From solar array to theater, see inside Nashville's new $124 million high school

Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·1 min read

Nashville leaders hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new $124 million James Lawson High School in Bellevue on Thursday.

The school is named after the Rev. James Lawson who helped fuel the push for desegregation as the Civil Rights Movement swept through Nashville in the 1960s, spurring protests at lunch counters and other public facilities. Lawson continues his work as a speaker and activist today.

The school encompasses a 307,000-square-foot facility that will be home to 150 teachers and staff and up to 1,600 students, according to a news release from Metro Nashville Public Schools. It includes a 500-seat theater and auditorium, a 1,600-seat gymnasium, and a suite of art and sporting facilities that include baseball, softball, football, soccer and practice fields.

The community takes in the opening ceremony for James Lawson High School. Metro Nashville Public Schools unveiled its newest school at James Lawson High School in Bellevue, Tenn., Thursday morning, July 27, 2023. The school, named after the Rev. James Lawson, offers 307,000 square feet; will allow 1,600 students and cost about $124 million.
The community takes in the opening ceremony for James Lawson High School. Metro Nashville Public Schools unveiled its newest school at James Lawson High School in Bellevue, Tenn., Thursday morning, July 27, 2023. The school, named after the Rev. James Lawson, offers 307,000 square feet; will allow 1,600 students and cost about $124 million.

"Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process, with a geothermal system to heat and cool the building and a 75Kw solar array atop the school, along with a partial green roof visible from the third-floor level in front of the cafeteria," the release said.

Modeled after Academies of Nashville, the new high school is located at 8001 Highway 70 S. The first day of school is on Aug. 8.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Photos: Inside Nashville's new $124 million James Lawson High School