School of Arts & Entertainment at Cherokee

The school will ultimately serve 500 students in grades 9–12. Beginning in August 2028, a phased opening will enroll 9th and 10th grades only, with upper grades added annually until full capacity is reached in August 2030. 

Core academics are completed virtually at home to maximize flexibility and immersive in-studio learning. This instructional model allows school hours and course scheduling to operate differently from traditional high schools. 

OCPS is taking a collaborative, comprehensive approach to managing traffic. A formal traffic study informed the site plan, which includes maximized on‑campus parking, designated drop‑off and pick‑up areas, and internal circulation designed to support safe and efficient operations.   

Follow‑up analysis is underway to explore additional refinements that further reduce neighborhood impact. Final parking and traffic patterns will follow professional recommendations and meet local code requirements. The school’s flexible instructional model will significantly reduce daily traffic and parking demand compared to traditional schools. 

Environmental safety and responsible site stewardship are foundational requirements for all OCPS projects. Environmental assessments and remediation processes are underway and guided by state and federal regulations to ensure the site meets required safety standards.  

OCPS incorporates sustainability practices into all new and renovated facilities, including energy-efficient systems, responsible materials, and environmentally conscious site planning. OCPS is also exploring opportunities with public agencies and nonprofit partners to support long-term watershed health. 

OCPS shares updates through public meetings, a project webpage, and direct communication with stakeholders. Additional details will be provided as design progresses and construction milestones are reached.