Brighton School began work on the renovation of the former City Church building in Mountlake Terrace this week with the goal of moving into its new campus in September of 2015.
“Work on the building started on Wednesday,” said Brighton School Principal David Locke. “They are going to be doing a complete refurbishing and building classroom space. It’s basically being totally redone. A new wing is being added to house our preschool program.”
The new wing will be on the ground level. The building features three different levels and the school will be using all three at the 2.5-acre site.
“The plan is to start school on September 9,” Locke said. “That could change.”
Brighton School, a private preschool-8 educational institution, currently has 308 students at its Lynnwood location. Locke estimates the school will enroll about 325 students in the fall. The maximum number of students allowed at the location is 425.
Across the street from the school, which will be located at 21705 58th Ave. W., is another piece of property for future expansion. The school has no immediate plans to build on that property.
Residents have expressed concerns about the impact of traffic at Mountlake Terrace City Council meetings. Brighton School will be paying the City to convert the intersection of 220th Street SW. and 58th Avenue W. to a four-way stop with a flashing warning light. The City has indicated that the four-way stop is a temporary solution until a design is developed and funding allocated for a more permanent solution.
The school also will be making improvements to 58th Ave. W. to including a parking lane and street lights. A new sidewalk will be added along the property frontage on the east side of 58th along with trees. A missing sidewalk section, south of the school property to 220th Street also will be installed.
Locke said that the school starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m. To help accommodate traffic, the school plans to stagger its schedule.
“We’re very excited about moving and being in the neighborhood,” Locke said. “We’re looking forward to getting to know our new community.”
Brighton School will be adding an innovation/science/computer lab. Students also will have a much larger gym and a new soccer field that uses a new technology – a form of sand rather than rubber tires. The school also will have an enhanced security system.
Brighton School has been in its current location in Lynnwood for about 20 years. The school was founded in 1982.
– By David Pan
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.