The long-awaited Aquatics Learning Center has now reached “substantial completion."

BOERNE, TX - Boerne ISD is proud to announce that the long-awaited Aquatics Learning Center project has now reached its “substantial completion” certification.

Superintendent Kristin Craft, Ed.D., shared that the project is a dream come true for our students and the community. “We are so excited to have our very own aquatic learning center. This will serve as a dynamic learning environment for our students, and will allow our dedicated athletes the ability to practice and compete on their home turf,” Craft shared.

Champion High School’s boys and girls water polo teams qualified for state this year. When told that the ALC would be open for practices as early as mid-December, students were delighted. Athletic Director Stan Leech stated, “The Aquatics Learning Center creates an important space for our student-athletes and our entire community. We’re grateful to our community for approving this project back in 2022, and we can’t wait to get our students accustomed to this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility.”

Coaches from both High Schools are thrilled by the facility, too. Boerne HS Swim Coach Brandon Cheves shared, “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to use the brand new Boerne ISD Aquatic Center. This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility provides our students with an outstanding environment to train, grow, and compete. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach and inspire the next generation of BISD athletes in a space that reflects the pride, excellence, and commitment of our district. This facility represents an important step forward in supporting student growth in aquatic sports and in expanding future program opportunities for BISD students.”

Champion’s Assistant Head Water Polo Coach Mike Gillette shared, “The addition of the BISD Aquatics Center is a reflection of the sustained excellence of our Aquatics programs. Every year our kids have earned scholarships to multiple collegiate programs including top Division I programs. Our kids are excited to be able to train in a state-of-the-art facility.”

The Aquatics Learning Center is dark sky compliant and was strategically built in a grove of existing trees. The pool is a Myrtha Competition pool, which is the highest internal aquatic standard. Myrtha pools are designed to reduce currents and turbulence, enhance speed, and increase speed and performance. The pool has integrated heating systems to maintain optimal swimming conditions, an advanced filtration system to ensure turnover rates and water quality, and automated chemical management to ensure water quality. A built-in monitoring system provides real time data on pool conditions.

The pool measures 25 yards by 25 meters, and has depths from 4 feet to 16 feet. It is ADA compliant and equipped for competition swimming, diving, and water polo. The design also includes a teaching area. The ALC has two outdoor rinse stations, boys and girls locker rooms and visitor restrooms, and office space. In accordance with UIL safety regulations, there will be a lifeguard on duty when the pool is in use by students.

Not only will the facility be the new practice and competition home for Boerne High School and Champion High School’s swimming and water polo teams, but other athletic teams will be able to reserve the pool at available times for workouts and cross-training. In addition, beginning in the 2026–27 school year, high school students will have the option to enroll in a new Outdoor Life Physical Education course focused on lifelong fitness and outdoor recreation. The fall semester will center on aquatics, with students learning water safety, refining swimming techniques, and participating in activities like water polo. In the spring, the class will transition to land-based skills, offering hands-on experiences in hiking, orienteering, and basic camping that build leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Board President Kristi Schmidt commented, “Community support of Bond 2022 has led to so many amazing upgrades, remodels of existing structures, and additions like this one. We wholeheartedly thank the community for helping us reach this goal. The new facility and courses help strengthen the district’s offerings and set students up for success. The Aquatics Learning Center’s opening shows that when we work together, great things happen.”

About Boerne ISD: Boerne ISD is one of only 31 districts in the state to achieve 6 straight A-ratings from the Texas Education Agency. Boerne ISD is a top-rated public school district serving more than 11,180 students across Kendall, Comal, and Bexar counties. With a reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs, and community involvement, Boerne ISD is committed to empowering all students to reach their full potential.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Maggie Dominguez, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Communications
Phone: 830-357-2170
Email: maggie.dominguez@boerneisd.net