STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford’s three new schools are shaping up to open on a modest scale—with Hartwood High debuting without a senior class—as the teacher transfer process is set to begin this fall.
“Start small” for now: what we know so far
In response to our inquiries, Sandra Osborn, a school spokeswoman, confirmed that Falls Run and Crow’s Nest elementary schools will open at reduced capacity, and Hartwood High will open without a senior class in its first year. She also shared new details about staffing and the teacher transfer process.
Key takeaways:
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The school division’s staffing goals include a blend of new teachers, transfers, and “staff rebalancing” as needed.
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For fall 2025, the new schools may fill up to 30 percent of their anticipated teaching positions via the fall transfer process for licensed staff.
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After that first round, the division will reassess staffing needs in light of updated enrollment projections—especially for Hartwood’s programming.
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Outside hirings are slated to begin in January, when school-specific job postings open following winter break.
Final enrollment projections are expected by early November 2025. Those figures will be presented to the School Board at its November 13 work session.
What’s next & implications for teachers
With the 30 percent transfer window opening, licensed staff within the division will have the first chance to apply to these new schools. For candidates considering a switch, this early period may be advantageous before the outside-hire window arrives in January.
Of course, until the division finalizes student numbers and staffing allocations, the specifics are tentative. But for now, the message is clear: the new schools will launch on a modest scale, and new teachers will be phased in gradually.
Building the foundations
Stafford County’s newest schools—Falls Run Elementary, Crow’s Nest Elementary, and Hartwood High—are under construction and expected to open in August 2026.
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Falls Run Elementary (ES-18) will be located at 580 Stafford Plaza Drive in Fredericksburg. The school’s building is roughly 131,000 square feet and has a capacity of about 1,070 students.
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Crow’s Nest Elementary (ES-19) sits adjacent to Brooke Point High School in the Aquia district. It’s designed similarly (131,000 SF) and also plans to house up to 1,070 students.
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Hartwood High is Stafford’s sixth high school. The Board has assigned it the Stallion mascot and black, silver, and gold as its colors. Construction is underway, and the school is designed to support academics, arts, athletics, and career-prep offerings.
The new elementary schools and Hartwood are part of Stafford’s broader strategy to relieve overcrowding and rebalance school boundaries.
