Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Will there be sports for the new freshman class?

    A: Yes! Golf, tennis, swimming, cross country, and track will be available. Team sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and volleyball will depend on the number of interested participants.

    Q: What’s the plan for the current 7th graders’ 9th grade year at BIEMS? Will they need to attend another high school before going to BIEHS?

    A: No. Current 7th graders can stay at BIEMS for 9th grade and will have a direct pathway to BIEHS without needing to reapply.

    Q: Will current 8th and 7th graders at BIEMS have to reapply to attend BIEHS?

    A: No reapplication is needed for current 7th graders who stay at BIEMS for 9th grade. Unfortunately, current 8th graders will not have an opportunity to attend BIEHS.

    Q: Will the high school open as a 9–12 school or as a 9th/10th-grade center?

    A: BIEHS will open in August 2027 with only 9th and 10th grades. It will add one grade each year and become a full 9–12 high school by the 2029–30 school year.

    Q: Why move 5th/6th graders to Villa instead of keeping them where they are for one more year?

    A: The BIEMS building addition is designed for 5th–8th grades. The following year, it will also temporarily accommodate 9th graders.

    Q: Are there more delays or issues with the high school project that parents need to know about?

    A: No. The project is on track, and families have the latest information about the timeline.

    Q: Have you considered partnering with another school to keep all upcoming 9th graders together until BIEHS opens?

    A: Yes, we explored multiple options. However, since BIEHS opens in 2027, the class of 2029 will not have a pathway to the school.

    Q: What’s the situation for current 7th graders?

    A: They can stay at BIEMS for 9th grade and become BIEHS's first graduating class!

    Q: Where will BIEHS be located, and when will it open?

    A: BIEHS will open in August 2027. It will be located east of the Broadway Extension, off Wilshire.

    Q: Why are you merging the campuses?

    A: Previously, grades were split due to capacity issues. Thanks to the 2022 bond, we’ve added classrooms and a competitive gym, making it possible to house all grades together for a traditional middle school experience.

    Q: Has construction started on BIEHS?

    A: Yes, site preparation and dirt work have begun!

    Q: How will 5–8th grades coexist in one building socially and developmentally?

    A: 5th graders will primarily use the new wing of the building. With leadership-focused programs, older students will have opportunities to mentor younger students. The grade band for all OKCPS middle schools is 5th-8th grades.

    Q: What’s the plan for pick-up/drop-off and transportation?

    A: OKCPS efficiently transports thousands of students daily. The new construction will streamline drop-off/pick-up for car riders, walkers and bus riders.

    Q: How will lunches, outdoor time, and hallway transitions work?

    A: Each grade will have scheduled lunch and outdoor times. Hallways will have clear guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth flow.

    Q: What happens if there aren’t enough students for BIEHS sports?

    A: The OKCPS athletics department has plans to support students interested in sports, as with all schools.

    Q: Why choose BIEMS/BIEHS over an established school with existing programs?

    A: BIEHS offers a unique opportunity to shape traditions at a brand-new, world-class high school and leave a legacy as part of its first graduating class!

    Q: Will BIEHS have events like prom, dances, or festivals before 2030?

    A: Absolutely! Students will help create traditions, including events like prom and festivals, from the start.

    Q: Will BIEHS accept more students as it grows?

    A: Yes, BIEHS will welcome qualified students while maintaining teacher-to-student ratios.

    Q: What’s the plan for the current 5th/6th-grade building?

    A: Once students are relocated, the district will determine the best use for the building.

    Q: What about visual and performing arts classes?

    A: At BIEHS in 2026-2027, the VPA programming will include Visual Art, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Popular Music, and Drama/Theatre. In 2027-2028, the VPA programming will include Visual Art, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Popular Music, Drama /Theatre, Film/Video Production, Guitar, and Dance.