Rutherford County Schools is preparing to open its 53rd campus with the addition of Poplar Hill Middle School.

Scheduled to open in August, the new middle school will serve approximately 850 students in grades 6–8. The 169,000-square-foot, $59.9 million campus supports the continued growth of Murfreesboro’s Blackman community.

The school will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication at 2 p.m., Sunday July 26, at 3695 Blackman Road in Murfreesboro. An opportunity to tour the campus will be available following the ceremony.

Home of the Bobcats, Poplar Hill Middle is led by Principal April Sneed.

Rutherford County Schools begins the 2026-2027 school year on Friday, Aug. 7 with a two-hour orientation day. The first full day of school is Monday, Aug. 10.