BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP -- A new multimillion dollar school in Luzerne County has some heads turning. It features everything you'd expect in a classroom, like desks and lockers, and many things you would never even think of seeing in a school.
Bear Creek Community Charter School on Bear Creek Boulevard near Wilkes-Barre started out as a single hallway with less than 100 kids. Now the school has more than 450 students, and expanding the building was no longer an option.
So when students return from winter break, they'll walk into a new building down the road.
"There's terrazzo floors, there's a cushioned gym floor here."
The man in charge of the school's fundraising -- Jerry Grabowski -- was able to get enough donations to cover about half of the new school's $22 million price tag. The rest of the money came from a loan the school will pay back over 40 years.
"They have roughly 96 acres in the project. 26 acres are developed, so they have playgrounds. They have nature areas. They have nature trails going through the woods," said Grabowski.
The school also features a prominent common area with restored wooden floors, a loft-style ceiling with a sky dome and even a fireplace.
"The facility could be a way to encourage and excite students to come to school," said Bear Creek Charter School CEO Jim Smith. "If students are excited to come to school, they're in a better position to learn."
And outside the school is just as impressive. They have athletic fields, nature trails, and in the courtyard each class will be able to plant its own garden.
"The kids are going to be absolutely flabbergasted when they get off the bus!" said Joanna Colleran, a Bear Creek alumna.
That won't happen until after winter break, but kids are already looking forward to the move.
"It's just so amazing. It's just bigger!" said student Haley Miller.
Kids and parents will have the opportunity to check out the school at its grand opening on December 11 with classes starting in January.