March 13, 2025

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Announces New Second Ward High School

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News Summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has unveiled plans for a new Second Ward High School, set to focus on medical and technology education. This innovative magnet school will be built on the historic site of the original Second Ward High School, which served Black students until its closure in 1969. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with the school expected to open in August 2028. This initiative is part of a $2.5 billion bond package aimed at improving educational facilities in the community.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Unveils Plans for New Second Ward High School

In an exciting development for the Uptown Charlotte community, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district has revealed details about the highly anticipated new Second Ward High School. This innovative magnet school is set to feature specialized classrooms focused on a health curriculum, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.

A Historic Site Revitalized

The new Second Ward High School will rise on the site of the old Metro School, an area steeped in history. This location holds significant meaning for many, as the original Second Ward High School opened its doors in 1923 as Charlotte’s first and only high school for Black students. Historically surrounded by resources that supported the Black community in the vibrant neighborhood known as Brooklyn, Second Ward High became a cornerstone of educational opportunity before it was shuttered in 1969 amid controversial urban renewal projects that displaced thousands of African American residents.

Today, only the Boston gymnasium remains of the original school, a stark reminder of both the community’s rich legacy and the challenges it faced during a tumultuous period of redevelopment.

Construction Timeline and Future Prospects

Plans for the new school are ambitious, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. However, preliminary efforts are already underway, as site clearing and geotechnical testing are essential precursors to the construction phase. The demolition of the old Metro School is nearing completion, with preparations for site development actively in progress.

Upon its expected opening in August 2028, the new campus will hold the address of 700 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and will specialize in medical and technology education. This focus aligns with the modern workforce’s increasing demand for health-related careers and aims to provide students with comprehensive training and opportunities. The new Second Ward High School will also inherit valuable educational programs from the existing Hawthorne Academy, ensuring continuity and a legacy of academic excellence.

A Part of a Greater Initiative

The initiative to construct the new Second Ward High School is part of a monumental $2.5 billion bond package approved by voters in 2023. Additionally, an update meeting regarding the project is scheduled for February 27 at 6 p.m. at the multipurpose room of Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences. This meeting will provide community members and stakeholders with the latest developments and insights into the project.

Celebrating a Century of Legacy

Remarkably, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the original Second Ward High School. The milestone will be celebrated with a festive event at the Second Ward High School Gym, which will include food, a DJ, history exhibits, class recognitions, and a craft zone for kids. Alumni from the original school hold it as a significant symbol of resilience and community, reflecting on its historical importance during a time of segregation.

The project is being managed by Rodgers Builders, Inc., in partnership with Walter B. Davis Company, while the architectural expertise comes from LS3P Associates, bringing together talented professionals to create a state-of-the-art educational facility.

As site clearing nears completion, with expectations for the old Morgan building on the Metro School campus to be fully cleared by spring 2025, the excitement continues to build within the community. The design documents for the new Second Ward High have already been submitted for review, marking another key step forward in the realization of this important educational institution.

Looking to the Future

With the Second Ward High School poised to reopen its doors in just a few years, there is hope and anticipation about the transformative impact it will have on the community and its students. This new chapter aims to honor the triumphs and challenges of the past while paving a path towards a brighter future for education in Charlotte.