the district prioritized creating pathways for local workers and businesses to participate in the project and the construction trades.
Set to welcome its first cohort of scholars in august, 2025, the new Compton High School will feature: a 31-acre high school campus, capacity for more than 1,800 scholars, a 140,639-square-feet academic building, a 40,868-square-feet performing arts center a 36,534-square-feet Gymnasium and covered areas including dining structures.
Compton Unified and DLR Group have also partnered on the upcoming design and construction of the new Centennial High school. Design is underway with groundbreaking expected soon.
