Eighth-graders at Lincoln Middle School started the school year in nine new classrooms, an Innovation Lab and covered outdoor learning areas after the school's Legacy Building reopened following a full renovation.

The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Sept. 10, at the campus at 1501 California Ave.

The renovation added nine math, science and general education classrooms, a new Innovation Lab for STEM and project-based learning, and covered outdoor spaces. The building also features improved natural light, updated interiors and flexible learning areas. The district describes it as an eighth-grade hub.

"This building has been an important part of Lincoln for many years, and now it has been transformed into a modern learning environment for a new generation of students," Principal Dr. Jose Cuevas said in a statement reported by the Santa Monica Lookout.

Cuevas said the physical upgrades matter less than what students will do inside: learning, collaborating, creating and discovering new interests.

Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton said the project shows what happens when the community invests in its schools, according to the Lookout. He added that the building is only part of the equation and that teachers, staff, families and students will bring the spaces to life.

The Lincoln project is part of a broader Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) modernization effort that also includes work at Grant, McKinley, Roosevelt and Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica Next reported.

Santa Monica voters approved Bond Measure QS and Malibu voters approved Bond Measure MM in 2024. Those general obligation bonds fund capital facility improvements across the district, according to a back-to-school letter from Shelton. No project-specific dollar figure for the Lincoln renovation has been released.

More changes are coming to Lincoln. A new Child Development Center (CDC) playground of about 5,000 square feet is planned for this fall, with expanded green space, a modern play structure, walking paths and new trees, according to a district facilities update.

Improvements to the Main Building, including replacement windows, updated flooring and redesigned hallways, are scheduled to begin in summer 2027.