Crown Point Junior Music Academy remodeling nears completion

After more than two years of on-site construction, demolition, pouring concrete, pounding nails and applying paint, the remodel of Crown Point Junior Music Academy is almost finished.

The entire Pacific Beach campus at 4033 Ingraham Street, with the exception of the school library and covered outdoor eating area, is new.

“After (two) years of renovation, remodeling and construction it feels glorious to be starting a new school year with everything on campus new and upgraded,” said Principal Sakeenah Smith. “The only renovation detail left is the November completion of installing solar panels in our parking lot.”

The $25.5 million renovation has made the campus much more spacious. This is in part due to the construction of a 3,133-square-foot kindergarten building that replaced an outdated portable structure. The campus’ five other existing buildings, totaling 37,722 square feet, were also improved, according to a May 2023 press release by the construction company Swinerton when the project’s groundbreaking was held.

At the south edge of the campus, fronting Fortuna Street, is the new kindergarten wing of four classrooms: two assigned for universal transitional kindergarten and two kindergarten classrooms. Each has its own set of restrooms.

“The kindergarten wing has (its) own uniquely designed playground tailored for our 4- and 5-year-old students,” said Lindsay Phillips, communications chair for Friends of CPJMA, during a recent tour.

Phillips also pointed out the main office’s new location.

“The main office previously faced Ingraham Street and now it faces PB Drive,” Phillips said. “Our main office houses a beautiful reception area, the nurse’s and principal’s offices.”

Along Ingraham Street is the new wing of first through fifth grade classrooms. In addition there are new specialty areas. These include a violin classroom, a large “maker space” classroom and a classroom for additional music instruction.

Being a music academy, CPJMA needs lots of practice, rehearsal and performance space. The new auditorium is completely outfitted with state-of-the-art staging, lighting and sound systems.

“Our parent and community performances will be presented in a modern venue,” Smith said. “Our students are excited to soon perform in this new space.”

The school’s larger main playground area has three new playground structures, providing opportunities for traditional hop scotch and ball wall games as well as newer popular sports such as pickleball.

New student and staff restrooms have been added as well as a vestibule — a space for private work areas for visiting staff such as a speech and occupational therapists, along with parent conferences.

Funded by the voter-approved $3.5 billion bond measure YY in 2016 for San Diego Unified campuses, along with the $3.2 billion bond measure U in 2022, Crown Point Junior Music Academy is one of three elementary schools in the Mission Bay Cluster completing renovations and remodeling this school year.

The other campuses are Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School and Pacific Beach Elementary School. They are scheduled to have their renovations completed in early 2026.

While the campus’ new look is getting praised, school representatives pointed out that it is the staff and community that makes Crown Point successful.

“We refer to CPJMA as our secret jewel box, although I think the secret is out,” said Kelly Gemelli, Friends of CPJMA president.

“Our school has such a strong sense of community and I love the focus on music education,” Phillips said. “The teachers are absolute gems. Truly the best.”

In 2008 the campus opened its music academy focused on the Suzuki violin. That music program now has a spacious new classroom dedicated to violin instruction.

This year, 171 students are enrolled in the violin program, spread among 11 classes that meet twice a week. For an extra challenge, students also have the opportunity to join advanced ensembles, said teacher Michael Taggart.

Taggart, with 25 plus years teaching music, is in his second year at Crown Point. When asked what the best part of his job was he said, ”The CPJMA staff is phenomenal, which lets me focus on delivering high-quality music education. Best of all, I get to teach students over multiple years — watching squeaky first notes grow into confident, musical voices is pure magic.”

The appreciation also extends to its former students.

Crown Point alumna Imani Cosby, now a senior at University City High School, returned this summer to design and paint a mural on an interior hallway space as the school’s renovation came to a close. Her mural highlights the school’s award winning violin program and school motto, “Crown Point Junior Music Academy — where music opens minds”.

“Drawing and painting relaxes me, it allows me to pour out my emotions, both positive or negative,” Cosby said when talking about her mural.