Herndon Elementary Capital Project
Information about the Renovations and Additions
The Herndon Elementary project was identified as part of the Renovation Queue, which was approved by the Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) in 2009. Herndon Elementary ranks 52 out of 63 schools on the list. Planning and design efforts for the renovation were funded through the 2021 School Bond Referendum, with construction funding provided by the 2023 School Bond Referendum.
Upon completion, the project will modernize the school facility, provide modern amenities and fully upgrade mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The renovation will also expand the building by approximately 51,000 square feet, featuring a new two-story addition, a new library, an expanded cafeteria and kitchen, an enlarged administrative suite with a new main entrance vestibule, and site improvement.
Improvements to the site will enhance safety and functionality by upgrading the bus loop and expanding the Kiss & Ride area. Once completed, the 129,200-square-foot facility will provide a healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient learning environment for all students.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to improve our school facilities. Stay tuned for more updates.
Latest Update: April 17, 2026
Construction Information
- Project is currently in Phase 1. The two-story addition is in progress, which includes a new library, new classrooms, music and art classrooms, and additional support spaces.
- With occupancy approval secured for the temporary classroom trailers, some classes have been relocated to ensure uninterrupted instruction during construction of the new space.
- A full renovation of the building.
- A modern 2-story addition, featuring new classrooms.
- New library in new addition.
- 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: 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 solar tubes in the gymnasium.
- A full renovation of the kitchen with updated equipment and a cafeteria expansion.
- New courtyards with an outdoor classroom.
- Site improvements include an increase in parking capacity, enhanced traffic flow through the expansion of the Kiss & Ride area and bus loop, and a separation between them with sidewalks. Additionally, adding a stormwater management system.
Herndon Elementary School Renovation Photo Gallery
Future Events
Information on future events will be posted as soon as details are known.
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Key Build Information
Funding: 2021 Bond (Planning/Design)
Future Building Area: 129,200 SF
Anticipated Future Capacity: 1050
Building Area: 85,165
Acreage:14.00
Prior Renovation: 1991
Prior Capacity Enhancement:1969, 1988 (addition), 2007 (modular)
2008 Renovation Rank: #52
Architect: Cooper Carry
Contractor: Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc.
Current Status: Under Construction
Bid Opening Date: March 5, 2025
School Board Award Date: March 27, 2025
Start of Construction: Spring 2025
Estimated Completion: Summer 2027
School Information
Address: 630 Dranesville Rd, Herndon, VA 20170
FCPS Region: 1
Grades: PreK-6
HS Pyramid: Herndon HS
MS Feeder: Herndon MS
Opened: 1961
Title 1:Yes
K-3 Cap: 23
Programs: PreK, AAP Local Level IV, Immersion (School-based), Autism, SACC (2 classrooms)
Past Engagement, Planning & Construction Information
School access (Parking, Kiss & Ride, Bus Loop, Pedestrian Routes).
- Access to parking will continue to be provided throughout the construction.
- While site circulation may have to adjust to account for the location of construction, parking, kiss & ride, bus loop, and pedestrian routes to school will be maintained.
- FCPS has revisited the design and considered all possible options to avoid having parking extend further into the Herndon Elementary School site and extend parking behind neighboring property. Our study has concluded there is no alternative to the design that remove spaces directly behind neighboring property while maintaining the total number of proposed parking spaces. We are obligated to the Herndon community and school to provide a balanced approach to the design, taking all factors into consideration. There is a strain on adjacent public streets due to the lack of adequate parking on the school site. This project will help alleviate the parking strain and plans for future growth. To reduce the impact on neighbors’ views, the design provides a row of shrubs along the south side of the parking area, helping to screen parking from residential properties.
Construction Schedule
- The construction timeline is Spring 2025 - Summer 2027.
Design and Planning Elements
- All spaces within the existing building will be renovated.
- 11 new adult toilet rooms will be provided throughout the school.
- There will be swings in the new playground.
- Trailers will be removed at the end of construction.
April 23, 2025, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:Community Meeting
December 14, 2023 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:Community Meeting
March 20, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Community Meeting
October 4, 2022:Design Feedback and Engagement Committee meeting #2
May 31, 2022:Design Feedback and Engagement Committee meeting #1
