Schools - Page 3 of 212 - Potomac Local News

Hartwood High School Construction on Time and Within Budget, Officials Say

Published November 28, 2025 at 10:47AM

“The black-box theater awaits student thespians, their lines memorized, spouting high school drama,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “And the band and locker rooms stand ready for the sounds of Friday night football victories.” “Hartwood High School, one of three new schools Stafford is opening next fall, is coming along, on schedule and within budget,” the publication added.

The update came during a recent media tour and a presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where officials said the school remains on track to open for students next year.

Stafford Schools Host 4th Annual Chart Your Future Expo

By Potomac Local News

Published November 26, 2025 at 9:58AM

“Chart Your Future is an integral part of our Strategic Plan, ensuring every student has a clear plan toward being employed, enlisted, or enrolled after graduation,” Stafford County Public Schools stated. “This event provides an important opportunity for students to explore their options and take practical steps toward what comes next.”

Stafford County Public Schools welcomed more than 2,400 juniors and seniors to the Fredericksburg Convention Center for its 4th Annual Chart Your Future Expo, the first to include juniors. Students from all five high schools and the Phoenix Center connected with 100 career-clustered exhibitors, exploring enrollment, enlistment, and employment pathways.

Schools across the region close for Thanksgiving break starting November 26

By Potomac Local News

Published November 24, 2025 at 2:00PM

Public schools across Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park will be closed for Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, 2025.

In Prince William County, all schools and offices will be closed to the public during the break. The full announcement is available on the Prince William County Public Schools website.

Prince William School Board Considering 2026-2027 Calendar Options

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published November 24, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated November 30, 2025 at 9:33AM

[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya via Pexels]

The Prince William County School (PWCS) Board is considering its calendar options for the 2026-2027 school year.

In its most recent Nov. 18 meeting, the School Board heard about the four options on the table for the 2026-27 school year, each with its own quirks.

Investigation Finds No Inappropriate Action by Battlefield Chain Crew

By Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 8:27AM

“Revealed no evidence of inappropriate, unsportsmanlike or unethical behavior by the Battlefield High School parent volunteers serving on the line-to-gain crew during the game,” InsideNoVa reported. The letter added that “there is no indication or evidence of communication between the volunteers, coaches, or players.”

Forest Park staff discovered the headsets late in the third quarter of the Nov. 14 quarterfinal, prompting Battlefield to replace the crew. While headset use by chain crews is a rule violation, investigators determined no competitive advantage or improper communication occurred. The Class 6, Region B semifinals are set for Friday, with North Stafford traveling to Battlefield for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

PWCS Superintendent Highlights Four Years of Progress Under Vision 2025 Strategic Plan

By Potomac Local News

Published November 20, 2025 at 3:37PM

Prince William County Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade. [Courtesy of PWCS on X]

“We now have 45.7% of all graduates earning post graduate credentials and 65% of career and technical education (CTE) graduates earning one or more college or career credentials,” Dr. McDade reported. “To date, PWCS has the highest entry-level teacher salary in Northern Virginia.”

During the Nov. 18 School Board meeting, Dr. McDade outlined gains including a 94.8% graduation rate, reductions in absenteeism and dropout rates, improved SOL pass rates, expanded CTE opportunities, and major compensation increases to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention. She also introduced PWCS Elevate 2030, the next strategic plan focusing on global competency, personalized learning, and teacher empowerment.

Forest Park’s Season Ends as VHSL Rules Block Advancement Amid Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 19, 2025 at 10:22PM

“While there is an ongoing investigation regarding the opposing team’s volunteer chain crew and their use of communication devices during the game, please understand that under Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules, even if there is a change in Battlefield’s status, our team will not advance to the Region Semifinals,” InsideNoVa reported. “The Bruins would be unable to move forward due to Virginia High School League rules that state that a team that loses a game cannot challenge the outcome.”

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Prince William, Stafford High Schools Miss Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top 20

By Potomac Local News

Published November 19, 2025 at 10:55AM

Battlefield High School near Haymarket

The magazine states that it based its Top 25 rankings on data from the Virginia Department of Education, evaluating advanced diploma rates, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, SOL advanced pass rates, and AP/IB enrollment across 10 Northern Virginia school divisions.

No high schools from Prince William or Stafford County cracked the top 20 list of Northern Virginia Magazine’s best high schools. Battlefield High School near Haymarket and Gainesville High School, both in Prince William County, ranked 21st and 24th, respectively.

Girls Flag Football Finds a Home in Prince William County Schools

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 15, 2025 at 10:26PM

“I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this because it was really fun,” Prince William County Public Schools reported. “Being supported by the Commanders made it so much better and finishing the season on our home field [from our turf program] was surreal too.”

“This was an awesome opportunity for these young ladies,” the school division reported. “It was an opportunity for them to have another sport to compete in and just look at the turnout around Prince William County. I hope (this game) continues to spread out.”

PWCS Investigates Chain-Gang Crew for Electronic Device Use at Forest Park–Battlefield Game

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 15, 2025 at 9:48PM

“It was reported that the volunteers working the first-down chains were inappropriately using communication devices. Once discovered, the referees asked the volunteers to remove the devices. The chain gang volunteers were asked to leave the game to mitigate any further disruptions,” InsideNoVa reported. “The results of that investigation will ‘be forwarded to the Virginia High School League, who will assist in determining if penalties are warranted.’”

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