Freedom Elementary library

Heidi Wolf unpacks and organizes almost 7,300 new books in the media center last week at the new Freedom Elementary School in West Fargo. When the school opens its doors Thursday, it will welcome 561 students. Dave Wallis / The Forum

Do you have children starting school this week?

WEST FARGO - Freedom Elementary opens here this week and its already full.

The newest building in the rapidly growing West Fargo School District is expected to greet 561 students when classes start Thursday, said Principal Jeff Johnson.

Its built to handle 550.

Plans were to have the school open with 470 students when the school board approved construction last year, Business Manager Mark Lemer said.

We knew we were going to have growth, he said. But we didnt anticipate that it would open over its maximum capacity.

You can thank the great construction weather this past year, Johnson said. It helped builders pepper the area with homes for young families.

Freedom is patterned after Aurora Elementary, which opened in fall 2007 in the Eagle Run area. Using that template saved at least $180,000 in architectural fees on the new school just south of Interstate 94 and west of Veterans Boulevard, Lemer said.

View post:

Freedom Elementary School full from the get-go