Legacy Ranch FAQ

August 23, 2023

Opening, Location and Design

Why is Liberty Hill ISD opening up High School #2 now?

The district is opening a second high school to address the growing student population and alleviate overcrowding at the existing high school. This new facility will provide enhanced learning opportunities, a new comprehensive high school facility, and personalized education for our students.

Where will the new high school be located?

The new high school is located at the corner of CR 258 and CR 260. The school’s main entrance will be off of the new extension of CR 258. The district carefully considered factors such as accessibility, transportation options, proximity to the areas with the highest student populations, and affordability of land.

When does the new school open?

The new high school will open in the fall of 2024 and will be housed in the newly completed building for Middle School #3 until the new high school building is open.

What is the timeline for the construction of the new high school?

The new high school building is scheduled to break ground in August of 2023 and be completed in 2026. It is expected that all athletic fields, with the exception of the varsity football field, will be completed in the fall of 2024.

Have designs been finalized for Legacy Ranch High School?

Yes, a collaborative process between architects, LHISD administration, LHISD Board of Trustees, current LHISD students and parents, a design has been created that is student-centered with efficiency and safety in mind. Below is a schematic drawing of the school and how it is located on the site.

How will the school color and mascot be chosen?

Per LHISD policy, the Board of Trustees has the authority to name the school colors and mascots. LHISD values students’ voices and will work with the future students of Legacy Ranch to determine the colors and mascot of the new high school. The timeline for this process will start in the 2023 Fall semester.

Student Attendance Zones and Student Transfers

What are the attendance boundaries for Legacy Ranch High School?

To open, Legacy Ranch High School will use the same attendance boundaries at Santa Rita Middle School. Secondary attendance boundaries will be adjusted when the third middle school opens in August 2026.

What grades will be in the new high school when it opens?

In August of 2024, LRHS will open with ninth grade only for the first year.
In August of 2025, the campus will add another grade and will host ninth and 10th-graders.
In August of 2026, the new building is scheduled to be completed and will host ninth, 10th and 11th-graders.

Can students who are zoned for Liberty Hill High School go to school at the new Legacy Ranch high school campus?

No. All students must attend the school for which they are zoned.
Other Considerations: Special education or other-services-needed transfers are governed by current policy.

Will students who have older siblings attending Liberty Hill High School be able to attend the same school?

Current Liberty Hill High School 9th, 10th and 11th graders who are zoned for Legacy Ranch have the opportunity to remain at Liberty Hill HS for the remainder of their high school careers. Their siblings may also choose to finish their school careers at Liberty Hill HS, as long as an older sibling is also enrolled at Liberty Hill HS. This will be a one time only choice, and once the decision has been made by a student who meets the exception criteria, the student must remain at their chosen high school campus.
Example: The Smith family lives in the Legacy Ranch HS attendance zone. They have three children, a current ninth grader, a current seventh grader and current first grader. If their oldest child chooses to stay at Liberty Hill HS for the remainder of their high school career instead of attending their home campus (Legacy Ranch HS), the seventh grade child may also attend Liberty Hill HS for the remainder of their high school career. However, by the time their first grader reaches high school, there will be no older siblings enrolled at Liberty Hill HS and the student will have to attend their home campus of Legacy Ranch HS.

Extracurricular Activities and Classes

How will the district handle extracurricular activities and sports at the new high school?

Extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations, will be an integral part of the new high school experience. Legacy Ranch High School offers a wide range of extracurricular options to cater to student interests.

What extracurricular activities and/or electives will be available to the students of Legacy Ranch High School?

The ultimate goal is for both LHISD high schools to offer all of the same activities and electives, although this might take some time to facilitate. LHISD is committed to ensuring that Legacy Ranch High School Students have access to as many high school activities and electives as feasible.

How will the opening of the second High School affect UIL classification?

Because UIL classification numbers change annually and Liberty Hill ISD is a rapidly growing district, predicting the exact UIL classification would be difficult. Based on the demographic estimation and projections we currently have, the district anticipates the following:
Based on projected enrollment if Legacy Ranch opens with 9th only

LHHS will remain 5A-Division 2
Legacy Ranch will open as a 3A or 4A-Division 2 campus

Will Legacy Ranch High School compete in varsity sports in the first year?

Although largely undetermined, some individual students could participate in varsity sports. Some examples might be tennis, swimming, golf, cross country and track. Team sports will probably start with freshman and JV schedules. Football will probably play sub-varsity for two years.

What is the plan for the marching band?

The district will hire a band director in the spring of 2024 who will be charged with creating a great band program. The band will start with ninth grade and build into the marching season as appropriate.

Will the new high school offer specialized programs or career pathways?

Legacy Ranch will start with the same academic programs as the current high school’s ninth grade and will build each year. The goal is to offer the same great educational programming and LHHS. However, each high school will have unique signature programs only offered at one campus due to the facility's needs. Students will have the opportunity to travel to participate in the upper level of those programs. Some examples are:
LHHS: JROTC, animation, law enforcement, construction management
JROTC will be offered at LRHS starting in August 2024
LRHS: Graphic design, EMT, HVAC
In the first year, Legacy Ranch will offer all programs necessary for ninth graders including Panther Cadets and CTE. Other programs unique to Legacy Ranch will develop as needed

Staff, Teachers and Coaches

When will the staff be hired?

LHISD has some critical timelines to hire key staff members

Athletic Director at the District Level – October
LRHS Principal – October
LRHS Campus Secretary - October
LRHS Head Football Coach and Campus Coordinator – December
LRHS Band Director – Spring 2024
LRHS Coaches and Teachers – Throughout the 2024 Spring semester
LRHS Police officers – Summer 2024

Can current staff and teachers transfer to the new Legacy Ranch High School?

Yes, current staff can apply and use the same internal transfer process that is in place now.

Will the district hire new teachers for the new high school, or will existing teachers be transferred?

LHISD will employ a combination of new and existing teachers by hiring new teachers and potentially transferring existing teachers to staff the new high school. Decisions will be made based on staffing needs, qualifications and subject expertise.

How will class sizes be managed at the new high school?

The district is committed to maintaining reasonable class sizes to ensure effective learning experiences for all students. Class size guidelines and strategies for managing are in place and work to promote an exceptional learning environment.

How will the district ensure a smooth transition for students who will move to the new high school?

The district will collaborate with students, parents and staff to make sure Legacy Ranch High School starts strong and is a great experience for our students. Like LHHS, Legacy Ranch will have orientation programs, student mentoring and support services to help students adjust to the new high school environment.

Additional Considerations and Information

What safety measures will be in place at the new high school?

The district is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment. The new high school will be equipped with up-to-date safety protocols, police officers, and emergency response plans to ensure the well-being of all students and staff.

Will transportation be provided for students attending Legacy Ranch High School?

The district will provide transportation options for students attending Legacy Ranch High School, taking into consideration factors such as bus routes, pick-up and drop-off locations, and safety protocols.
The district will provide transportation for students that are needing to travel between high schools for specific CTE programs that are only offered at one of the high schools.

What technology resources and support will be available to students at the new high school?

LHHS and Legacy Ranch will provide the same student technology devices. The technology department will be available to assist students and teachers with any technology-related needs.

How will the district handle any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the transition to the new high school?

The district is prepared to adapt and make necessary adjustments as challenges arise. Clear communication channels, a responsive administrative team and a proactive approach will be key to addressing any issues that may emerge.

What will the new high school schedule and bell times be?

Legacy Ranch High School will have the same school schedule and bell times as LHHS. This information will be communicated to parents and students well in advance of the opening date.

How will the district ensure that both high schools maintain a strong sense of school spirit and community?

The district will work to foster a sense of unity and pride within both high schools by promoting shared traditions, collaborative events, and opportunities for cross-school interactions. We will have two high schools but need to remain united as one Liberty Hill.

Student, Parent and Community Involvement

Will there be an open house or orientation event for parents and students to visit the new high school before it opens?

Yes, the district plans to organize open house events, orientation sessions, and tours of the new school to provide parents and students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Legacy Ranch facilities.

How can parents and community members get involved in the transition to the new high school?

Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in informational meetings, focus groups and other engagement opportunities to provide input and feedback on various aspects of the new high school's development, including curriculum, facilities, and extracurricular offerings.

Will there be opportunities for community partnerships and involvement with Legacy Ranch high school?

Yes, the district values community involvement and will explore opportunities for partnerships, mentorships, and collaborative projects that benefit both the students and the greater LHISD community.