Key Projects in the CIP
New School Constructions
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
- Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
- Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.
- Potomac Shores Elementary School #2 – Increasing its planned capacity from 750 to 1,050 seats is expected to help manage growing student populations in the Potomac Shores area. It is slated to open in the 2027-2028 school year.
- 14th High School – A significant addition to the county’s educational infrastructure, this school will house 1,400 students and is set to open in the 2029-2030 school year. It will primarily relieve Colgan, Forest Park, and Freedom High Schools. Community engagement sessions beginning in February will help shape the specialized programming for this new school, with potential offerings such as robotics, an aquatic drone lab, and a school-based clinic.
Major Renovations and Expansions
Aging school buildings are also a focus of the CIP, with several schools scheduled for significant renovations and additions:
- Dale City Elementary School – This school, identified as having one of the highest facility condition index (FCI) scores, will undergo a renovation that includes an eight-classroom expansion, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and ADA improvements. The project aims to eliminate the need for portable classrooms and is scheduled for completion outside the current CIP window in the 2031-2032 school year.
- Fred Lynn Middle School – Renovations have been moved to 2028 but remain on schedule to be completed while the school remains operational.
- Marsteller Middle School – Plans include a 10-classroom addition opening in 2028-2029, focusing on balancing middle school enrollment in the area.
Sustainability and Facility Upgrades
PWCS is also prioritizing sustainability and infrastructure improvements:
- HVAC Upgrades – Over $81 million is allocated for HVAC replacements in 14 schools, addressing concerns over aging infrastructure and ensuring improved air quality for students and staff.
- LED Lighting and Solar Energy – The plan includes $15.5 million in LED lighting upgrades and $14.75 million in solar array installations, aligning with the Virginia High-Performance Building Act and the division’s sustainability initiatives.
- Artificial Turf Practice Fields – Several high schools will receive artificial turf practice fields, ensuring equitable athletic facilities across the county. The construction priority will be geographically balanced and determined by third-party assessments of existing field conditions.
Challenges and Future Considerations
While the CIP aims to address overcrowding and improve facilities, long-term planning remains complex. Enrollment projections indicate declining birth rates and shifting population trends, leading to underutilization in some schools while others remain overcrowded. Redistricting and program adjustments, including capping specialty programs, may become necessary to balance student distribution.
Inflation, rising construction costs, and potential tariffs on building materials may also impact project budgets. The school board will continue evaluating funding options, including bond issuances, and proffer funds from new developments.
Community Involvement and Next Steps
The CIP will be reviewed as part of the FY26 budget process, with public hearings scheduled for February and final approval expected in March 2025. Residents will have opportunities to provide feedback, particularly on the design and programming of the new 14th High School.
With its largest-ever investment in school infrastructure, Prince William County Schools is taking significant steps to ensure modern, safe, and sustainable learning environments for its students. However, as the county continues to evolve, strategic adjustments will be crucial to maintaining educational equity and efficiency in the years to come.
