Greenville County Schools plans to replace Northwest Middle School in Travelers Rest.
Set to open in August 2027, the new school will be located on 29 acres off U.S. Highway 25 at the intersection of Belvue and Robertson roads. The project is expected to cost approximately $92.5 million to complete.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new school was held Oct. 24.
The existing Northwest Middle opened in 1973 and serves as the only public middle school in Travelers Rest. The facility was renovated in 1988 and 1990. The school has since become outdated and reached the end of its useful life, according to district officials.
Superintendent Burke Royster said the new Northwest Middle represents the district’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success. Approximately 1,000 students will be accommodated at the new middle school, an increase from the existing facility’s 800-student capacity.
“With the opening of this school, we are investing in the future of our students and community,” Royster said. “Our goal is to ensure that every student has access to the best educational resources and opportunities.”
Construction of the new Northwest Middle was included in the district’s 2024 Long Range Facilities Plan-Capital Improvement Program. GCS board of trustees recently approved the architect for the project, Jumper Carter Sease Architects, during its meeting on Oct. 22.
Royster explained the firm will begin working with the school and district on initial construction documents before moving into the multi-stage design process. The district will also select a construction management at-risk firm and a general contractor during this process.
“We know that we need to design spaces that are flexible, that can change with the time, and a building in the 1970s really doesn’t do that,” Royster said. “This gives us a chance to build with the future in mind.”
The district will also develop a new instructional program to go along with the new middle school. Daniel Greene, principal at Northwest Middle, said to be able to provide students with the latest facility and greatest technology will only accelerate the work the school’s teachers already do.
“I think this is the next best step for our community,” Greene said.
