Clayton High breaks ground on new school building

A groundbreaking on Feb. 19 marked the start of construction for a 278,000-square-foot Clayton High School, with foundations poured and community members in attendance; the main building is expected to be finished by December 2027 and the full campus by Fall 2028.

Construction has begun on a new Clayton High School following a Johnston County Board of Education groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 19. The first foundations have been poured and the event drew students, alumni, school leaders, county officials and commissioners. The planned 278,000-square-foot facility is designed for about 2,000 students in grades 9–12 and includes separate academic and arts/athletics wings. The design emphasizes modern, flexible learning spaces while preserving elements of the school's historic culture. Key details: - Groundbreaking took place Feb. 19 and the first foundations have been poured. - The new facility will be roughly 278,000 square feet and accommodate about 2,000 students (grades 9–12). - Building features include a three-story academic wing, a two-story arts and athletics wing, 99 teaching spaces, 19 Career and Technical Education labs, 13 science labs, a 762-seat auditorium, and multiple gyms and athletic fields. - Officials expect the main building to be completed by December 2027, with the full campus slated for completion in Fall 2028. - Clayton High was established in 1901; the school’s first graduating class was in 1904 and the campus has buildings dating to 1955. Summary: Community leaders and school officials framed the rebuild as an investment in students and the town’s shared history. Construction is underway with foundations poured, and work will continue toward the stated completion dates of December 2027 for the main building and Fall 2028 for the entire campus.