The next phase is focused on creating a distinct campus identity grounded in wellness, academics and athletics

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 – MALIBU, CALIF. – C.W. Driver Companies, a leading general contractor, has broken ground on Phase II of the Malibu Middle and High School campus. Following the completion of the interdisciplinary high school building, this next phase will focus on academics, wellness and athletics for middle school students. The $74 million project includes a Middle School Core and Gymnasium, advancing the community’s vision for distinct middle and high school identities.

This multi-phase project is part of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s mission to create an immersive education environment that allows students to connect with Malibu’s coastal and hillside surroundings. The campus will also increase access to high-quality education and fitness facilities for students living in remote areas.

“Student wellness is a key driver of strong academic outcomes,” said Dave Amundson, project executive at C.W. Driver Companies. “When students have access to facilities that support their overall well-being, they can succeed in the classroom and build strong relationships with their peers. The new Malibu Middle and High School campus will do just that.”

Phase II will deliver two distinct buildings, totaling 40,000 square feet. At the hub is the Middle School Core, a structure that will serve both the education and wellness needs of students. The building will include special education and counseling spaces, a wellness center, media lab, food-service areas and shaded outdoor spaces built to connect students with their surroundings all year-round.

Aside from the core building, middle school students will have their own gymnasium with amenities that can be found at premium workout facilities. The gym will have a fitness studio and a multi-sport court supporting games like basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton and more, all fronted by an ocean-view deck.

Like Phase I, this phase prioritizes sustainability with photovoltaic panels that will offset 50% of energy use. Thermal comfort will also be prioritized through a design that reduces the impact of wind and sun, as well as through ceiling fans and operable windows to enhance circulation. The project will also incorporate a concrete mix using natural materials from the Santa Monica Mountains, further connecting the campus to its surrounding landscape.

“Following a successful year of the new Malibu High School campus, we’re excited to keep building a campus that reflects the distinct needs of all our students,” said Carey Upton, chief operations officer for Santa Monica-Malibu USD. “We’re elated to work with C.W. Driver Companies again to create an immersive environment where middle school students can thrive inside and outside of the classroom.”

The second phase is expected to be completed in late 2028. Key project partners on Malibu Middle and High School include LPA Architecture, Massetti Consulting, and Element Consulting.