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As part of a recently completed phase of Emerald High School’s construction, the campus now features a second academic tower, visual and performing arts extension, additions to the stadium and a maintenance & operations building. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District). 
The second academic tower contains 39 classrooms. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District) 
The second academic tower includes space for culinary classes. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District) 
The new visual and performing arts extension features a dressing and makeup room. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District) 
The new visual and performing arts extension features a dance facility. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District) 
A ticket booth was constructed as part of the project. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Unified School District)
When Emerald High School students step onto campus for the first day of the 2025-26 academic year next week, they will be greeted with newly constructed facilities.
Brand new is the school’s second academic tower, a three-story building that largely mirrors the pre-existing tower and contains 39 classrooms including engineering, culinary and ROP construction rooms as well as standard classrooms, according to Dublin Unified School District officials. Its completion increases the campus capacity to 2,500 students, up from its opening capacity last year at 1,300 students.
The school also now features the visual and performing arts extension, stadium additions and a maintenance and operations building.
These additions come via Phase II of the school’s three-part construction, expected for completion in April 2027, according to district officials.
Given the introduction of a new freshman class this year, the district expects a total attendance of approximately 1,500 students, up from approximately 900 students during the school’s opening year.
“Reflecting on our first year on the Emerald High campus, I’m incredibly proud of what our students, staff, and families accomplished. We laid the foundation — both literally and figuratively — for a thriving school community,” Emerald High School principal Lenni Velez said.
“As we begin our second year, the energy is even greater. With three classes of students on campus, the addition of new staff to our team, the construction of our second academic tower, and other new facilities that will benefit our students, staff and visitors, there’s a real sense of growth and momentum,” Velez added.
Emerald celebrated the completion of Phase II July 24 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Phase II was estimated to cost approximately $91 million of the school’s total construction cost of roughly $374 million, according to district officials.
In addition to increased capacity, completion of Phase II of construction brings new opportunities for student engagement, district officials said.
The visual and performing arts extension added a broadcast technology classroom, a dance facility and a dressing and makeup area for dance and future theater productions.
As part of the project, the stadium was also updated to include home and guests restrooms, a ticket booth, concession facilities and a grounds building.
All elements of Phase II will be open for this school year, kicking off next Tuesday (Aug. 12).
Looking ahead, Phase III will be the construction of the Catherine C. Kuo Performing Arts Center. That project is anticipated for completion in April 2027.
Funding sources for the school’s overall construction include $170 million through Measure H, $200 million through Measure J and another $4 million through Prop 51.
“Special thanks to our Dublin community for supporting the school bonds that financed this project,” Emerald officials wrote July 24 on social media. “We can’t wait to welcome our students to their new, expanded campus!”
