Lakeland, GA----For the first time in more than thirty years, a new school is built in Lanier County.

This large brick building is the new site of the Lanier Elementary School that houses every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader in the system.

Officials say the new school was needed to accommodate the growing number of students in the county.

"It is not as crowded as it was because every room there was being utilized for something and the pressure there has been relieved and we have room to grow here and there now so I know there's gotta be room for growth there and here now, which has gotta make it better," said Gene Culpepper, Lanier Elementary Principal.

"It's really nice. I like that they have the two-story building and the rooms are great. It's great," said 4th Grader JD Pike.

It's a two-story school that happens to have one of the only elevators in Lakeland.

Also included is a gym that will finally give middle school athletes a place to play basketball.