San Jose Will Transform Vacant Race Street Office Into Thriving High School Campus

A long-vacant three-story office building on Race Street has found a new future. BASIS Independent Schools has proposed converting the property at 525 Race Street into a complete high school campus designed for up to 800 students. The plan calls for turning underused commercial space into a vibrant educational hub complete with new facilities.

Workers will reconfigure roughly 72,700 square feet of existing space into classrooms and advanced learning labs. A brand new 16,600-square-foot gymnasium will complement the campus and bring the total size to nearly 89,400 square feet. The school will also feature around 100 staff members along with a summer session lasting six to eight weeks.

By repurposing empty office buildings, the city will inject new life into neighborhoods while meeting growing demand for quality education. Thoughtful traffic measures including staggered start times will help the campus blend smoothly into the area.

When classes begin in August 2029, families across the South Bay will gain valuable new options for their children’s high school years.

Source: Hoodline

San Jose City College Career Education Complex

The new 90,000 SQFT Career Education Complex at San Jose City College is now open. Steinberg Hart and Flint Builders did an amazing job with the design of the building. I love the atrium that maximizes natural light. Here are some of the first photos of the interior from homebucket on Skyscraper City.

Hillbrook School Debuts Permanent High School Campus in Downtown San Jose

San Jose has gained a new educational landmark as Hillbrook School opens its permanent high school campus in Downtown San Jose. Known for its JK-8 program in Los Gatos, the school now extends its innovative approach to older students in a vibrant urban setting. The new facilities at 227 N. First Street include classrooms, offices, and an arts and athletics center, creating a hub that blends learning with city life.

Students benefit from direct connections to the surrounding neighborhood. They visit City Hall to meet officials, collaborate with cultural organizations like MACLA for performing arts, and enjoy meals from nearby spots such as Hobee’s and Teske’s Germania. Partnerships with transitional housing facilities and easy access via public transit like VTA and Caltrain make the campus a seamless part of San Jose's community fabric.

For young learners transitioning from middle school, this Downtown location offers real-world opportunities. One student highlighted the draw of urban research programs, volunteer work, and partnerships that enrich daily education. The environment encourages hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences that prepare teens for broader horizons.

The campus revives historic structures, including the 1890s-era Moyer Building and a former National Guard Armory. These renovations, totaling around $20 million, preserve character while providing modern spaces filled with natural light and unique layouts. This effort highlights San Jose's commitment to sustainable redevelopment.

With 106 students enrolled and plans to grow to 250-300, Hillbrook focuses on deepening Downtown ties and expanding programs. Financial aid supports about one-third of families, ensuring diverse access to this community-centered education.

Source: SVBJ

School of Rock Opens in San Jose

A new music school has just opened at 5035 Almaden Expressway focusing on rock music (but not exclusive to that genre). There are classes for both kids and adults, novices and experts, and they specialize in a variety of instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals for both kids and adults. Sounds like a neat spin to make learning instruments more engaging for kids. Check out the video below for details.

Source: SVBJ, School of Rock San Jose