Location Chosen for New School in Amherst

Elementary students in Amherst will soon have a new, modern school on Cornwall Avenue, Education Minister Ramona Jennex announced today, March 8.

"The young students of Amherst will have a new, leading-edge school that will give them excellent learning opportunities for many, many years to come," said Ms. Jennex. "We are putting kids and learning first by choosing this site and making an investment in the young people of Amherst and area."

The new school replaces West Highlands School, which is more than 100 years old. The new, 275-student, Primary to Grade 6 school will be on what is called the Amherst Lions Club site. The 2.8-hectare location is in the centre of the current school's catchment area and has a number of benefits, including a safe walk for students and sidewalks and utilities.

"The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board is extremely pleased for the community of Amherst, that a site for the new West Highlands elementary school has been selected," said board superintendent Gary Clarke. "We look forward to working with the Department of Education through the rest of the process and, ultimately, to the opening of the new school."

A tender to begin work on the $11.1-million school will go out this spring. The school is expected to open in September 2014.