Crews Begin Demolition of T.W. Josey High School
Richmond County is tearing down the Augusta campus to make way for a new college and career academy.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Demolition crews began tearing down the walls of T.W. Josey High School in Augusta, Ga., after alumni held a final walk of the building in May 2026. The teardown clears the way for the new Josey College and Career Academy, a districtwide workforce hub.
Why it matters
The project replaces a long-standing high school campus with a districtwide workforce hub intended to serve students across Richmond County. Community members pushed for months to preserve the Josey name, and the school board kept it on the new academy.
Demolition began November 12, 2026, less than six months after alumni held a final walk of the building in May 2026. District leaders hope to open the new academy in 2029, though the stub does not confirm construction costs or a firm completion date.
The players
Richmond County School Board
The elected governing body of the Richmond County School District, which voted to keep the Josey name, Eagles mascot and school colors on the new academy.
Richmond County School District
The public school system serving Augusta, Ga., and surrounding Richmond County, which is carrying out the demolition under its long-term master plan.
The details
All staff and classroom materials were moved to Murphey Middle School, where former Josey students are housed during construction. The Richmond County School Board also voted to keep the Eagles mascot and the Kelly green, gold and white colors on the new academy.
Timeline
May 2026: Alumni hold a final walk of T.W. Josey High School, with members of the 1966 graduating class attending.
November 12, 2026: Demolition crews begin tearing down the school.
2029: District leaders hope to open the new Josey College and Career Academy.
Master Plan Phase
The Josey teardown is being carried out under Richmond County's long-term master plan, which also slates Barton Chapel Elementary for demolition and Jenkins White Elementary for closure. Consolidating campuses into districtwide hubs like the new academy is how the plan reshapes secondary education in Augusta.
Former Josey students and families in Augusta will continue attending classes at Murphey Middle School while construction proceeds. The new academy is designed as a districtwide workforce hub, so students across Richmond County may eventually access its programs.
The takeaway
Campus changes like the Josey project show how districts can keep historic names and traditions while rebuilding facilities around workforce training. Families tracking local schools should watch the 2029 opening target and any updates from the Richmond County School District.
What happens next
District leaders hope to open the new Josey College and Career Academy in 2029.
Further reading
Explore more on Secondary Education to see how districts in Augusta are reshaping high school campuses.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wrdw.
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