Prince William County Public Schools

“The cost of remodeling that school … would be almost equivalent to building a whole new school,” School Board Chair Babur Lateef told the Prince William Times. “The new schools offer students a state-of-the-art learning environment with modern classrooms, updated safety features, and innovative instructional spaces designed for current and future learning needs.”

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“We are beginning the community engagement and planning process associated with the opening of two new elementary schools in eastern Prince William County,” Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) announced. “These schools are intended to serve elementary students and staff and respond to growing enrollment, particularly in the Cherry Hill area.”

“Woodbridge Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 school year, and Potomac Shores Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year,” the division stated. “No final decisions have been made at this time, and PWCS remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout the redistricting process.”

“Each year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our schools that go above and beyond to foster a culture of support, understanding, and resilience for our military-connected students,” shared Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist, as Prince William County Public Schools announced the recognition of 18 schools as 2025 Virginia Purple Star schools. “The Purple Star designation is a powerful acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that ensure every student, regardless of background or mobility, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

The Virginia Department of Education recognized 18 PWCS schools—including four first-time honorees and 14 renewals—for their continued support of military-connected students. With this recognition, 51 PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation, representing 53% of the division’s total schools.