Construction on Rangeland High School in Lakewood Ranch has reached 25% completion, with the $144 million campus on track to welcome about 1,070 ninth and 10th graders in August 2027.

The School Board of Manatee County voted unanimously on April 28 to name the school Rangeland High, after a community survey drew 1,663 suggested names. The school sits on 85 acres at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard.

Crews Report Steady Progress Since Groundbreaking

Construction broke ground Jan. 21. Eight months later, Gilbane Building Company project executive Zack McClary said 160 workers are on site daily. "We are on target to turn the school over next summer to Dahlquist and his team," McClary said, according to Your Observer.

Campus Will Expand in Phases Through 2029

Of the campus's total 300,000 square feet, 210,000 will be finished by opening day. The rest will follow as the school adds 11th graders in August 2028 and 12th graders in August 2029, according to the Business Observer. An expansion plan would eventually add a second two-story classroom wing, bringing capacity to about 2,500 students.

Design Adds Security Features and Lecture Halls

The campus is modeled after Parrish Community High School but adds security upgrades, covered walkways connecting every building to the administration hub and two collegiate-style lecture halls. As of Monday, the cafeteria was furthest along, with its roof complete and exterior brick going up. The auditorium's foundation was in place, with walls starting to rise.

AICE Program Could Open Scholarship Access

Founding Principal Dustin Dahlquist said he hopes to implement the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program, which provides college-prep classes. Students who complete it can qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship, a state-funded program covering college tuition for high academic achievers.

The school's mascot will be the Gators. School colors are purple, silver and black.

Auditorium Upgrade Funding Remains Undecided

One piece of the project remains undecided. The district was considering adding $2.5 million to $4 million to upgrade the planned 800-to-900-seat auditorium into a performing arts theater open to the public, Your Observer reported in July. Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman told Your Observer in July that the district was seeking outside funding. As of July, a decision was expected by December or January.