LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - Some students in Lynchburg will have a new home for the upcoming school year.
School leaders said the new Heritage High School is 266,000 square feet and took more than years to build.
This comes after the old school was antiquated and in need of repair.
Staff said the total costs to build and furnish the school was $78 million.
"It's really cool to be coming into our new school," said Delaney Scott, a junior at Heritage High School.
Scott is one of hundreds of students who are looking forward to spending time in the new school.
"It's really cool, looking forward to some great opportunities in here," Scott said.
Teachers who work at the school are excited for the upcoming year.
Lanaux Hailey teaches English and she's happy to have natural lighting in her room and said the new school, with better technology, like touch screens, could help students better learn.
"For years we've been crowded in our halls, for years we took pride in it, but it was falling down rapidly. I just think the kids are just going to be overwhelmed by the possibilities," said Hailey.
Principal Tim Beatty said the facility will offer more trade courses thanks to the added space currently. Cosmetology was already offered, but this year, culinary arts will be added to the curriculum.
"It's a state-of-the-art building. We have a tremendous amount of technology at our disposal. Our students are going to be able to do project-based learning," said Beatty.
The facility houses four new teachers lounges, a new science lab, theater, cafeteria and gym, according to Lynchburg City School leaders.
"It feels great. It's a beautiful building. There's a buzz in the building already. Students are coming to do things and students are excited about the start of the school year," said Ben Copeland, the assistant superintendent of operations.