Transformation Unfolding at Jordan High

Jordan High School will enter the next phase of its multiyear transformation this summer when construction crews break ground on a new 31,500-square-foot facility. Designed for Jordan's Aspirations in Medical Science academy, the two-story building will feature a simulated patient lab complete with hospital beds and diagnostic equipment, plus classrooms and instructional spaces for special education students. A new shaded lunch shelter and an outdoor corridor with trees, seating and covered canopies will round out the next construction phase.

Jordan was first built in the 1930s, with additions and renovations occurring from the 1950s through the 1990s. Upgrades to the 27-acre campus, budgeted at $228 million, are 65% complete.

When the final phase of construction ends in 2026, "J-Town" will be completely transformed into a modern facility designed for 21st century teaching and learning.

"It's exciting to see our vision for Jordan unfolding," said David Miranda, Long Beach Unified School District's executive director of facilities development and planning. "With each phase of the school's modernization, teachers can better provide a robust learning experience that prepares students for college and career."

The first phase of Jordan's revitalization launched in 2014 with the installation of temporary classrooms on the practice field on the southeast side of campus, allowing students to remain on-site while renovations occur.

Three new buildings for Jordan's arts program, Media and Communications, and Advanced Manufacturing academies opened in 2017. Extensive input from Jordan teachers and the district's career education leaders informed the buildings' designs, which feature art studios, a leading-edge manufacturing lab and other hands-on learning spaces.

Jordan's Architecture, Construction and Engineering and multidisciplinary buildings opened in January 2020, with students occupying classrooms briefly before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person instruction. In the ACE building's construction lab, students built original designs and discussed power tool safety. Plans were underway to incorporate the ACE building's blueprints into architecture lessons.

Panthers returning to campus for classroom-based instruction next month will see Jordan's state-of-the-art auditorium and renovated library for the first time.

Completed in January, auditorium renovations include a fully revamped interior with new seating, air conditioning and professional-grade lighting and audio-visual equipment, among other updates. The building also received seismic strengthening and accessibility upgrades.

A committee made up of librarians from across the district helped shape the renovation of Jordan's nearly 50-year-old library. Today, the library's interior features flexible seating, laptop charging stations and distinct areas for individual and collaborative learning.

Other upgrades completed since the start of Jordan’s transformation include a full-service kitchen, tennis courts, parking lots, and modernized administration and band buildings. The school's phone systems and WiFi capabilities have also been enhanced.

Future upgrades to the North Long Beach campus include a new track and field and outdoor swimming pool, and renovations to the gym and science building.