Lyons Farm Elementary School

Nearly a decade ago, Durham Public Schools purchased 50+ acres off of Scott King Road - land that was once owned and operated as the Lyons' family farm. With growth and development in Southern Durham continuing in the years ahead, there is an urgent need for additional elementary school seats to provide equitable opportunities for all DPS students, present and future. The site and location for this new school along Scott King Road are ideal in support of DPS’ Strategic Plan to provide all DPS students with a rich education connected to the community. 

Southern Durham’s lush agricultural and cultural landscape provides a fitting backdrop to the community’s deep and complex history. The heavily wooded area nestled in Durham County along Scott King Road is a mosaic of old, historic farmhouses and the fast-growing housing developments rising out of the thicketed forest. This area of Southern Durham was once the site of a bustling tobacco boom that supported small- to large-scale family farms raising livestock and other crops. For many families, especially African Americans, this land represented community, thriving commerce, freedom, and financial stability. 

One such historic family was the Lyons' family, who worked the land as many of Durham’s families during this time. The Lyons owned a piece of property that was around 70 acres and leased portions of it out to tobacco farmers. Through post-reconstruction and much of the 20th Century, the Lyon family fought legally, emotionally, and sometimes physically to keep their land and protect their livelihood. Through their farm, the Lyons' family was one of many African-American families that contributed to the growth and economic opportunities for Durham. 

Now, construction is underway at the school site off of Scott King Road and is expected to continue through Summer 2022. As the project progresses, important information and updates will be shared. 

November/December 2021 Update:

DPS leaders met with Creekside Elementary and Parkwood Elementary families to discuss the Student Assignment Plan for Lyons Farm Elementary.

The presentation can be found in the Documents tab in the righthand column of this page.

The recording of the November 30 meeting can be found in the videos tab in the righthand column of this page.

For a larger version of the Lyons Farm School Boundary Map, please select Photos.

Principal Announcement: James Hopkins has been named Principal of Lyons Farm Elementary. Learn more.

October 2021 Update: https://youtu.be/SyiHqiPzt2o

View images from the October 14 Topping Off Ceremony

June 24, 2021 Update:

South Wing (Gym/Cafeteria)-

1. Secondary interior walls in progress
2. Electrical Mechanical water piping in overhead areas in progress

East Wing (Classrooms)-

1. Structural steel beams being installed for the second floor
2. Metal decking for floors being installed for the second floor
3. Elevator shaft walls being erected

West Wing (Classrooms/Admin)-

1. Load-bearing walls being installed
2. Doorframes set in place on the main hallway
3. Plumbing and electrical rough-in work in progress

Sitework:

1. West entrance road is in progress
2. NCDOT approved roadwork along Scott King Road has started, neighbors should expect daily lane closures from now through early September 2021.

May 17, 2021 Update:

In the upcoming week, the following will be taking place on site:

• East Classroom Wing wall construction continues
• West Administration and Classroom Wing wall construction starts
• South Wing Gym, Kitchen and Cafeteria low roof framing and decking material to be installed outside of cafeteria
• Construction Site land management progress continues
• Construction company will install “No Construction Traffic” signs at neighborhood entrances to deter construction vehicles.

No scheduled after-hours activities planned