The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics began in 1981 as the nation’s first public residential high school for science, technology, engineering and math and has grown to be a global leader in STEM education. Its motto, “accept the greater challenge,” has guided a diverse team of educators, designers and collaborators in the next phase of the school’s mission in the state. With a mandate from the North Carolina legislature, the school is expanding to Morganton with the first new campus in the University of North Carolina system since 1946 to serve 300 residential students.

An “Academic Street” follows the length of a ridge on the site to organize activity and movement across the campus. New and historic buildings are aligned to preserve views and shape outdoor spaces. Formerly part of the North Carolina School for the Deaf, the renovation of four existing structures and two new buildings, including a student commons and residence hall, will help define new courtyards and quads with room to relax and rich environments for learning. The development of environmental science studies and partnerships with regional businesses, advanced manufacturers, and neighboring academic institutions will further expand offerings at the school.

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