New middle school to take pressure off overcrowded classrooms

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- On this first day of school, some students are in the classroom while many others are still registering to get into their new school at Anthony Middle School in Cy-Fair ISD as it opened its doors for the first time.

Dr. David Anthony, the former superintendent for Cy-Fair ISD and the namesake for Anthony Middle School says, "The challenge is making sure the standards don't change even though the population growth occurs."

Anthony is alleviating overcrowding for other nearby middle schools filled to capacity. Right now, there are more than 1,200 students.

Principal Sherma Duck says Anthony can hold 1,570 students and she foresees even more growth, with several new developments under construction.

"We could be filled by the end of the school year at capacity."

This is the 18th middle school in Cy-Fair and voters just approved a billion dollar bond proposal to build six more schools.

Cy-Fair ISD isn't the only suburban school district dealing with strong growth right now. Katy ISD opened two new elementary schools and Klein ISD plans to open four new schools in the next four school years.