Nipaquay Elementary School in Civita Celebrates Opening with Festive Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The San Diego Unified School District recently celebrated the grand opening of Nipaquay Elementary School in Civita with students, parents, members of local indigenous communities, civic officials, and representatives of Sudberry Properties and the Grant family.

The school was named after the ancient Kumeyaay village and trading center that existed nearby. The name Nipaquay translates to “our other home.” During the grand opening, Principal Michael Goodbody said, “I hope that this campus feels like a second home for the neighborhood and our students.”

The new campus, located adjacent to the award-winning Civita Park, opened with 188 students in transitional kindergarten through second grade. The school will add a grade level each year until it builds out to fifth grade with approximately 500 students.

Nipaquay Elementary offers students an academic focus on environmental science and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The school, designed by domusstudio architecture, is a model of sustainable design and incorporates solar power and energy efficiency. Classrooms feature see-through walls that roll up like garage doors and open onto an outdoor classroom area.

Situated in the heart of Civita, Nipaquay Elementary is designed to become one of the most important focal points in the community. An inviting community park and an elementary school were on the “must-have” list for Civita. Now, they are both open and serving the community.