George Mason Elementary Modernization

George Mason Modernization Project Overview

The George Mason Modernization Project is the next step in Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) capacity modernization plan. ACPS determined that due to the facility conditions, inefficient layout of the school, and district-wide capacity needs, George Mason should be replaced.

Feasibility Study

In Summer 2019, ACPS brought in architects from Studio27 to lead a multidisciplinary team in the development of a Feasibility Study. A Feasibility Study is an assessment that identifies what is possible on the school site, the challenges on the school site, and the possibilities for configuration, budget, and schedule.

In Fall 2019, the first draft of the study was completed. Preliminary findings were presented to the School Board on Jan. 23, 2020. However, the COVID-19 Pandemic put the Study on hold from January 2019 through March 2021.

On June 3, 2021, the Feasibility Study was presented to the School Board for review.

Traffic Study

This report presents a Multimodal Transportation Study (MTS) for the proposed expansion of George Mason Elementary School (GMES) by Gorove Slade. The study reviews transportation patterns, analysis, and key findings to understand how the project may impact travel in the area. It also outlines how these findings shape the design of the school's transportation features and accommodations.

Traffic Study (PDF)

Project Timeline

Campus Design

The selected schematic design for the modernized George Mason campus features two densely programmed bars flanking communal space to create an open, indoor-outdoor commons.

Campus Design FAQs

How does the use of more glass in school designs balance the benefits of natural lighting and a positive learning environment with concerns about safety?

ACPS is committed to creating modern, engaging learning environments that foster openness, collaboration, and safety. We are able to do so through collaboration during the design process between the Office of Capital Programs, Planning and Design and Safety and Security Services. One of the design features we are incorporating into our new school buildings is the use of more glass in classrooms and hallways. We understand that some may have concerns about how this impacts safety, particularly in situations involving intruders or lockdown drills.

The increased visibility provided by glass is actually a key safety feature. It allows occupants to see potential dangers approaching, enabling them to act quickly and alert other areas of the school. Additionally, it helps responding law enforcement assess the situation more effectively during an active threat, allowing them to identify areas of concern and respond faster. This benefit remains regardless of whether the school has a School Resource Officer. Overall, the transparency supports a coordinated, rapid response, which is crucial for supporting the safety of everyone on campus.

That said, the primary focus for staff and student safety remains preparedness. Following the ALICE protocol (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is essential for ensuring everyone knows how to respond in the event of a crisis. It’s important to remember that the best way to keep our schools safe is by preventing intruders from entering in the first place. Our design, combined with comprehensive safety protocols and ongoing training, which allows our schools to be secure and welcoming.

What are the green space requirements per Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA)?

During school hours and special school programming times, the green space to the east of George Mason E.S. are intended to function for the recreation of students. In addition, these spaces are open to community use during non-school programmed periods of the green spaces. RPCA staff is actively involved in the design process for the George Mason modernization project by providing feedback to ACPS staff and at Superintendent Advisory Team (SAT) meetings. RPCA input in the modernization process is to enhance the public’s experience of the future green spaces.

What will be the maximum encroachment into the park for the new campus?

All three design options considered in the design phase impact less than 10% of the existing open space. Specifically, Option T is a potential impact of 6%; Option A is a potential impact of 8%, and Option U is a potential impact of 3%. On October, 10, 2024, the School Board voted for school staff to proceed to schematic design with Option A, also known as “Open Heart.”

Will the field be natural grass or artificial turf?

There will be a combination of artificial turf and natural grass with the goal of enhancing the overall use of open space. The George Mason modernization will include age-specific playgrounds, a multi-purpose field, and hardscape play areas to serve the recreation needs of the school and the community. . ACPS works closely with the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) to ensure that our shared spaces are well-maintained and provide optimal conditions for play and recreation year-round. If you would like more information on the topic of synthetic turf, including its usage in the City of Alexandria, please see the following link: Synthetic Turf Use in the City of Alexandria.

Is a 3rd floor design possible and has it been considered?

The City of Alexandria’s zoning code for the George Mason site permits a 60’ height limit exception for a school building. The 60’ height could accommodate a third floor.

ACPS and, in consultation with the expertise of the architects, recommend that two stories is the most desirable option for all the goals ACPS has for this project in terms of sustainability, safety, meeting the educational needs of students, and ensuring the school building is compatible with the existing neighborhood character.

Project Updates

March 17, 2025

The Superintendents Advisory Team held a virtual meeting with VMDO Architects.

March 3, 2025

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting with VMDO Architects to provide an update on the interior and exterior design, DSUP timeline, and overall project timeline.

January 27, 2025

The Superintendents Advisory Team held a virtual meeting with VMDO Architects.

January 21, 2025- Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting with VMDO Architects to provide an update on the project timeline and schematic design, including traffic scoping, outdoor space utilization, and building elevations.

December 18, 2024- Virtual SAT Meeting

The Superintendents Advisory team held a virtual meeting with VMDO Architects to discuss schematic design elements and outdoor space utilization.

Recorded Meeting

December 16, 2024- Virtual Community Meeting

Nov. 21, 2024- Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting with VMDO Architects to provide an update on the selected conceptual design and project timeline.

October 10, 2024-School Board Meeting

The School Board voted and selected one of three conceptual designs presented.

October 7, 2024- Virtual SAT Meeting

The Superintendents Advisory team held a virtual meeting with VMDO Architects to review the three design options that are being considered.

Recorded Meeting

October 1, 2024- Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting with VMDO Architects to provide an update on the three design options that are being considered.

September 19, 2024- School Board Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team presented three design options to the School Board for information.

Recorded School Board Meeting

September 4, 2024- Virtual SAT Meeting

The Superintendents Advisory team held a virtual meeting with VMDO Architects to review the three design options that are being considered.

Recorded Meeting

September 3, 2024- Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting with VMDO Architects to present three design options that are being considered. The recorded meeting will be available in the coming days

January 22, 2024 - Virtual Community Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team held a virtual community meeting to provide an update on the construction and timeline of 1703 N. Beauregard as a swing space for George Mason and Cora Kelly.

Presentation Slides

June 5, 2023 - PTA Meeting

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team joined the George Mason PTA to provide a brief project update.

Presentation Slides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is ACPS recommending a complete replacement of George Mason?

George Mason was constructed in 1939, making it more than 80 years old. Though ACPS has done a lot of repairs and replacement projects in the facility, the facility is still expected to be in need of replacement in several years. George Mason Elementary School also is not configured optimally for learning and an addition would only exacerbate this building's inefficiency.

Where will students and staff be during construction?

Why did ACPS choose to recommend the use of a swing space?

What is the timeline of the project?

How will the George Mason community be involved in the design process?

There will be multiple opportunities for community involvement in the process. An Advisory Team will be formed, composed of George Mason staff, parents, community members, and elected officials, who will play a critical role in the design phase to provide feedback to ACPS and the Design team. Community meetings where the public can submit comments and ask questions will also be held on a regular basis during the Design phase.

What is the projected budget for the project?

Is keeping the original facade possible?

Swing Space

In September 2021, ACPS entered the due diligence stage for the purchase of the building at 1703 N. Beauregard Street. On Sept. 18, 2021, the City Council appropriated the funding for the purchase, and on Feb. 11, 2022, ACPS officially purchased the building.

Much like Ferdinand T. Day, the 1703 building is an office building that will be converted into a school. ACPS is pursuing the opportunity to use this building as a Swing Space for both George Mason and Cora Kelly before ultimately using it as a permanent 600-student capacity school.

Community Engagement

Douglas MacArthur modernization included four phases of community engagement: pre-design, design, construction, and occupancy

Advisory Group Members:

NAME	ORGANIZATION/TITLE	EMAIL ADDRESS
John Doyle	North Ridge Citizens Association	john.g.doyle45@gmail.com
Suzie O'Brien	George Mason PTA	suzieperea@gmail.com
Edith Andrade Salazar	George Mason Parent	e.andrade603@gmail.com
Mimi Saunders	George Mason Community Member	andymimisaunders@verizon.net
Dr. Ashley Simpson-Baird	ACPS School Board Member	ashley.simpson.baird@acps.k12.va.us
Christopher Harris	ACPS School Board Member	christopher.harris@acps.k12.va.us
Geoffrey Goode	Alexandria Recreation and Parks	geoffrey.goode@gmail.com
Kirk McPike	Alexandria City Council	kirk.mcpike@alexandriava.gov
Stephen Koenig	Alexandria Planning Commision	swkoenig@icloud.com
Danielle Sims	Alexandria PTAC	danielle.m.sims@gmail.com

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