Loch Lomond Elementary School opened in 1961 to serve the growing communities on the north side of Manassas. The land, once part of the historic Ben Lomond property, was donated by developer C.D. Hylton. Its design was unusual—a central main building connected to two circular classroom wings surrounding a courtyard, linked by open walkways.
In Prince William County, this architectural style became known as the “Bailey Building,” named after architect Earl B. Bailey. While Bailey had designed several schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, Loch Lomond departed from his typical designs. The concept quickly gained popularity, inspiring similar designs at Baldwin, Featherstone, Westgate, Elizabeth Vaughan, and Marumsco Hills elementary schools. These circular layouts were intended to maximize space while keeping construction costs low.
A significant chapter in the school’s history began in 1964 when Zella Brown, a all-Black Antioch-McRae Elementary School teacher, was reassigned to Loch Lomond. She was one of the “Courageous Four,” a group of Black educators who took positions at previously all-white schools, helping to integrate Prince William County Public Schools—ten years after the Supreme Court ruled segregation unconstitutional.
Over the decades, Loch Lomond saw shifts in its student population. The creation of the independent Manassas Park school system and severe flooding from Hurricane Agnes in the 1970s contributed to fluctuations in enrollment. Despite these changes, the school’s structure remained largely unaltered until the mid-1990s, when the open walkways were enclosed. A new classroom addition followed in 2013.
While Baldwin Elementary was replaced in 2016 by the City of Manassas, Featherstone, Westgate, Elizabeth Vaughan, and Marumsco Hills elementary schools have been modified but continue to serve students. Today, Loch Lomond remains a vital part of its community, representing both innovative school design and a significant moment in local history.
The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division sponsors this post.
