Jefferson County (Ky.) district breaks ground on $100 million high school

The new Seneca High is expected to open in Louisville in 2028.
Feb. 16, 2026
2 min read

Key Highlights

  • Features include a geothermal HVAC system, daylighting, shading, and energy-efficient LED lighting to cut energy costs by about 40%.
  • The campus will have four academies—Agriscience & Leadership, Innovate, Freshman, and Health Science.

The Jefferson County (Kentucky) district has broken ground on a new, $100 million Seneca High School in Louisville

The district says replacing the existing Seneca facility marks a major milestone in the district’s efforts to address its aging facilities. 

"From an operational standpoint, this new facility is a game-changer for Seneca,” Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk said. “By implementing a Zero Energy Ready design and a geothermal HVAC system, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also ensuring significantly lower operational costs for decades to come.”

The building will have four distinct areas that reflect each of Seneca’s academies: Agriscience & Leadership, Innovate, Freshman, and Health Science. The facility will have interior views showcasing work from different pathways, as well as a greenhouse and a barn for hands-on learning.

Once complete, the high school will reduce energy costs by about 40% through a geothermal HVAC system. Additionally, the intentional use of daylight and shading, coupled with energy-efficient LED lighting with occupancy sensing, will help reduce utility costs. 

The campus upgrades also will include a new multisport stadium with a turf field, field house, and improved athletic complex.

The new Seneca High will be constructed on the same site as the existing school. The district anticipates opening the new facility for the 2028-29 school year.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

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