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.
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.
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.
Project Updates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
George Mason Modernization Project
Dear Families, Staff, and Alexandria Community Members,
The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Capital Programs, Planning, and Design team invites you to join us for a virtual community meeting on Mon., Dec. 16, 2024. This meeting is an opportunity to receive updates on the project timeline and schematic design, including traffic scoping, outdoor space utilization, and building elevations.
Date: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Representatives from ACPS and VMDO Architects will be available to answer questions submitted during the meeting.
Language Support: Interpreters in Spanish, Amharic, Dari, and Arabic will be available during the webinar.
If you're unable to attend, the presentation will be accessible online afterward, and all feedback will be shared with the appropriate staff and decision-makers. We encourage you to send your feedback to Arte’a Funderburk, CIP Communications Specialist, at artea.funderburk@acps.k12.va.us.
Superintendent's Advisory Team Meeting
Date: Weds., Dec. 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Representatives from ACPS and VMDO Architects will be available to answer questions submitted during the meeting.
Language Support: Interpreters in Spanish, Amharic, Dari, and Arabic will be available during the webinar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is ACPS recommending a complete replacement of George Mason?
- 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?
- What is the projected budget for the project?
- Is keeping the original facade possible?
Why is ACPS recommending a complete replacement of George Mason?
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?
What is the projected budget for the project?
Is keeping the original facade possible?
Community Engagement
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 |