SANFORD, N.C. -- Construction wrapped up August 23 on a school that's reopening its doors after nearly 40 years of being closed.

W.B. Wicker Elementary in Sanford originally opened in the 1920s before closing in 1980. Lee County School Board members said two local schools were overcrowded which caused them to reopen the building this school year.

Officials agreed to keep the old building and create another one for a total of 60 classrooms. Students will be learning the 'STEAM' curriculum which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

"We feel like this school is going to give our students an opportunity to be immersed in a world where science and technology and everything is interdisciplinary," Principal at W.B. Wicker Elementary School, Wendy Carlyle said. 

About 700 students will be attending the school. Overcrowding shouldn't be an issue for now as there's room for at least another 200 students.