Dare County, in partnership with Dare County Schools, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 for the new Dare County Early College, a transformative and forward-thinking educational initiative that will provide local students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree or career certification—at no cost to their families.  

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Early College—which was attended by county and school officials, students, educators and members of the community—was held at the future site of the new facility, which will be located on the same site and directly across from the College of The Albemarle - Dare in Manteo.

Currently scheduled to be completed in the fall/winter of 2026, the 25,735-square-foot, two-story Dare County Early College will accommodate up to 300 students in a smaller, more personalized learning environment that mirrors a traditional college setting. Features of the new facility will include expanded classroom space, state-of-the-art labs, administrative offices and a central lobby with grab-and-go food service to promote student collaboration and a strong campus culture. 

The first class of 57 rising ninth-grade students—the Class of 2029—will begin attending classes in space provided by College of The Albemarle - Dare during the upcoming school year while the Early College building is under construction. To learn more about the Dare County Early College project, please click here to visit the Dare County Schools website.

The groundbreaking ceremony commenced with a welcome from Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard, who led the event’s attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance before turning over the podium for a invocation delivered by Nathanael Stevens, lead pastor of Nags Head Church.  

Following the invocation, Chairman Woodard returned to the podium to share his remarks, during which he praised the benefits the Early College project will offer to students and their families and highlighted the county’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding the educational opportunities that are available for students in Dare County. 

Image of Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard speaking during the ceremony.

“Folks, this is an important day for Dare County. This is more than just a groundbreaking ceremony—it’s a celebration of progress, partnership and the power of education to change lives,” said Woodard. “The Early College model gives our students a powerful head start—not only by helping them earn college credits while still in high school, but by inspiring confidence, saving families time and money, and preparing them for successful futures. We’re building more than a school here. We’re building opportunity.”

As he continued his remarks, Woodard also emphasized the key role the county’s partnership with the Dare County Board of Education has played in bringing the Early College project to fruition, noting that, “This project would not be happening without the leadership and persistent advocacy of Dare County Schools and the Dare County Board of Education.”

Woodard continued, “From the beginning, [the Board of Education] made it clear that this Early College program was a top priority—and their vision has guided every step forward. While Dare County is proud to provide the facility, it is the Board of Education who will breathe life into it, shaping what happens within its walls for generations to come. Your commitment to our students and your determination to expand educational opportunities for them have been the driving force behind this project. We are grateful for your leadership—and we’re honored to stand beside you in this shared mission.”

Image of Dare County Board of Education Chairman David Twiddy speaking during the ceremony.

Chairman Woodard then invited Dare County Board of Education Chairman David Twiddy to the podium, where he emphasized the collaborative spirit between the county and the school system in bringing this important educational initiative to life—and shared how the new facility and its programming will benefit local students and the Dare County community as a whole.

“This new school is more than brick and mortar—it’s a door that opens wide for new possibilities,” said Twiddy. “For some, this school will be the first step toward college. For others, it’s going to be a launchpad for a career. We’re not just building a school; we’re building an opportunity for all of our students. We’re building hope, and we’re building it together as a community.” 

At the conclusion of the speakers’ remarks, Chairman Woodard invited his fellow Dare County commissioners, as well as several Dare County Board of Education members, various Dare County staff members, and representatives from Barnhill Contracting Company and Oakley Collier Architects to participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the new Early College facility in Manteo.

From left to right: Dare County Board of Education Chairman David Twiddy, Dare County Early College Principal Kassie Mount, Dare County Schools Superintendent Steve Basnight, Dare County Assistant County Manager and Special Projects and Purchasing Manager Dustin Peele, Dare County Commissioner Ervin Bateman, Dare County Board of Education member Matt Brauer, Dare County Board of Education member Kenny Brite, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard, Dare County Board of Education Vice Chairman Ron Payne, former Dare County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Wally Overman, Dare County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Steve House, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten, Dare County Board of Education member Justin Bateman, former Dare County Board of Education member Carl Woody, Dare County Commissioner Rob Ross, former Dare County Board of Education member Susan Bothwell, former Dare County Commissioner Bea Basnight, Barnhill Building Group Project Manager Clint Hardison, Oakley Collier Architects Managing Partner Tim Oakley and Dare County Commissioner Mike Burrus. 

For those who were unable to attend the event in person, a video of the Dare County Early College groundbreaking ceremony held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 is now available on Dare County’s YouTube channel. To view the video, please visit YouTube.com/DareCounty. To learn more about the Dare County Early College project, please click here to visit the Dare County Schools website or visit DareNC.gov/Projects.