The Alexandria School Board is scheduled to work on narrowing down the site plan for Douglas MacArthur Elementary School to two potential designs at its meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. at the Alexandria City Public Schools headquarters (1340 Braddock Place).
The two concepts — called “Y” and “Forest” for certain elements of their design — were narrowed down from an original field of five options.
The Y option puts the new school close to Janneys Lane, mostly along a long central corridor, with athletic fields and play areas located behind the building near a heavily wooded area. At the western end of the hallway, it splits with a gym at the north end of the school — giving the building its Y shape.
The Forest option would put most of the school closer to the wooded area, with the play and athletics areas located on the east end of the site.
At a community meeting last week, parents and community members expressed preferences and concerns regarding the proposals. Some said they believed the Forest design would make the athletic and playfields more accessible for public use when school isn’t in session, while others said the accessibility and proximity to the street was concerning. Staff said whatever design was chosen would have fencing around the building.
At its meeting, the School Board will also likely discuss co-locating city facilities at the site, something city officials have pushed for in recent years but which has received some pushback from local residents.
“Options for co-location could include additional recreation space, affordable or workforce housing, or added health services, co-located on the site with Douglas MacArthur Elementary School,” ACPS said in a press release. “ACPS and the City intend to explore feasible and appropriate co-location opportunities within the chosen concept, although the ACPS educational program for the new school will take priority.”
The final vote on the concept for MacArthur Elementary is scheduled to take place at the Thursday, Feb. 6 School Board meeting.
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Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.

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Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.