The Elk Grove Unified School District officially marked the opening of the newest elementary campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 14, one day before students walked through the doors for their first day of class. Photo courtesy of the Elk Grove Unified School District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A new chapter in education began in Rancho Cordova this month as families, educators and community leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of Cypress Grove Elementary School, the newest elementary campus in the Elk Grove Unified School District.

The district officially marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 14, one day before students walked through the doors for their first day of class. Located at 4189 Cypress Grove Drive, the school is the district’s 44th elementary school and the third elementary campus serving Rancho Cordova.

The opening comes as residential growth continues in eastern Rancho Cordova, creating a need for additional classroom space and neighborhood schools. Cypress Grove Elementary was built to serve just over 600 students from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

Students and families explored the campus during the celebration, with future students participating in a passport activity that introduced them to different areas of the school. Photo courtesy of the Elk Grove Unified School District

“Elk Grove Unified proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting of our newest school, Cypress Grove Elementary,” the district said in a social media statement. “Families, students, staff and community members came together to tour the beautiful new campus and mark this exciting milestone.”

Students and families explored the campus during the celebration, with future students participating in a passport activity that introduced them to different areas of the school. Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood also attended the event and presented a proclamation recognizing the milestone.

In a social media post, the City of Rancho Cordova welcomed the campus to the community, stating, “We can’t wait to see the Jets soar this school year.”

Named after the surrounding neighborhood, park and street, Cypress Grove Elementary sits on an 11.65-acre site and features seven single-story buildings totaling nearly 70,000 square feet. Photo courtesy of the Elk Grove Unified School District

Named after the surrounding neighborhood, park and street, Cypress Grove Elementary sits on an 11.65-acre site and features seven single-story buildings totaling nearly 70,000 square feet. The campus includes accessible walking and biking routes designed to help students safely travel to school.

According to the school, the Jets mascot pays tribute to the region’s aviation heritage, including Mather Air Field, Aerojet and the California Capital Airshow. School colors are forest green, navy blue, gold and white.

The project was funded through Measure N, a $542 million bond approved to modernize district facilities and construct new schools in growing neighborhoods. Students attending Cypress Grove Elementary are expected to continue on to Katherine Albiani Middle School and Pleasant Grove High School.

The project was funded through Measure N, a $542 million bond approved to modernize district facilities and construct new schools in growing neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of the Elk Grove Unified School District