Premier Kristina Keneally, Minister for the Central Coast Ian Macdonald, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast David Harris last week toured the new $20 million school.

Ms Keneally said the project had been delivered on time and on budget.

“This is an exciting time for families in the Kariong area,” Ms Keneally said.

Kariong Mountains High School will focus on science subjects and will offer specialist courses in horticulture, biotechnology, marine studies and zoology.

The new school, built under the second New Schools Public Private Partnerships Project, would open its doors to students from February 22.

“Kariong Mountains High is a very welcome addition to our area,” Mr Harris said.

The school features modern, open-plan learning spaces, the latest educational resources and facilities, a movement complex, library, assembly area, games courts and covered walkways.

Students will also have access to state-of-the-art science, food technology, art, industrial arts and performance units.

Mr Macdonald said the initial enrolment was expected to settle at about 130 year 7 students and 90 year 8 students, before growing to a total enrolment of more than 600 students.

“Another great feature of the curriculum will be a partnership with a local horticulture company, Ramm botanicals,” Mr Macdonald said.

“As the school expands to year 12, strong links and partnerships will be developed with other local industries, the University of Newcastle and Gosford TAFE.

“These type of partnerships will be of enormous benefit to the school in establishing its bioscience credentials, a special area of expertise identified for the school very early in its conception.”