For the first time, hundreds of students and parents walked through the doors of Champion Local Schools new building.

The grand opening was held Friday for the $31.3 million complex, which will house pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students. 

Students will fill the seats in the classrooms designed around a common space. This common space is called an extended learning area where teachers can work together with multiple classrooms.

"Students with special needs can work together with teachers out here and small group activities," said Alexandra Nannicola, the elementary school principal.

Throughout the classrooms, there are high-tech whiteboards, computers, and personalized spaces. 

In the first grade area, there's even a stage where students can do presentations or small plays. 

Overall, it's a place parents say they feel excited to send their kids to learn for the next several years to come. 

"There is a lot of state-of-the-art media and technology available and it's very bright and open," said Megan Kelly of Champion. "I think it's a wonderful environment for learning."

The complex is replacing two schools including Central Elementary, built in 1915, and Champion Middle School, built in 1965.