Neuse Charter School To Break Ground On New Elementary Building

SMITHFIELD — Neuse Charter School will break ground March 9 at 10 a.m. on a new elementary school building, marking a significant expansion for the public charter school that serves Johnston County and six surrounding counties.

The ceremony will take place on the school’s campus on M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway in Smithfield. School officials said the project represents a major investment in the school’s continued growth and long-term commitment to students and families.

The approximately 26,000-square-foot, two-story building is designed to serve about 600 students in grades 1 through 5. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027, allowing students to begin the 2027-28 academic year in the new facility.

The project is being developed in partnership with Stephenson General Contractors and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Superintendent Melissa Blackwell said the groundbreaking follows years of planning and effort.

“After years of hard work and overcoming obstacles, we are proud to take this next step toward creating a space where our youngest learners will grow, explore, and thrive,” Blackwell said. “This is the beginning of a new chapter for our public charter school community, one built on a shared vision, thoughtful planning, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to providing our students with what all public school students deserve.”

Founded in 2006, Neuse Charter School has experienced steady enrollment growth. School leaders say the new elementary building will help address increasing demand, reduce waitlists and provide a modern learning environment designed to support 21st-century instruction.