Frontier High School students walked into a transformed reality this fall as the school debuted a state-of-the-art technology wing, completing a years-long modernization project that educators say places the district at the forefront of career and technical education in Western New York.
The newly renovated wing replaces facilities and equipment that had remained largely untouched since the building's original construction. Designed to mimic modern college campuses and high-tech industrial workspaces, the open-concept facility features vastly expanded square footage, advanced robotics areas, computer labs, and a fully upgraded woodshop. A brand-new metal shop is also scheduled to open next year.
"Most students when they first came in from last year to this year were either silent or 'whoa,'" said George Ouimet, a technology teacher at Frontier. "This looks like something out of a brand-new college campus or an Avengers movie with how high tech it is now compared to what it used to be."
The capital project, which was initially approved by district voters, finalized its design stage two years ago. The resulting space provides hands-on opportunities that teachers say are increasingly rare in standard high school settings.
Among the high-end upgrades are industry-grade 3D printers and laser cutters that operate exponentially faster than the school's previous equipment. According to Ouimet, projects that used to take days to print are now finished in a matter of hours, allowing students to prototype and execute complex designs in a single day.
For senior Brooklyn Cross, the team captain of the school’s robotics team, the facility upgrade has completely reshaped how students collaborate.
"Having more advanced equipment allows me to really be creative with my projects, both personal projects and group projects," Cross said, noting that the open layout allows seamless movement between computer-aided design (CAD) stations and fabrication areas. "Once I graduate, I feel like I do have a step up compared to other kids, being able to have actual experience using a lot of these different machines and equipment."
The technology wing supports a broad array of standard courses, including engineering, woodworking, and home repair, alongside competitive extracurricular programs like the robotics team and a NASA Hunch club, where students build projects for NASA and gain internship experience.
District educators emphasize that the space prepares students for the future workforce in ways that emerging technologies cannot mimic.
"AI is an interesting topic because it can't be original, and that's what we're doing here, we're training students to come up with original, creative thought," Ouimet said.
Beyond high-tech engineering, the curriculum places a heavy emphasis on practical life skills and trade readiness. Technology education teacher Ryan Schwarzott, a 1999 Frontier graduate, shapes his classes around real-world applications. This semester, his construction students learned how to repair window screens themselves, calculating a self-repair cost of $3.48 compared to a local retail starting price of $41. Students are also trained to fill out work orders and invoices to simulate professional trade employment.
Schwarzott noted that the machinery chosen for the wing balances user-friendly educational tools with specialized, high-end pieces such as miter saws, planers, and a newly received CNC machine that students will encounter directly in cabinet shops and manufacturing businesses.
The modernization has sparked an unprecedented surge in student engagement, leaving the program with a growing waitlist. The department operates at maximum capacity, with students filling the wing every single period of the day, even during teachers' traditional free periods.
The advanced exposure gives graduating seniors an undeniable advantage over peers from surrounding districts.
"Once I graduate, I feel like I have an advantage compared to other kids," Cross emphasized, reflecting on how her technical training sets her up for the next step. "Being familiar with using this equipment is definitely a step up."
For seniors like Josh Schmitz , who hopes to major in mechanical engineering technology and eventually work for NASA, the wing represents both a comfort zone and a significant advantage heading into higher education.
"It's a huge advantage because it's like you're a step ahead," Schmitz said, noting that the wing functions as a focus area free of major distractions. "You walk into a whole another dimension when you come into this area of the school. With all the very expensive equipment, that is a huge advantage and privilege to have to use."
Watch our story here: 🎥 Frontier High School Debuts State-of-the-Art Technology Wing
Go on a tour with Technology Teacher George Ouimet: 🎥 Technology Wing Tour