SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
‘SOUTH MARION’ SELECTED AS NEWEST MARION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL NAME
South Marion High Slated to Open in August ‘26
MARION COUNTY – The newest public high school in Marion County will be called “South Marion” High School, similar to the like-named North Marion High School more than 30 miles away.
School Board members formally approved the “South Marion” name last night at their regular meeting. The name follows two surveys this summer conducted by Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) that attracted over 550 responses. “South Marion” garnered more than 35% of the vote, more than any other suggestion.
The school, which broke ground last December and is set to open this August, sits on 115 acres near Marion Oaks, one of Southwest Marion County’s most populous areas.
The school, built for 2,011 students, will feature three-story construction in its main building with top-floor buildout options to accommodate growth up to 2,711 students. Two additional classroom buildings will flank the main building. Total square footage under roof is 363,000 including 61 classrooms and 20 labs.
South Marion High School will also feature over 800 parking spaces for students and staff, an 800-seat performing arts auditorium, 858-seat cafeteria/outdoor eating area, 1,332-seat gymnasium, 2,000-seat athletic stadium for football/track and field, plus playing fields for baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, soccer, softball, and tennis.
Veteran Principal Ken McAteer is already speaking with rising freshmen (current eighth graders), gathering their thoughts and votes on potential school colors and mascot.
South Marion High School will cost $165 million, funded with dollars borrowed by the Marion County School Board and secured through Certificates of Participation, a popular financing method for government entities. Local millage proceeds will also pay some of the construction costs.
For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at 352.671.7555.
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Artist renderings of South Marion High School:
