District selects names tied to history, geography and innovation as campuses planned in Folsom Ranch and Rancho Cordova
FOLSOM — The Folsom Cordova Unified School District has approved the names of four future schools that will expand the district over the coming years, anchoring new campuses in both Folsom Ranch and Rancho Cordova.
The Board of Education approved the names during recent board meetings after reviewing staff recommendations outlining the reasoning behind each selection. District staff presented detailed rationales citing regional significance, local history and the educational missions of the planned schools. Trustees were also informed that projected opening timelines are estimates and remain subject to development progress and funding availability.
Three of the future schools will serve the Folsom Ranch area, while one specialized high school is planned in Rancho Cordova.
Three Rivers Innovation Academy; The future high school planned for Rancho Cordova will be known as Three Rivers Innovation Academy, a name selected to reflect both regional identity and a forward-looking academic focus.
According to materials presented to the board, the name pays homage to the American River, Sacramento River and San Joaquin River, waterways that have long served as lifelines for Northern California communities and symbolize connection, growth and resilience. District staff said the name reflects the natural heritage of the region while aligning with the district’s vision for innovative education.
The inclusion of “Innovation Academy” emphasizes a commitment to creativity, problem-solving and adaptability, highlighting learning experiences designed to prepare students for higher education, careers and civic life. The campus is planned as a smaller, specialized high school offering innovative pathways, career exploration, career technical education and college-preparatory coursework.
Three Rivers Innovation Academy is currently projected to open in 2028, though district officials cautioned that timelines may change based on development and funding conditions.
Buffalo Creek High School; The first high school planned in the Folsom Ranch area will be named Buffalo Creek High School.
District officials noted that Buffalo Creek is an actual creek within the Folsom Ranch area, grounding the school’s name in local geography. The selection was intended to create a strong sense of place and identity while honoring the natural environment that defines the community.
Staff said the name ensures the school’s identity is both distinctive and meaningful, connecting students, families and staff to the heritage and landscape of the surrounding area.
Buffalo Creek High School is projected to open in 2029, subject to development and funding availability.
Prairie City Middle School; The future middle school planned for Folsom Ranch will be known as Prairie City Middle School, a name rooted in the area’s historical past.
Prairie City was a mid-19th century settlement established during the Gold Rush era. Although the original town no longer exists, its legacy remains an important part of Folsom’s regional history. District leaders said adopting the name preserves a meaningful connection to the community’s roots.
The name also provides students and families with a sense of identity tied to local history, while symbolizing growth, resilience and continuity as the Folsom Ranch area continues to develop.
Prairie City Middle School is projected to open in 2031, with the district reiterating that timelines are dependent on future development and funding.
Granite Springs Elementary School; Completing the list of newly named campuses is Granite Springs Elementary School, the next elementary school planned for the Folsom Ranch area.
The district’s rationale explained that the name reflects the natural landscape surrounding the campus. Granite outcroppings are a defining feature of the region, symbolizing strength, stability and endurance, while springs represent renewal, vitality and the sustaining power of nature.
District staff said the name captures both the enduring foundation of education and the opportunities for growth and learning the school will provide for future generations.
Granite Springs Elementary School is projected to open in 2028, subject to development progress and funding availability.
At Thursday’s meeting the district shared that the approved names help establish lasting identities for campuses that will serve thousands of students as development continues in Folsom Ranch and Rancho Cordova. While each school reflects a unique character, the naming decisions were guided by shared principles emphasizing regional significance, respect for history and preparation for the future.
The district emphasized that projected opening dates are provided for planning purposes and may change as projects advance.
Folsom, Cordova stadiums to take on new names
In addition to approving names for future schools, the Board of Education also approved formal name changes for athletic stadiums at two of the district’s high schools, aligning each facility more closely with school identity and tradition.
At Folsom High School, trustees approved renaming the campus stadium as Bulldog Stadium. When Folsom High School first opened, the stadium was shared with Vista del Lago High School athletic programs and was given the generalized name Prairie City Stadium to reflect its joint use. Now that Vista del Lago High School has its own stadium, district staff said it is appropriate for Folsom High School’s facility to carry a name that reflects its unique identity.
Renaming the facility Bulldog Stadium aligns directly with the school’s mascot and reinforces school pride, tradition and community spirit. District materials noted that the name creates a clear association between the stadium and the students, staff and families who call Folsom High School home, while honoring the school’s long-standing athletic excellence and culture.
The board also approved formalizing the name of the stadium at Cordova High School as Lancer Stadium. The approved name reflects Cordova High School’s mascot, the Lancer, and reinforces school pride, identity and tradition.
By aligning the stadium name with the school’s established symbol, district leaders said the designation strengthens community connections and provides a clear, recognizable identity for athletic competitions and school events.
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