A middle or high school student in Cabarrus County who needs behavioral support, counseling or an alternative academic pathway will have a brand-new building waiting when classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Cabarrus County Schools cut the ribbon Thursday, Aug. 6, on the new Opportunity School facility at 4525 Weddington Rd. in Concord, replacing a century-old former Concord High School/Concord Middle School building that had housed the program for years. The district had requested a new facility through its capital projects process for more than a decade, according to Brian Cone, a district official.
Superintendent John Kopicki said at the ceremony that the facility was built to meet students where they are and support their individual academic and behavioral needs.
"The Opportunity School reflects our belief that every student deserves the support, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed," Kopicki said.
The single-story building spans roughly 20,400 square feet and includes classrooms, science rooms, a computer lab, a media center, Career and Technical Education space, a multipurpose area, a fitness room and a warming kitchen, according to New Atlantic Contracting, Inc., the general contractor. Morris-Berg Architects designed the facility. Construction began in February 2025.
Who the school serves
The Opportunity School houses both Opportunity Middle School and Opportunity High School under one roof, serving grades 6–12. Students are assigned through a referral process that starts at their home school and is finalized by the district's Administrative Services Office. Families cannot enroll directly.
Once there, students receive instruction in core academics, physical education and select CTE courses. The school also provides Exceptional Children's services, counseling, enrichment programs, incentive programs and student support groups. The school day runs from 10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
The program has earned recognition as a North Carolina Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Green Ribbon School for four consecutive years, according to Cone.
What's next
The first day of school for all Cabarrus County students is Wednesday, Aug. 12. Families with questions about the Opportunity School or the referral process can contact the district's Administrative Services Office or visit ops.cabarrus.k12.nc.us.
