Bonnie Brae Elementary Capital Project
Information about the Renovation
The Bonnie Brae Elementary School project was identified as part of the 2008 Renovation Queue, which was approved by the Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) in 2009 . Bonnie Brae Elementary ranks 44th out of 63 schools on the list. Planning and design efforts for the renovation were funded through the 2019 School Bond Referendum, with construction funding provided by the 2021 School Bond Referendum.
Upon completion, the project will modernize and reimagine the school, providing updated learning environments and fully upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The renovation will also expand the building by approximately 37,983 square feet, including the relocation of the existing windowless administrative offices to exterior walls to improve visibility of the school entrance and bus loop. A major component of the expansion is the addition of a two-story classroom wing.
Site improvements will enhance both safety and functionality, including updates to the bus loop, an extended Kiss & Ride area, new playgrounds, and expanded outdoor classroom spaces. Once completed, Bonnie Brae School will total approximately 126,499 Gross Square Feet and will be designed to meet the Virginia Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Designed certification standards, supporting a healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient learning environment.
Latest Update: November 13, 2025
Construction Information
Project Update – Addition and Renovation Progress
Students have officially moved into the new addition, which features:
- 15 new classrooms
- Two art labs with a kiln room and a dedicated art storage room
- A new instrumental music classroom with musical instrument storage on the second floor
- A temporary library space on the second floor while work begins in the original first-floor library
- SACC program spaces relocated to the addition
- New resource classrooms
- New teacher work rooms
The renovated first-floor areas now house the:
- Main office (access temporarily by door 2)
- Clinic
- Staff lounge
- Work room
- New elevator
Additional completed work includes:
- New group restrooms in the addition and total replacement of gym restrooms
- Platform for music class
- New kitchen with a more efficient layout and all new equipment
- Gym upgrades, including a new floor and new equipment. (Final gym lines are forthcoming.)
- Main Entry and Canopy
Work continues at the new main entry at Door 1, including installation of the new entry canopy . - Cafeteria expansion continues at the front of the school
- Demolition
Interior demolition continues in the first- and second-floor classrooms located at the rear portion of the school. - Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Updates
Upgrades to the building’s systems continue in the first- and second-floor classrooms at the rear of the school. New electrical, domestic water, and sanitary lines are already installed and connected. - Paving
The kiss-and-ride area and the southern half of the bus loop have been completed. Remaining paving work, including the final asphalt topcoat for the northern half of the bus loop, loading dock road and loading dock, and restoration of the area beneath the trailer classrooms, is scheduled for Summer 2026.
- Sustainability Improvements: The renovation will be a more sustainable building with all LED lighting and advanced lighting controls.
- HVAC System: A new, more efficient HVAC system with updated controls will enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
- Technology Upgrades: We are incorporating updated technology to support modern learning environments.
- Life Safety Upgrades: New fire alarm system, new security system, fire sprinkler system, and new generator.
- Water Conservation: Automatic low-flow sinks, toilets, and urinals will be installed to promote water conservation.
- Daylighting: New windows and improved natural lighting in classrooms and gymnasium.
- Kitchen and Expanded cafeteria: All new kitchen equipment and expanded cafeteria.
- Relocated and Improved: SACC, Library, music, and art.
- Roof: Total replacement.
- Parking and Accessibility: The teacher parking lot has been reconfigured, and new sidewalks have been added to improve accessibility.
Bonnie Brae Elementary School Renovation Photo Gallery
Future Events
Information on future engagement opportunities will be posted as soon as they are planned.
For updates, join the FCPS News You Choose subscription for this project. Once signed up or logged in, choose the Capital Projects (School Construction) and the school's construction topic.
JOIN FCPS NEWS YOU CHOOSE EMAIL LIST
GIVE FEEDBACK
Key Build Information
Funding: 2019 Bond (Planning), 2021 Bond (Construction)
Future Building Area: 126,499 SF
Anticipated Future Capacity: 1101
Building Area: 86,390 SF
Acreage: 13.29
Prior Renovation: n/a
Prior Capacity Enhancement:n/a
Renovation Queue Rank: #44
Architect: Samaha Associates, P.C.
Contractor: HESS Construction
Current Status: Under Construction
Start of Construction: February 2024
Estimated Completion: June 2026
School Information
Address: 5420 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22032
FCPS Region: 4
Grades: PreK-6
MS/HS Pyramid:Robinson SS
Opened: 1988
Title 1: No
K-3 Cap: N/A
Programs: PreK, AAP Local Level IV, Early Childhood Class-Based, Preschool Autism Class, Autism, SACC (2 classrooms)
Past Engagement, Planning & Construction Information
October 7, 2025:Community Meeting
February 1, 2024:Community Meeting
December 14, 2021:Land Use Meeting #1
December 7, 2021:Community Meeting
November 18, 2021:PTO Meeting
October 20, 2021: Design Feedback and Engagement Committee #2
June 30, 2021:Design Feedback and Engagement Committee #1
