Freedom High School was constructed in 1967 as the second high school in
the Bethlehem Area School District. In
the decades that followed, the Township around the City continued to grow. In
2005 it became necessary to expand the facility to provide larger facilities
and improved education programs.
The
$28 million Project consisted of 3 additions. The original entrance was deeply
recessed within an exterior courtyard and was always problem for visitors to
locate along with being a lengthy distance from the bus loading area. A new feature stair tower was inserted into
the front façade that brings a new identity to the overall facility, especially
when illuminated after dark. The addition contains a new administration office,
black-box stage room and 4 additional classrooms on the second level. The new
two-story atriums allow all existing classrooms to maintain natural light.
The
largest portion of the additions contains a 20,000 sq. ft. gymnasium, aerobic
gym, physical education locker rooms, team rooms, life fitness center. P.E.
classrooms and a new public gym lobby. The
2,500 seat gymnasium has three regulation size courts and provides the high
school and district with a first-class venue suitable for all types of events. Also
included are 15 additional classrooms and support spaces. The final addition to the building included a
new cafeteria, serving court, kitchen, central information and technology
office that completed the design. With its new additions, the high school now
can adequately handle up to 2,400 students.