Work underway on the new $173M Newark University High School
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority is funding the project, which will include a 198,000-square-foot building serving more than 1,000 students.
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Local officials announced plans Wednesday for a new Newark University High School, a $173 million facility in the city's South Ward.
The school will be built on a lot at the corner of Dewey Street and Hawthorne Avenue. The New Jersey Schools Development Authority is funding the project, which will include a 198,000-square-foot building serving more than 1,000 students.
Site clearing, including removal of pavement and remaining foundation, comes first and is underway. Construction could begin as early as next fall.
"This is the first step of the journey to opening a new high school, facilities that will have educational spaces and resources to help students become college and career ready in the years ahead," SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva said.
Students from the current Newark University High School will move into the new building once it is finished. The work underway right now does not include demolishing the old building.
Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León says it’s the work of years of effort between the district, the state, the city, county officials and community groups.
"I was principal of this high school in 2006 when the new school was supposed to be built. So to see it being realized 20 years later as superintendent of schools, well, it's been a long time coming," León said.
The school is set to open in the fall of 2029.
