Helena High construction changes campus access and parking for 2026-27

Construction at Helena High School is changing campus access and parking for students and staff as the 2026-27 school year begins. The school says parking changed because work is underway on the new Helena High School.

Seniors are scheduled to purchase parking permits on August 17, 2026, according to the school’s official parking information. The notice identifies the construction-related change but does not list every temporary lot, route or restriction.

Construction is moving into detailed planning

The campus project launched construction after a June 16, 2026 groundbreaking, with an August 2028 completion target. Montana Free Press reported that the project team also targeted submission of construction-permit documents during the first week of September 2026.

Helena Public Schools previously reported that the project was moving from schematic design toward more detailed design documents. The project team was refining the construction sequence to limit disruption to ongoing academic work, meaning construction activity and school operations are expected to continue on the campus at the same time.

Planning has also included an assessment of sewer connections and coordination with NorthWestern Energy. Those infrastructure decisions are part of the work required to develop the broader campus.

What the planned campus includes

The planned campus design includes a new Helena High School, a Project for Alternative Learning facility, district athletics facilities and a district kitchen. The district has said the PAL program would be included in the new Helena High design and temporarily relocated during construction.

The existing Helena High building, constructed in 1996, is planned for use as flex space while construction continues. After the project is completed, that building is slated for demolition.

For students, parents and staff, the immediate effect is a different parking arrangement and changing campus circulation during the school year. The longer-term plan is to reshape the Helena High campus and provide a replacement or substantially rebuilt school for fall 2028 occupancy.

August 2028 remains a project target rather than a guaranteed opening date. The district’s published timeline described a fall 2028 opening as contingent on construction-bond approval, while later coverage reported that construction had begun and retained the August 2028 completion target.