North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Guilford County Schools and construction partners have kicked off work on three major elementary school projects, part of the district’s ongoing effort to replace aging facilities with modern, student-focused learning environments.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held last week for Allen Jay Elementary School in High Point, and earlier this week for Sternberger Elementary School, with both projects joining other district initiatives to expand and modernize classrooms, media and gym spaces, cafeterias and traffic flow for students, families and staff.
The new Allen Jay Elementary will be a 112,000-sq. ft. building designed to foster curiosity, collaboration and growth. Scheduled to open for the 2027–28 school year, the campus replaces the existing school following demolition and initial site work. Officials, students, families and community members attended the ceremony, including Guilford County Commissioners Vice Chair J. Carlvena Foster, Board Chair Melvin “Skip” Alston, District 6 Commissioner Brandon Gray Hill, and District 7 Commissioner Frankie T. Jones, Jr. Foster highlighted the significance of the project, saying it brings the “Allen Jay family home to their new school” after a period of transition.
The Allen Jay project is being delivered by a joint venture between James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Company and McFarland Construction U.S., with design by Moseley Architects.
Sternberger Elementary is also under construction, with T.A. Loving Company leading a joint venture with Walter B. Davis Company. The building is designed by Clark Nexsen, A JMT Company and KEi Architects, and will feature larger classrooms, expanded cafeteria space, updated media and gym facilities, and improved traffic flow. The campus is intended to honor the school’s legacy while providing a brighter, more adaptable learning environment for students.
Together, these projects reflect Guilford County Schools’ commitment to creating safe, modern, and innovative spaces that support student learning, community engagement and long-term growth across the district.