Ribbon cutting Tuesday for Belmont-Cragin Elementary and Early Childhood Center

CHICAGO (CBS)-- Chicago Public Schools is celebrating a new school on the Northwest Side. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS leaders formally cut the ribbon Tuesday morning on the new Belmont-Cragin Elementary School and Early Childhood Center at 6112 W. Fullerton Ave.

The school has a new 83,000 square foot facility with 32 new modern classrooms with scenic views of Riis Park. Students will have access to a fine arts curriculum, along with a black box theater, a music room, library, and an art room.

City leaders said the $44 million school is a critical investment in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.

The dual language curriculum offered at Belmont-Cragin Elementary will allow students to become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.

"I fully believe in the power of our school's mission to help each student reach their full potential by focusing on biliteracy, academic rigor, and community partnership," said Belmont-Cragin principal Jorge Melnar.

Staff and students began classes at the new school right after Thanksgiving break. City and school leaders gave the school a warm welcome to the community on Tuesday.

Lightfoot, Melnar, and CPS Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez cut the ribbon for the new building.

Before the new Belmont-Cragin Elementary was built, its students were separated between two schools that CPS leaders say were overcrowded and outdated.

"Since 2013, this community has been advocating for a new school building that would hold space to bring all of the students together in one place, not fragmented in multiple different buildings, and guess what folks? Today, you got it done," Lightfoot said.

The existing Riis Park fieldhouse next door also has been renovated as part of the project.

Teachers said a facility and investment like this in Belmont-Cragin is a dream come true for them.

For now, the new elementary school will serve 500 students, with plenty of room to grow.