On December 16, Wharton-Smith joined Marion County Public Schools and the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership to break ground on a new high school, “CCC,” the county’s first new high school since 2003. This state-of-the-art campus is scheduled to open in August 2026. See photos.
The 115-acre campus will feature three building complexes with tilt wall construction and enhanced security features. It will include 61 classrooms and 20 labs to support a diverse curriculum, a full-service cafeteria with both indoor and outdoor seating, art and music suites, a performing arts auditorium, and athletic facilities, including a gymnasium and a 2,000-seat stadium.
The school is designed to accommodate 2,011 students initially, with the capacity to expand to 2,711 upon completion of a third floor.
Senior Project Manager David Romero expressed his excitement, stating, “This project is about creating a space where students can thrive. We’re proud to help build a facility to serve as a hub for academics, athletics, and community engagement.”
Marion County School Board Chair Lori Conrad emphasized the project’s broader impact: “We’re not just building a school; we’re building a foundation for innovation, inspiration, and achievement.”
