Falcon Families
A bold new chapter is on the horizon!
New Identity: Uplands Discovery Campus
On December 10, the Westminster Public Schools Board of Education approved a name for the newest PK-8 School in WPS: Uplands Discovery Campus. The campus will unite Shaw Heights Middle School and John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy under one roof to focus on STEM and CTE programming.
Falcons Unite
Opening in the fall of 2028, this groundbreaking PK–8 campus will bring together the proud communities of John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy and Shaw Heights Middle School under one roof—creating a vibrant learning environment where innovation and opportunity thrive. During this construction process, all students and staff from Flynn and Shaw Heights will relocate to the Shaw Heights Middle School building.
Major Improvements
Over the next two years, the John E. Flynn a Marzano Academy building will undergo significant reconstruction adding new high-tech classrooms, a regulation size gymnasium and a stunning outdoor learning complex. A pathway will connect Flynn to the Shaw Heights Middle School building which has already undergone major renovation, including the installation of air conditioning, flooring and lighting.
Community Support
This future-ready, state-of-the-art campus is made possible through the community’s support of the 2024 bond election, which dedicated $40 million to this visionary project. The new campus will ignite students’ passions through hands-on STEM experiences, cutting-edge technology, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that prepare them for a future without limits. It’s more than a new building—it’s a launchpad for curiosity, creativity, and the leaders of tomorrow.
Hear from Flynn Principal Jimmy Chism
Want to know more?
Find answers to all your questions about this exciting transition!
John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy
Students and staff from John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy will relocate to the next door Shaw Heights Middle School building for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. The blending of the two schools will maximize resources for all students while we build an exciting future-ready campus!
Shaw Heights Middle School
Shaw Heights Middle School will be transforming into a new integrated PK-8 CTE/STEM campus, but rest assured the spirit and the history of the school will be preserved and celebrated.
Shaw Heights families past and present are encouraged to help us celebrate the history of the beloved Shaw Heights Falcons.
New Campus Timeline
Shaw Heights Middle School
Who will be attending Uplands Discovery Campus?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, rising fifth graders from Harris Park and Mesa Elementary Schools will be automatically enrolled into the new PK-8 Uplands Discovery Campus where they will join students from John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy and the existing Shaw Heights student population. They will help pave the way to an exciting new future for your community.
Enrollment for 2026/27
Flynn Students
All John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy students will automatically be enrolled into Uplands Discovery Campus for the 2026-27 school year.
Shaw Students
6th and 7th grade students currently attending Shaw Heights Middle School will automatically be enrolled in Uplands Discovery Campus for the 2026-27 school year.
Harris Park & Mesa Students
Current 5th grade students at Harris Park and Mesa Elementary will be automatically enrolled in Uplands Discovery Campus for the 2026-27 school year.
There will be a limited number of slots available for younger siblings of Harris Park and Mesa students. To be considered for an available slot, families should choose the Uplands Discovery Campus during the December enrollment period. Those students will then be included in a March lottery to determine who will be seated at the new school.
Have You Seen the New Shaw?
Groundbreaking Countdown
Countdown Timer
Talking about change with your child
All students react differently to a change in their routine and what they know.
For many children this will be an exciting transition and a part of growing up. Still, for others, especially younger children, it may produce some questions and anxiety. Our counselors and staff have put together some simple talking points to keep in mind when talking to your children.
How is this funded?
On November 5, 2024, WPS voters approved ballot issue 4C allowing the school district to extend its debt by $111 million to fund infrastructure needed for educational priorities. This was accomplished at the ballot box without any tax increase by maintaining the tax formula approved by voters in 2006.
Among the projects detailed in the ballot language was $40 million for the creation of a modern PK-8 campus consolidating the Shaw Heights Middle School and John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy buildings.
Voters were informed that, “This comprehensive campus will specialize in robust STEM/CTE pathways and would meet the demand of the future growth of the region and support future enrollment from the Uplands development.” This “future ready” campus will fulfill that promise.