The Northglen Orchard Public School delay means students in Bowmanville will not move into their new classrooms until September 2026, following continued construction setbacks.
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board confirmed on Feb. 5 that the new public school will no longer open during winter 2026 as previously planned. Instead, students will remain at their current temporary schools until the next academic year.
In a letter to families, Superintendent of Education Sonal Gohil acknowledged the frustration caused by the Northglen Orchard Public School delay, stating that the extended timeline was unforeseen and regrettable.
Originally scheduled to open in September 2025, the school’s launch was first delayed to winter 2026. During this time, students were placed at nearby schools, including Harold Longworth Public School, Charles Bowman Public School, and Clarington Intermediate School.
According to the board, the projected completion date is now late May 2026. To avoid further disruption so close to the end of the school year, officials decided students would remain in their current placements until September.
Construction has entered its final stages, with second-floor work underway and interior finishing such as flooring, painting, and millwork in progress. Outdoor work, including asphalt, curbs, and landscaping, is expected to begin in the spring.
Once completed, Northglen Orchard Public School will serve approximately 769 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and include a four-room child care centre. The school is located at 1401 Northglen Blvd. in Bowmanville.
