Compton Unified Celebrates Compton High School Ribbon Cutting
Media Release
$200-Million State-of-the-Art School Officially Opened at Inspiring Celebration
Compton Unified School District (CUSD) officially opened the new Compton High School today with a stirring ribbon cutting ceremony attended by more than 300 community members, dignitaries, and scholars. The event offered a first look at the state-of-the-art campus—a future-ready educational facility that marks a major milestone in Compton’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
CUSD Board of Trustees members, CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, Dr. Dre, and Compton High School Principal Natividad cut the ribbon.
“This ribbon cutting marks far more than the opening of a new school—it marks the fulfillment of a sacred promise to our community,” said CUSD Board of Trustees President Micah Ali. “The new Compton High School is not just a building—it is limitless student potential, it is frame-breaking and dream-making. It is a sanctuary of scholarship and a launchpad for opportunity, built by Compton, for Compton, and for generations yet to come. What began with a bold vote of confidence in 2015 has now become a living, thriving testament to what we can achieve when we dream, plan, and build together.”
CUSD Board of Trustees President Micah Ali
The award-winning design, which includes athletic facilities and a performing arts center, builds upon the district’s momentum and expands opportunities for future generations of Compton scholars. It also represents the first new high school facility constructed in nearly a decade in the greater Los Angeles area.
Dr. Dre
“With a 93 percent graduation rate—the highest among similar school districts in Los Angeles County and the entire state of California serving more than 10,000 students, Compton Unified continues to lead with measurable academic gains,” said Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley. “This new state-of-the-art high school stands as a bold symbol of what’s possible when high expectations, and innovation, come together. It not only honors the academic excellence our scholars demonstrate every day, it also serves as an innovation hub for the next generation of leaders, pioneers, and change-makers.”
CUSD Board Vice President Satra Zurita
Compton High School has stood for more than 125 years as a pillar of the Compton community. The new campus honors that legacy while setting a new standard for 21st-century learning.
CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley
The 223,650-square-foot campus spans 31 acres and is designed to foster connectivity across its facilities. The central “Academic Boulevard” immerses scholars in project-based learning, flexible classrooms, and a robust career and technical education (CTE) curriculum. Compton’s storied athletic tradition continues with a stadium, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic swimming pool—offering scholars and fans access to collegiate-caliber sports facilities.
CUSD Board Member Alma Taylor Pleasant
At the southern end of the campus stands the Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center, made possible by a $10 million contribution from the legendary Compton native. The 900-seat venue is a hub for creativity, building on Compton’s historic performing arts legacy.
CUSD Board Member Dr. Ayanna Davis
“The new Compton High School Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue and educational facility,” said Dr. Dre. “The design fully brings to life our vision for the students and the community. From state-of-the-art music and recording studios to performance spaces that rival professional venues, students will have access to the tools, training, and inspiration they need to pursue their passions and build lasting careers in music, arts, media, and beyond.”'
CUSD Board Member Sandra Moss
The ribbon cutting celebration, filled with pride and optimism, opened with powerful performances by the Compton High School Marching Band and the National Children's Chorus – Compton High School Chapter.
CUSD Board Member Denzell Perry
The project was made possible by the support of key partners, including design firm DLR Group, project management firm Cumming, and construction company Swinerton, along with many trade partners and local small businesses. Through its "Built by Compton" Initiative, the district prioritized creating pathways for local workers and businesses to participate in the project and the construction trades.
CUSD Board Member Michael Hooper
“The design for Compton High School was brought to life through what we learned from the community and the scholars,” says DLR Group Principal and Senior Design Leader Alenoush Aghajanians, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C. “The flexible learning suites and access to diverse environments ensure the district is meeting its academic goals now and into the future.”
Set to welcome its first cohort of scholars in August 2025, the new Compton High School will feature:
- A 31-acre high school campus
- Capacity for more than 1,800 scholars
- A 140,639-square-foot academic building
- A 40,868-square-foot performing arts center
- A 36,534-square-foot gymnasium
- Covered areas including dining structures
Compton Unified and DLR Group have also partnered on the upcoming design and construction of the new Centennial High School. Design is underway, with groundbreaking expected soon.
Compton High School Senior and ASB President Gabriel Ulloa
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About Compton Unified School District
Compton Unified School District, whose Superintendent is Dr. Darin Brawley, is located in the south-central region of Los Angeles County. CUSD encompasses the city of Compton and portions of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles. The district currently serves more than 17,000 students at 36 sites. CUSD is a district that is elevating, with a high school graduation rate of 93%, dramatic facilities improvements, 88% college acceptance, and a focus on STEAM throughout all schools. The mission of the Compton Unified School District is to empower leaders to lead, teachers to teach, and scholars to learn by fostering an environment that encourages leaders and teachers to be visionary, innovative, and accountable for the achievement of all students. CUSD schools have received numerous awards, including Golden Bell Awards, National Blue Ribbon School designations, and Top 10 LA Public Schools by Innovate LA. CUSD is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools. The District’s Superintendent, Dr. Darin Brawley, was named 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us
About DLR Group
DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and our planet. DLR Group is 100% employee-owned and fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge, and is an initial signatory to the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.