NEWTON, Mass. — Construction of Newton’s new Countryside Elementary School has reached a major milestone with the completion of the building’s exterior enclosure, bringing the approximately $76 million project closer to its expected opening in early 2027.
CTA Construction Managers, the project’s construction manager, announced Wednesday that the building envelope is now complete, creating a weather-tight structure and allowing crews to move forward with interior construction throughout the new school.
The project is being built on the existing Countryside Elementary School site and is intended to replace the aging facility currently serving students and families. The development is part of the City of Newton’s ongoing investment in school facilities and is being undertaken in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which is providing more than $20 million in state grant funding.
“We’re excited to reach another significant milestone at Countryside Elementary School,” said Pat Tompkins, principal at CTA Construction Managers. “Completing the building enclosure allows our team and trade partners to continue accelerating interior work as we move closer to delivering a modern, high-performance school for Newton’s students, educators and families.”
Construction began in 2025, and the city has said students are expected to move into the new building in January 2027.
With the exterior enclosed, crews are continuing work on mechanical and electrical systems, interior finishes and other components of the school. The completed building is expected to provide a new learning environment for the Countryside school community.
The project also continues an established relationship between CTA and the City of Newton. The company previously constructed Spaulding Elementary School and Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School for the city.
CTA is also working with DiNisco Design, the architectural firm on the project. The companies have collaborated on 10 school projects across Massachusetts over the past two decades.
“We value the opportunity to continue working with CTA and the City of Newton on projects that have such a direct and lasting impact on students and the community,” said Donna DiNisco, president of DiNisco Design. “Reaching the building enclosure milestone is an exciting step as the vision for the new Countryside Elementary School continues to take shape.”
Once students transition into the new school, the existing Countryside building is slated for demolition. The former school site will then be redeveloped with new playing fields and related site improvements.
The next phase of construction will focus largely on the building’s interior and systems as the project moves toward its planned January 2027 opening.
