GATES (www.GATESinc.com) has broken ground on the new G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School in Lehigh Acres.

The new school, with more than 122,244 square feet, will be identical to the prototype school Patriot Elementary which GATES built in 2007.

The school will house approximately 1,000 students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Campus features include a covered play area with restrooms, 1,013 square foot physical education facility, classrooms and administrative offices.

RS&H Architects & Engineers will handle architectural aspects of the project.