After years of ongoing construction, Beverly enters a new phase in its recent history marked by the opening of long-awaited campus spots. All across campus, Normans have started to see the transformation Beverly has been undergoing for years.
At the start of this school year, the new performing arts building opened, bringing the Visual and Performing Arts classes into one centralized space. This opening allowed for easier communication and collaboration amongst programs that had been previously spread across campus.
Athletics has also seen major progress with the new tennis courts and softball field opening this spring. Previously, players were unable to practice consistently on campus. Now, the upgraded facilities have provided a space for players to have focused practices.
Girls’ Tennis Captain, senior Chaya Mobasser said, “I think the courts definitely impacted the season because it’s motivating… to play on something that is more accessible and pretty.” With the support of the brand new courts, both the varsity and junior varsity tennis teams were able to practice together and place within the top 30% of teams in the Southern Section Division 4.
Additionally, for the past decade, school performances had to be held at off-campus locations. The opening of both the Salter Family Theater and the Peters Auditorium has returned school performances to the dedicated venues.
The Salter Family Theater features a thrust stage with the ability to extend into the audience on three sides. This advanced mechanic is a reason that pep rallies, the Dance Company show and the Theater program’s spring production of the musical Six have been held here. Additionally, the Peter’s Auditorium has hosted smaller events this school year, like the annual Talent Show.
Junior Danielle Gilad said, “It’s been a dream working in the new Salter Theater… This space has really allowed us to learn the ins and outs of creating stage pictures that work from every angle. It opens the door for new and more challenging work while also creating a very intimate atmosphere. Everything feels new and improved, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time working there.”
However, the most anticipated opening has been the completion of the front lawn. The front lawn is a staple of Beverly that has long been missed. Since Beverly’s opening in 1927, the front lawn has operated as a shared area for daily use. When it closed, many community members felt like a piece of Beverly had been lost.
Biology and Math Teacher Marla Weiss said, “One of the best parts of Beverly Hills High School was this large front lawn where kids at nutrition and lunch could gather… We used to have a beautiful graduation ceremony on the front lawn… All of a sudden, it was gone, and I think that students kind of trickled to other smaller areas, because we don’t have such a large space.”
While the lawn has only officially opened on April 29, many students have enjoyed using its facilities for the past few weeks. Senior Bella Naufal said, “The lawn provides a very nice break from the day since we’re constantly stuck in our classes… I think it’s good just to have a space where we can get outside, be around nature, sit in the sun and just disconnect for a little bit.”
Progress does not end with the lawn opening! By the end of this year, it’s expected that a new Konheim Athletic building will add three basketball courts, expanded locker rooms, extra instructional space and an outdoor pool.
In addition to the Swim Gym’s pool, this newer pool will be regulation size, which gives opportunities for more water sport games as well as serve as winter, summer and weekend use. Once the pavilion is complete, work on the field is expected to begin, extending the next phase of campus improvements.
BHUSD Board President Judy Manouchehri has teased at the possibility of additional parking lots for the 2026-2027 school year. These lots, if approved, would be on the south side of the campus and allow for more parking spaces, as usually the first-come, first-served spots are extremely limited.
Furthermore, district officials have created plans to tackle traffic congestion. With the new curb cut-out and the possibility of added parking, administration hopes for traffic flow to improve during pick-up and drop-off times.
This school year’s openings represent more than separate milestones. They point to a broader culture shift at Beverly, where a campus that was previously defined with patience is now identified with the chance for possibility.
Manouchehri said, “The Beverly Hills High School student body has not all been in one place… for a long time. The new facilities will enable the student community to come together and unify.”
For the students who have spent their high school careers navigating through construction, and for families and staff who have watched the transformation unfold over the years, this moment carries particular significance. This is not just the reopening of a lawn or buildings, it is the visible opening of a new chapter.
