Atlantic City Public Schools Launched Major Summer Projects, Including New Jersey Avenue School Demolition

While students and teachers enjoyed a well-earned break after the school year ended in June, Atlantic City Public Schools launched into a season of progress and preparation. The summer of 2025 was marked by critical upgrades, facility improvements, and one of the district’s most historic transitions—the demolition of the New Jersey Avenue School.

Located in the heart of the city, the New Jersey Avenue School had been closed since 2012, when the Pennsylvania Avenue School opened its doors. Later that same year, the building sustained severe damage during Hurricane Sandy, leaving it structurally compromised and unusable. For over a decade, the structure remained a silent witness to the city’s evolution—until this summer.

The district began preparing the site for a fresh start. Built in 1925, the school was set to be cleared to make room for a state-of-the-art administration building that will serve the entire district.

"We have committed to building an administration building," said Board of Education President Shay Steele. “This board, in conjunction with the leadership of Dr. Small, has made this project a priority. We are excited to fulfill the wishes of the community and also provide the district with a building of its own. This has been part of our mission, and upon completion we will have a state-of-the-art facility.”

According to Dr. Small, who began her teaching career at the New Jersey Avenue School in 2003, the new structure would centralize district operations and provide improved access for families, staff, and the community. She emphasized that the project represented more than just new construction—it embodied the district’s values of equity, excellence, and long-term investment.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to modernize facilities and strengthen our infrastructure,” Dr. Small stated. “We want to ensure that both our students and our staff have the resources and support they need to succeed.”

Beyond the demolition, multiple summer projects were underway across the district. From classroom upgrades to campus repairs and efficiency improvements, the quiet summer months provided the perfect opportunity to enhance the learning environment before students returned in September.

The momentum reflected the district’s proactive approach to maintaining safe, functional, and inspiring schools. By taking advantage of the summer downtime, the district ensured that learning spaces were not just ready—but better than ever.

As the weeks progressed, Atlantic City Public Schools continued to update the community on ongoing projects and initiatives. The demolition of the New Jersey Avenue School served as both a symbolic and practical milestone—a reminder that even when classrooms are empty, the work of building a brighter future for Atlantic City never stopped.

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Photo Credit: Mark Tyler | Atlantic City Public Schools