Felton Grove High School Set to Open in the Weeks Ahead
New high school prepares to welcome 800 students, launch fall sports, and host family orientation events ahead of its August 25 opening.
Holly Springs, NC, Jul. 28, 2025 — After nearly a decade of planning, community debate, and construction, Felton Grove High School is preparing to welcome its first students on Monday, August 25, 2025. With its sprawling, more than 400,000-square-foot campus and an initial enrollment of approximately 800 students, Felton Grove is poised to be Wake County’s largest high school by square footage and a cornerstone of education for the growing communities of Holly Springs, Apex, and Cary.
Built on a 66.5-acre site purchased in 2016 for just over $4.3 million, the school represents a significant investment in southwest Wake County’s future. After an initial site plan denial by the Apex Town Council in April 2021 due to traffic concerns, the project received formal approval on May 16, 2022, clearing the way for construction to begin in February 2023.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Principal Rob Morrison, who leads a fully staffed team that has been in place for more than six weeks. “The community’s patience and support have helped make this moment possible.”
Felton Grove High School will open with 450 freshmen and 350 sophomores, drawing students from several existing schools and neighborhoods. The most significant student populations will come from Woods Creek, 12 Oaks, and Sunset Ridge, reflecting the rapid residential growth in the area. The school is expected to add approximately 500 students each of the next two years, eventually expanding to serve grades 9 through 12.
A Campus Designed for Learning and Community
The school’s design emphasizes open and collaborative learning environments, as well as outdoor spaces. The facility features a modern 800-seat theater, a 600-seat cafeteria, and a multifunctional courtyard designed for student activities and events. The daily schedule follows a 4x4 block semester model, with four extended instructional periods per day and a flexible “smart lunch” in the middle of the day to support clubs, tutorials, and social time.
Expectations and Student Success
Felton Grove will uphold Wake County Public School System policies on behavior, technology use, and academic performance. Students are expected to keep their cell phones on silent mode and in their backpacks during class, unless a teacher has authorized their use. The school will also promote responsible use of AI tools as part of its digital learning strategy.
Key Dates and Events
The school is planning several events to help students and families prepare for the year ahead:
Parent Meeting: July 31
Fall Sports and Activities Tryouts: Begin July 30
Student Orientation: Week of August 11 (two sessions per day over two days)
Meet the Teacher Night: Wednesday, August 20, 5:30–7:30 PM
First Day of School: Monday, August 25
Felton Grove will also participate in a full slate of NCHSAA athletics, with fall sports beginning July 30 and band camp already underway.
Community Support and Vision
During its recent Parent Input Meetings, Felton Grove’s leadership thanked local schools and organizations, including Hope Community Church, Holly Springs High, Holly Ridge Middle, Apex High and Middle, and Fuquay-Varina Middle, for their support in preparing to launch the school.
All parents are encouraged to get involved through the PTSA, Athletic Booster Club, Band Booster Association, and arts-focused booster groups. Meetings for dance and theater boosters will be announced after the school opens.
Felton Grove High School’s mission is to maximize student achievement, foster lifelong learning, and promote responsible citizenship. Its vision is to build a resilient and connected community where students utilize their talents and voices to make a positive impact on the world.
As the school prepares to open its doors, the message from staff and administration is clear: Felton Grove High is ready to lead with purpose, innovation, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Key School Contacts
Principal: Rob Morrison, rmorrison@wcpss.net
Assistant Principal: Kristin Bollten, kbollten@wcpss.net
Assistant Principal: Robin Booth, rbooth@wcpss.net
Athletic Director: Joe Sharrow, jsharrow@wcpss.net
Assistant Athletic Director: Sara Bell, sbell5@wcpss.net
School Address
Felton Grove High School
5100 Thriftwood Dr.
Apex, NC 27530
(map)