New public high school on schedule, name announced: Corner Canyon to be Draper’s new high school

The 311,000-square foot public high school under construction and on schedule for a fall 2013 opening now has a name: Corner Canyon High School.

The decision was made Dec. 6 at a Canyons Board of Education meeting following a one-month period where people could submit their naming ideas to the district on its website. After a committee met to review names that represent the area’s history and geography, they recommended six possibilities for the board’s final decision.

Students who live in the boundaries of the new school also voted in December on several mascot names: mountain lions, cougars, diamondbacks, falcons, raptors, broncos, bears, cavaliers and chargers. They could also cast ballots on colors, based on community suggestions. These include navy, silver and white; gold, navy and white; or navy, crimson and silver.

“We hope to have our ballots counted and approved at the Jan. 3 board meeting,” Corner Canyon High Principal Mary Bailey said. “Then, we’ll begin working on our logo.”

Bailey said that schools colors and logo will be worked into the interior design and color scheme.

Recently, the new boundaries for the high school at 801 East 12887 South were announced. Corner Canyon High will serve students who live roughly south of 12300 South and east of the I-15 freeway. Bailey expects about 1,500 students the first year.

“We’ll accept students on permit, just as any school does in the district within the policy,” she said. “We’re really excited to see the walls going up.”

Bailey said that some of the outside structure is completed, so inside work can be continued during winter storms. They also plan to mount a camera to show construction progress.

Ground was broken for Corner Canyon High April 27, 2011, and the estimated cost is $65 million. In June 2010, residents approved a $250 million bond for this and other Canyon School District projects.

The campus features natural lighting in almost every classroom, a 100-seat lecture hall, a 1,200-seat auditorium, computer labs for multimedia, drafting and other classes, five science labs, 1,300 parking spaces, a 4,700-seat sports complex and a sunken 3,300-seat gymnasium with an indoor track.

Bailey envisions students and faculty using technology -- maybe some not even invented yet -- to research, write, submit, grade and return papers and reports. She also wants to offer numerous Advanced Placement classes, such as Mandarin Chinese, English, environmental science, art history, physics and more.

In May 2012, Bailey plans to hire an assistant principal, secretary, counselor, athletic director and registrar. In October, she will begin the search for department heads, a librarian, head coaches and assistant principal. In December, she will begin the teacher hiring process with those who are eligible for transferring district-wide at the high school. In January 2013, the process will open up to middle schools and in February 2013, for elementary schools.