Rome City Schools is proud to announce the opening of the new Rome Middle School, marking one of the most significant milestones in the district's history and ushering in a new era of educational opportunities for students and families across the City of Rome. When students walk through the doors on Friday, July 31, they will enter more than a new school; they will enter a learning environment intentionally designed to support academic excellence, student safety, innovation, and future growth for generations to come. The journey to Rome Middle School began in January 2023, when the Rome City Commission approved the bonds necessary to construct the new facility. Supported by the Rome City Board of Education and funded through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) along with state capital outlay funds, the project reflects a shared investment in the future of Rome's children.
"As a city school district, we are incredibly grateful for the partnership of the Rome City Commission, the leadership of our Board of Education, and the continued support of our community," said Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland. "This school represents what is possible when a community comes together around one common purpose—providing our children with the very best educational opportunities."
A School Designed Around Student Success
The new Rome Middle School was thoughtfully designed to meet the unique academic, social, and developmental needs of middle school students. The campus features collaborative learning environments, modern instructional spaces, expanded fine arts and athletic opportunities, and technology-rich classrooms that will prepare students for success in high school, college, careers, and life. For the first time in Rome City Schools' history, students in grades 6 through 8 will learn together on a campus specifically designed for middle school learners while also creating additional classroom capacity across the district's elementary schools to accommodate future growth.
Advancing Our Commitment to Literacy
Literacy continues to be the foundation of Rome City Schools' instructional vision, and the new Rome Middle School reflects that commitment. At the heart of the school is a modern media center designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading. Featuring a spacious library with flexible seating, collaborative learning spaces, technology integration, and an extensive collection of books and digital resources, the media center will provide students with opportunities to read, research, collaborate, and explore new ideas in an engaging learning environment.
"Our goal is not simply to teach students how to read, but to help them develop a lifelong passion for reading and learning," Dr. Holland said. "Every space within this school was designed to support that vision."
Built with Student Safety in Mind
Safety has remained a top priority throughout the planning and construction of Rome Middle School. The campus incorporates multiple layers of security designed to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students and staff. These features include controlled visitor access, secure entry vestibules, advanced surveillance systems, weapons detection technology, enhanced emergency communication systems, and a FEMA-rated tornado safe room designed to protect students and staff during severe weather.
"Parents deserve to know that when they send their children to school each day, they are entering an environment where safety is always our highest priority," Dr. Holland said. "Every decision made throughout this project was guided by our commitment to protecting and supporting our students and employees."
A Community Effort
Although the new building is impressive, district leaders emphasize that its greatest strength is the people who have prepared for this historic opening. For nearly three years, teachers, administrators, district departments, architects, engineers, construction partners, and countless community members have worked together to prepare for the transition. During the past year alone, Rome City Schools coordinated districtwide planning to align curriculum, provide extensive professional learning for teachers, prepare transportation routes, install technology, strengthen safety procedures, and ensure every operational area is ready to welcome students on opening day.
"This opening represents the work of an entire community," Dr. Holland said. "Our Board of Education, the Rome City Commission, our employees, and our community partners all shared the same vision—to create an exceptional middle school experience for every child who walks through these doors. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished together."
Looking Ahead
Rome City Schools looks forward to welcoming students to the new Rome Middle School on Friday, July 31, as the district begins the 2026–2027 school year. Families are encouraged to review back-to-school information, including updated traffic patterns, arrival and dismissal procedures, and transportation information, through the district's website and official communication channels before the first day of school.
"This building represents far more than bricks and mortar," Dr. Holland said. "It represents hope, opportunity, and our community's belief in the future of every child. Years from now, thousands of students will walk these halls, and I hope they recognize that this school was built because an entire community chose to invest in them. We cannot wait to welcome our students and families and begin this exciting new chapter together."
About Rome City Schools
Rome City Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that empowers every student to reach his or her fullest potential. Guided by the district's Four Pillars: Student Achievement, Staff Development, Stakeholder Engagement, and Safety & Operations, the district continues to invest in innovative learning environments, exceptional educators, and meaningful community partnerships that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.