After years of planning and community input, the new Central Middle School campus is now visibly taking shape, and construction crews are working steadily to meet the scheduled opening in fall 2026.
The project is a two-phase, 21-acre campus build. Phase One, under way now, includes construction of the new school building. The current CMS building remains in use for students and staff, who are in their final year there.
In late 2021, Greenwich Public Schools commissioned an assessment of the existing Central Middle School’s condition, examining architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. That report confirmed the building no longer met current Connecticut building codes.
In mid-2023, the project won Municipal Improvement status from the Planning & Zoning Commission — a necessary step to secure funding and move forward with site plan approvals.
The project carries a price tag of approximately $112 million. State reimbursement is expected to cover about 20% of that total, significantly more than earlier estimates.
Educational specifications for the new facility, developed in collaboration with school staff, families, and civic leaders, call for modern learning spaces, enhanced safety, and sustainability features.
According to the September 2025 construction bulletin:
August saw completion of foundation systems, erection of structural steel, upper-level exterior framing, and beginnings of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work. The roofing system was started, and slabs (slab-on-deck and slab-on-grade) were placed at upper levels.
Underground plumbing/sewage work is progressing, particularly along Indian Rock Lane.
Looking ahead:
Work will continue through Saturdays in September and October, as builders finalize decking and structural detailing.
Much of the focus will be on installing the roof systems, exterior envelope framing, and rough-in of upper-level MEP hangers.
Additional concrete slab placement and installation of stormwater and utility systems outdoors are also planned.
What the New School Will Offer Once completed, the new Central Middle School building will be a two-story structure of about 125,000 gross square feet, designed to serve approximately 660 students in grades 6-8. The design includes:
Flexible learning environments with academic pods and specialty classrooms.
Large shared spaces—auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium—that support both school and community events.
Safe, separate drop-off areas for buses and cars, improved parking facilities, and better site circulation.
Community and Oversight
The CMS Building Committee, established in July 2022, includes representatives from the Board of Education, the town’s planning, zoning, and facilities departments, and Greenwich Public Schools administration. Chair Joe Rossetti has emphasized keeping the project on budget and aligned with community expectations. First Selectman Fred Camillo, state representatives, and members of the town’s House delegation have played active roles in securing funding and regulatory support.
Transparency has been a priority. Monthly updates are published by the Building Committee, community forums have been held, and construction notices (such as weekend work and potential disruptions) are being distributed to neighboring areas.
What to Expect
The new school is expected to be ready for occupancy by summer 2026, with demolition of the old building to follow and athletic fields rebuilt on that area.
School operations in the old building will continue until the new one receives its final certificate of occupancy.
Safety measures, especially around traffic flow and pedestrian access, are being integrated into the design to reduce risk during construction.
