This was the challenge that architects faced when designing the new Prahran High School.

Their solution? A four-storey vertical school with a rooftop garden and running track, terrace balconies overflowing with greenery and an open atrium at the centre.

To the delight of local parents, plans for the sleek new school were released this week by the Victorian School Building Authority.

It follows a flurry of vertical school announcements by the Andrews government, with the lofty Richmond High School and South Melbourne Primary School opening next year.

Following a long-running community campaign, Prahran High will open its doors to Year 7s in January 2019.

The $25 million project will be built on Swinburne University's old Prahran campus on High Street, next to Melbourne Polytechnic and the National Institute of Circus Arts.

An artists impression of the new high school for Prahran Photo: supplied

Stephen Turner, a partner at architect firm Gray Puksand, said the school would have a sophisticated, "university-like appearance".

"We wanted it to be something that respects students and celebrates science and technology and art and community," he said.

"We want school to be a place where kids love to be, a second home."

Governments are increasingly investing in vertical schools as land values increase and inner-city space becomes sparse. It's hoped that the new school alleviates enrolment pressures in the area.

Education Minister James Merlino said the school would be a "great focal point" for families who will have out-of-hours access to some of its facilities.

"The innovative design and smart use of its four floors means this school is helping create a new model for urban education - the vertical school," he said.

Prahran State Greens MP Sam Hibbins said the community had been crying out for a school for a long time, and would be relieved to see the new designs.

"This will give them confidence," he said. "It's an exciting time for the community."

Aside from the select-entry Melbourne High, there is no state secondary school in the seat of Prahran, with some students forced to spend more than an hour on public transport to get to Hawthorn, Glen Eira, Elwood or Melbourne Girls' secondary schools.

"People either didn't have a choice, or were travelling far," Mr Hibbins said. "For some families, this was a real barrier."

School for Prahran convenor Justin Halliday is excited by the prospect of sending his daughter, who is now in Grade 3, to the new school.

He said his favourite feature was the atrium.

"It takes what could be quite a boxy building and makes it feel like it is open and has space."

The school will have a library and music and drama facilities.

Its level three gym is linked to a large outdoor area which includes a basketball court and running track. There will also be a rooftop recreation area with a canteen, trees and a garden.

The existing, six-storey Swinburne University building on the site will be demolished this month and construction will start later this year.

The state government was initially hoping the school would be co-located on a site with the Victorian College for the Deaf on St Kilda Road.

But Wesley College outbid the government, purchasing a modest-looking carpark earmarked for the new school for $19 million.