News

PHOTOS: City leaders cut ribbon at Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus

By James Cullum
1/21

After two years under construction, city leaders cut the ribbon today on Alexandria City High School’s new Minnie Howard Campus.

The $190 million project for the 343,000-square-foot, five-story satellite campus can hold up to 1,600 students — double the capacity of its 1950’s-era predecessor. The building will be home to six career and technical education academies, which administrators say will allow students to pursue their interests.

Mayor Justin Wilson said that the building represents the city’s values.

“I cannot think of a better testament, a better symbol of what we value as a community, what we value as the City of Alexandria than this building right here,” Wilson said at the ribbon cutting. “This is a generational investment in our community.”

School Board Chair Michelle Rief said that the building is an investment in the city’s future.

“Originally designed to serve students in grades nine through 12, with a capacity of 1,600 students, the new Minnie Howard Campus will be a welcome addition to one of the largest high schools in the country,” Rief said.

ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said that today marked a historic moment for the school system.

“We are here today redefining the high school experience for future generations of Alexandrians,” Kay-Wyatt said.

ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III said that he was excited about the academies.

“This is an opportunity for students to engage in a learning experience that’s rooted in their interests,” Duncan said. “This is not just about them sitting in a classroom and receiving information, but it’s about them being given the opportunity to sit and explore.”

ACPS Chief Operating Officer Alicia Hart said that the project was finished on time and on budget.

“As I stand here my heart is full, knowing that this building is not just a structure, but a symbol of our commitment to ensuring the equitable access to the best education for every student in Alexandria,” Hart said. “It’s a place where dreams will be nurtured, talents will be cultivated, and opportunities will abound for years to come.”

It was the first time at the facility for former Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr., who led efforts to get the School Board to approve its construction.

“It feels wonderful, like a dream come true,” Hutchings said. “The vision is alive. It’s beautiful. It’s everything I think we imagined our young people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

ACHS student representative Zeina Yassin said that she is looking forward to bringing the new campus online.

“On behalf of the student body I’d like to thank the School Board, the city, ACPS staff and taxpayers for making this day and making this beautiful building a reality,” Yassin said.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.