Adults with disabilities enrolled in Canyons School District's Life Skills Academy will be able to pursue a high school diploma in the same building where they learn independent-living skills, starting in the 2027-28 school year.

The Canyons Board of Education approved the plan on Tuesday, July 7, housing both LSA and Entrada Adult High School at the former Bella Vista Elementary building, 2131 Fort Union Blvd. in Cottonwood Heights.

Dr. Tom Sherwood, Director of CSD High Schools, told the board the shared site will provide "cross over services" to adult students in both programs. The two programs will remain separate and distinct, he said, but the shared location gives LSA students direct access to Entrada's credit-bearing classes without traveling to a second campus.

LSA serves post-high school students with disabilities, ages 18 to 22, through vocational training and community integration. Entrada offers a flexible diploma path for students 16 and older who haven't earned a high school diploma or GED. Both programs currently operate at different sites in Sandy.

Why the move

LSA must leave its home at the former Crescent View Middle School, 11150 S. 300 East in Sandy, because the board approved selling that property to Sandy City for $17 million on Tuesday, March 3. A leaseback agreement lets LSA finish the 2026-27 school year there before relocating.

Entrada currently shares space with Diamond Ridge High School at 9798 S. Sunflower Lane in Sandy. Moving Entrada frees room for Diamond Ridge, Canyons' alternative high school, to expand on its own campus.

Transit access matters

Sherwood told the board the Bella Vista site is within walking distance of multiple community partners, including the Whitmore Library, and has a bus stop along Fort Union Boulevard.

LSA Principal Stacey Nofsinger emphasized the importance of transit access when the relocation was first discussed earlier this year. "The new location needs to be accessible, that needs to be at the top of the list," Nofsinger said at a prior board meeting. "We're preparing our students for independent living and having transportation to help them with pre-job readiness will help prepare them for life after school."

Community input

The board first discussed the Bella Vista proposal at its Tuesday, June 2 meeting. Parents and students at both programs were notified and given a chance to provide feedback before the July 7 vote.

Both programs will remain at their current locations for the 2026-27 school year. The move to Bella Vista takes effect in fall 2027.

The next Canyons Board of Education public meeting is a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Tuesday, August 4, at 6 p.m. at the Board Chambers, 9361 S. 300 East, Sandy.