As Stafford County continues to experience rapid population growth, school officials are moving forward with plans to open two new elementary schools—ES18 and ES19—in Fall 2026. These additions aim to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and are central to the school division’s redistricting plans under Scenario Green, which is currently under public review.
The Stafford County School Board recently reviewed projections showing both ES18 and ES19 will open at 95% capacity. The redistricting scenario ensures no elementary school will exceed 100% capacity in the first year of implementation. By 2030, only three schools are projected to be over capacity.
Strategic Locations and Design
ES18 is being constructed at 580 Stafford Plaza Drive, next to a new high school under construction, near a Walmart on Route 17 (Warrenton Road). The 131,000-square-foot, three-story building will accommodate about 1,070 students. The site includes playfields, paved play areas, and a transportation bus depot.
Meanwhile, ES19 is located adjacent to Brooke Point High School at 80 Black Hawk Drive. Like ES18, the new school will also house 1,070 students and feature similar infrastructure. Both schools are based on a prototype design, saving the county more than $5.6 million in design costs.
Demographic Considerations and Concerns
School officials highlighted key demographic information for both schools as part of the redistricting plan. ES18 is projected to open with 51% of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and 17% as English Language Learners (ELL). ES19 will serve a population with 50% free or reduced lunch and 24% ELL.
Concerns have emerged regarding the shifting demographics at other schools affected by redistricting. Rocky Run Elementary, in particular, is expected to see a sharp increase in its ELL population, rising from 16% to 26%. School Board members emphasized the need for adequate support staffing, pull-out classroom space, and Level 2 special education program tracking to support the changing student body.
Construction on both schools is already underway. Groundbreaking for ES18 took place in September 2024, while ES19 followed in October. Both schools are on track to be completed by June 2026 and open in August of that year.
Community members will be able to learn more and offer input during a public town hall meeting scheduled for Monday, April 1, at North Stafford High School at 6 p.m. A formal public hearing will follow on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at the Bandy Complex, 31 Stafford Avenue.
Recent Stories
A town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin drew a passionate crowd Monday night, as residents of the Belmont Bay community voiced their overwhelming opposition to a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at Routes 1 and 123.
Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.
One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
