Two K-8 schools in Alexandria could become dedicated middle and elementary schools, according to ideas floated in the next Alexandria City Public Schools 10-year capital improvement budget.
The budget, which would cover capital improvements (such as building renovations and construction) from 2026 to 2035 includes the potential to convert Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School into a middle school and Patrick Henry K-8 School into an elementary school.
The decisions are not absolutely final, but they are being based in part on enrollment projections and on feedback from the community. There are currently 8,295 elementary and 3,247 middle school students in ACPS. Right now, just 233 middle school students are at Patrick Henry and 161 are at Jefferson Houston, and this model would affect the fewest families in total.
Converting Jefferson-Houston to a middle school would cost about $30 million. Patrick Henry, which is much newer, would cost about $9.5 million to convert. The conversions would occur between 2030 and 2032.
The 10-year CIP budget is more than $341 million. Other major projects include the complete renovation of the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology (approximately $100 million), a Charles Barrett Kitchen and Cafeteria Renovation, the replacement of smart boards and audio-visual systems at 5 schools and significant maintenance and technology improvements.
Virtual community meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20, and Thursday, Nov. 21. Both are at 6 p.m. and information about registration will be available closer to the meeting dates.
"This proposed budget underscores our commitment to creating safer, more supportive and modern learning environments, aligning the CIP with our focus on the K-8 model and ongoing redistricting efforts," said Kay-Wyatt in a statement.
