South+Campus

The South Campus originated as an extension to Great Falls High School when the Main Campus became overcrowded due to increase in enrollment. Although the R. W. Swarthout Fieldhouse and the swimming pool are now considered to be part of the South Campus, they actually existed before the classroom portion was created. The actual expansion only includes the various classrooms located west of the fieldhouse and swimming pool. The idea to construct a classroom addition to the fieldhouse first appeared in 1995 when Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) conducted a study to alleviate overcrowding which would make Great Falls High School compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to the IDEA, schools must be completely accessible for all students including those with mental and phyical disabilities. The study ultimately concluded with the idea to create a building in addition to the fieldhouse that would have several classrooms as well as the addition of elevators in the main campus. The South Campus would be built with elevators avoiding conflict with the IDEA. GFPS attempted to hold an ellection for approval of the South Campus expansion on April 2, 1996 but too few voters participated for a valid ellection to be considered. GFPS tried to gain approval for a second time later that year on June 4 but failed to gain validity for the same reason. Approval for both the South Campus and the Main Campus elevator would not occur until a third election. South Campus would officially open in 1998 with 13 classrooms mostly for Freshman Classes.