J.N. Fries Middle School originally opened in 1989 as a traditional middle school named after the late Joseph Nelson Fries. Mr. Fries was Cabarrus County School's Superintendent from 1977-1988 and led the county through many transitions. The original J.N. Fries Middle School was the main feeder school to Central Cabarrus High School and at one point had an enrollment of 1542 students. Our mascot is the Knights, which we often refer to as the Noble Knights. From 1998-2003 J.N. Fries Middle School was named a School of Distinction. In addition, J.N. Fries Middle School has a history of high growth.

In August 2011, J.N. Fries reopened as a magnet school housing both the S.T.E.M. and International Studies programs. As a magnet school, students who resided in Cabarrus County and met the requirements applied to attend the programs. J.N. Fries Magnet School was granted the Honor School of Excellence award for the 2011-12 school year. In the Spring of 2013 the International Studies program announced I.B. authorization designation and offered the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

Due to the expansion of the magnet programs, the International Baccalaureate program was relocated for the the 2017-18 school year.  J.N. Fries is transitioning to an entirely S.T.E.M. middle school, welcoming students from a community attendance zone as well as students who apply to the S.T.E.M. program.