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Sage Canyon Middle School eighth grader Charlie Rowland cuts the ribbon during a celebratory opening event at the campus in Eagle Mountain on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

Courtesy Alpine School District

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The outside of Sage Canyon Middle School in Eagle Mountain is pictured Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Sage Canyon Middle School Principal Brian Jolley speaks to a crowd during the ribbon-cutting celebration at the campus in Eagle Mountain on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

Courtesy Alpine School District

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Community members file into Sage Canyon Middle School in Eagle Mountain during a celebratory opening event at the campus Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

Courtesy Alpine School District

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Community members gather at Sage Canyon Middle School in Eagle Mountain for a celebratory opening event at the campus Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.

Courtesy Alpine School District

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When students head back to class on Wednesday, it won’t just be the start of a new school year, for some kids in Eagle Mountain — it also means a brand new school.

After more than a year of construction, plus an inclusive name and logo selection process, Sage Canyon Middle School is ready to welcome its inaugural class of students for the 2025-26 school year.

School leaders, teachers, members of the community and the Alpine School District Board of Education ceremoniously celebrated the official opening of Sage Canyon on Thursday evening.

Dozens assembled for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour inside the new facility.

Principal Brian Jolley told the hundreds who gathered for the celebratory occasion that Sage Canyon aims to be a place where students not only learn, but also grow.

“We are committed to each student, everyday, and helping them become better people than they were the day before,” he said.

Thursday’s ceremony was exceptionally momentous for one incoming eighth grader at Sage Canyon. Jolley said Charlie Rowland was very invested in the construction process of the new school, asking for updates and photos along the way.

So Rowland was selected to do the honors of cutting the ribbon.

“It makes me really happy to cut the ribbon because I already love Sage Canyon,” he said. “I always asked Mr. Jolley for photos. Now I get to go here.”

In response to Rowland’s enthusiasm, Jolley added “he represents every single one of these students that are here and every single one of the students that will be walking through these doors.”

In Eagle Mountain, where consistent population growth is top of mind for city leaders and elected officials, Sage Canyon — now the city’s second junior high school — is poised to alleviate overcrowding at Frontier Middle School and Cedar Valley High School, which had been home to ninth graders.

The new middle school is expected to serve roughly 1,550 students, ranging from grades seventh through ninth, according to the Alpine School District.

Sage Canyon is also one of only four middle schools in the western part of the current Alpine School District. In 2027, cities in northwest Utah County, including Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort and Fairfield will have their own school district, tentatively called the Lake Mountain School District.

“We live in a community marked by growth. Growth in numbers, yes but also in ambition, vision, and care,” Alpine Board President Julie King said in a statement. “This school will stand as a visible lasting commitment to you, our students, and to every student who will walk these halls in the years to come.”

Sage Canyon Middle School is located at 1300 E. Harmony Way, near the intersection of Highway 73 and Old Airport Road.