The Anaheim Unified High School District board recently agreed to solicit redevelopment proposals for the Hope School site.
Hope is the district’s only dedicated special needs school; it opened in 1969 with a class of 52 students and seven teachers. The campus at 7901 Knott Avenue in Buena Park has grown to now house a junior high, senior high and an adult transition program that serves more than 200 students.
But “on or about the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year,” district officials have decided Hope’s students will relocate two miles down the street to receive their education at the previously vacated Orangeview Junior High School campus. The junior high was combined with Western High on that campus at the start of the school year.
The board approved the relocation in 2023; the district has been facing long-term financial challenges and declining enrollment.
Trustees intend for the repurposing of the Hope School site to “generate revenue for the district.” Education code allows for districts to enter into joint occupancy agreements with public or private partners.
Some potential redevelopment concepts district staff have evaluated for the 18-acre property include “employee housing, market rate housing, health care facilities, career technical education opportunities and magnet program uses,” according to the resolution the board unanimously approved on Jan. 15.
But the board is eyeing particularly “employee housing, and revenue-generating health care facilities that provide students with career technical education opportunities,” officials said.
“AUHSD is excited about the opportunities this space can provide for students across the district,” Board President Jessica Guerrero said.
“We are committed to being creative and intentional as we explore options that may include connecting students to career technical education opportunities, supporting our staff through potential workforce housing, and other innovative uses,” she said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to the possibilities ahead!”
A future date for when the board might consider any proposals that are received for a joint occupancy agreement has not been set.
Founded in 1898, the Anaheim Union High School District spans 21 campuses to serve approximately 31,000 students.