Many New Jersey students returned to the classroom Thursday, and dozens entered a brand new building to start the school year.

Sarah M. Gilmore Elementary School is the 11th school to be built under the leadership of Union City Mayor Brian Stack. 

The community celebrated the grand opening of the two-story, $29 million building on Tuesday, complete with activities for children, live music and a tour of the new school.

"I think this building is very grand,” student Madeline said. “I feel like I’m in a castle.”

Prior to the new building’s opening, students were in a semi-permanent home in Weehawken at the Woodrow Wilson School, which was founded on idea that arts should infiltrate every subject. 

"We are so excited to move back, to come back home to Union City,” administrator Nancy Dennis said.

Administrators said it’s been 22 years since the school has been in Union City. 

Some parents said they lobbied for the school building for well over 11 years, and they are thankful the community's hard work paid off.