Barnard Elementary School

Project Details

Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School, part of the San Diego Unified School District, is undergoing a Whole Site Modernization Phase II to support its Mandarin immersion program by replacing aging facilities and improving campus safety, accessibility, and functionality.

Watkins Environmental contributed environmental and demolition support for the modernization, including work related to selective demolition and the careful removal of existing building materials before renovation and new construction.

Key project highlights include:

• New Construction:
  • A 9,000-square-foot kindergarten building with five classrooms, replacing existing portable units
• Modernization and Renovations:
  • Interior and exterior upgrades to seven existing classroom and office buildings
  • Renovation of the administration building, including a new single point of entry to improve campus security
  • Upgrades to the multipurpose building
• Site Improvements:
  • An expanded parking lot with an on-campus student drop-off and pick-up zone
  • New play structures, shade shelters, and an outdoor collaborative teaching area
  • Improvements to accessibility, restroom facilities, and overall campus security

Modernization projects involving older school facilities may also require services such as commercial asbestos removal before renovation or demolition work can move forward.

The project broke ground on February 29, 2024, with a student performance celebrating Chinese arts and culture. Construction was scheduled for completion in spring 2025.