The Grand Opening of Capitol Middle School was celebrated August 12th, 2004.  “This new school would not be here if not for the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish,” said Mrs. Katie Blunschi, Principal of Capitol Middle.  “It is not only our school, but everyone’s.  We want this facility to become the cornerstone of this area.” 

Capitol Middle is a 112,500 square foot facility with a student capacity of 850, grades 6-8.  It has 47 classrooms, a media center, 2-D and 3-D multipurpose visual arts classroom, gymnasium with 1,000 seat capacity and movable bleachers, TV broadcasting lab, football/soccer and baseball/softball athletic fields, exceptional student services, and band and choral classrooms.  The school is located on 20 acres at 5100 Greenwell Springs Road near North Foster Drive. 

The Grand Opening ceremony was emceed by Mrs. Blunschi who began the program by welcoming visitors and staff to the new school. 

Pastor Jeffrey Phillips of World Shakers Church International gave the opening blessing.  The Presentation of Colors was by the Capitol High School JROTC, Colonel Lawrence Hurst, Senior Army Instructor.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Xavier Collins, Capitol Middle School 7th grader.  Shaunte' Frazier, a Southern University Freshman and Capitol Middle Alum sang the National Anthem.  A Spirit Cheer was led by the Capitol Middle School Cougar Cheerleaders.  

Speakers during the program included Mrs. Charlotte Placide, Interim Superintendent, Mr. Roger Moser, School Board President, Mr. Herman Brister, Asst. Superintendent Area II, and Ms. Angela Lee, Special Asst. to the Superintendent.  Ronald Whicker, a Capitol Middle School 8th grader, gave a student's perspective to the opening of the new school which culminated with a ribbon-cutting in the school's atrium. 

A short reception in the school's cafeteria followed the program.  Refreshments were provided by Neighbors Federal Credit Union and Pepsi.

With a budget of nearly $13 million, Capitol Middle is the fourth of four new schools built since 1998 with funds generated from the collection of the voter approved, one-cent sales tax dedicated to improving public education in East Baton Rouge Parish.