The new $39.3 million school will include a library, auditorium, computer and science labs and a cafeteria with a kitchen. It will be located three blocks from the present school in the city's North Ward and will be bounded by First Avenue, Sixth Street, Second Avenue and Seventh Street.

Representatives of New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) joined Newark Public Schools Superintendent Marion A. Bolden, Principal Anthony C. Orsini, Advisory Board Members, students, staff, parents and members of the community at the groundbreaking event along with city, county and state representatives. The First Avenue School Bell Ringers and student chorus performed.

The SCC is fully funding and managing the new school project. The general contractor is Hall Construction Company Incorporated of Howell, NJ. The architect is Robert Blakeman of Paulus, Sokolowski and Sartor (PS&S) Architecture of Warren, NJ.