Henry County Schools Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art STEM High School to Open in Fall 2027

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 22, marking the early stages of construction on the district’s new STEM high school on South Lee Street in Stockbridge.

The $73 million, 171,855-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will open in fall 2027, beginning with a cohort of ninth- and 10th-grade students as it builds to a capacity of 900 students from across Henry County.

The school will offer advanced coursework allowing students to specialize in one of three tracks, Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnology, or Sustainability and Green Energy.

Local dignitaries, including Henry County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joseph Henning, Henry County Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell, Stockbridge Mayor Anthony Ford, Southern Crescent Technical College President Dr. Irvin Clark, Gordon State College President Dr. Donald Green, Piedmont Henry Hospital CEO David Kent, and representatives from architecture firm PBK and general contractor MEJA Construction Inc. joined HCS Superintendent Dr. John Pace III and the Henry County Board of Education in celebrating the milestone initiative.

Board of Education Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4), Board Vice Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2), board members Dr. Pam Nutt (Dist. 1), Jennifer Carter (Dist. 3), and Makenzie McDaniel (Dist. 5), and other district leaders and staff also attended the ceremony.

“This is a historic moment for Henry County Schools,” Dr. Pace said. “This STEM high school is one of the greatest examples of our progress and promise as a district. It represents the culmination of years of commitment and investment by our award-winning Board of Education. The groundwork that set the stage for today’s groundbreaking is based on the input of our families and community. The curriculum was carefully selected to align with regional and global workforce demands, ensuring our students have access to cutting-edge learning experiences that will open doors to high-impact careers, prepare them for the future, and uniquely position the district as a model for the future of public education.”

The prospect of an advanced science, technology, engineering, and math school materialized five years ago through community conversations that helped to inform the district’s 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan.

The board has invested more than $3.85 million under the current Community-Inspired Strategic Plan to K-12 resources and initiatives, including STEM labs in all elementary schools, robotics and science equipment, engineering lab upgrades, math manipulatives and graphing calculators, and targeted professional learning.

In August 2024, the board approved the $73 million in E-SPLOST VI funds to support the construction of the STEM high school, signaling its commitment to positioning HCS as a leader in providing STEM educational opportunities in the region.

“Today, as we break ground on this state-of-the-art STEM school, we celebrate a bold vision brought to life – a vision rooted in our district’s Community-Inspired Strategic plan to transform education through opportunities, access, outcomes, and, of course, innovation,” said Chief Learning and Performance Officer Dr. Cleveland Johnson III. “From expanding hands-on learning programs to strengthening industry partnerships, we have laid a strong foundation to ensure our students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Today, we take the next step in that journey.”

The green-certified facility will feature technology-integrated classrooms with advanced computing, 3D printing, and digital collaboration tools; cutting-edge laboratories equipped with robotics tools, solar panels, windmills, jet engine models, and wind tunnels; and collaborative learning areas that include innovation hubs and makerspaces with interactive screens and whiteboards.

“A project like this is possible when a school district has a dream and a vision,” said PBK Architects Senior Principal V. Smith. “The district should also be proud that some of its graduates played key roles in creating and developing the computer models and images you see here today. I thank Dr. Pace and the board for the opportunity to play a part in designing a facility like this.”

All facets of the school’s design are the result of extensive research, including visits to other STEM schools across the region and nurturing strategic community partnerships.

HCS collaborated with community members and organizations to establish an advisory committee that included students, parents, teachers, principals, and representatives from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Federal Aviation Administration, the City of Stockbridge, Henry County Development Authority, and more.

The school’s three specialized pathways were carefully selected to align with regional and global workforce trends, ensuring HCS students benefit from progressive learning experiences that will pave the way to rewarding careers. Rising ninth- and 10th-graders for the 2027-2028 school year and subsequent classes will be invited to participate in an application and lottery process to be selected for admission.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks more than the construction of a building,” said HCS Director of STEM Innovative Practice Dr. Rabieh J. Hafza, recently named a Top 10 STEM Director in Education Nationwide. “It signifies the building of futures. This STEM school represents years of commitment to providing our K-12 students with cutting-edge resources, including significant investments in science, robotics, and computer science, offering key opportunities in STEM fields. We will focus on challenging, inspiring, and preparing students to be innovative leaders in STEM and beyond, equipped with critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. This is a celebration of a bold vision that will shape a brighter future for our students and our community.”

The forthcoming STEM high school is a response to the community’s dreams, hopes, and aspirations and to the district’s mission to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.

“This moment takes me back to the vivid conversations in various forums across our county in 2019,” Pope said. “We heard from over 8,000 community members desiring more STEM opportunities for our children. Our elementary schools are now equipped with state-of-the-art STEM labs where kids can access hands-on learning experiences that will set the groundwork to make the STEM high school successful. We are grateful for all the STEM educators in our district, and we also thank our community for believing in the power of public education and how it can change every child’s life.”

“Henry County Schools is committed to academic excellence and innovation, ensuring every student receives a world-class education. By focusing on STEM learning and hands-on experiences, the district strives to prepare students for success in an evolving global economy,” added Edwards. “This STEM high school is vital for fulfilling our pledge to provide the highest quality education for our students.”

The site of the STEM High School at 109 South Lee St. in Stockbridge was previously home to Stockbridge High School until the mid-1990s before serving as the district’s alternative high school, Patrick Henry High, until 2015.