Michael Burch | ALXnow

Alexandria students begin school year with stricter cell phone rules, new boundaries

Published August 24, 2026 at 11:45AM

Alexandria School Board Chair Christopher Harris shakes hands with a student on the first day of school at Alexandria City High School, Aug. 24, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools welcomed students back for the first day of school today (Monday) as the district implemented a stricter student cell phone policy and new school boundaries.

More than 15,000 students started school at ACPS, from the incoming kindergarten class who will graduate in 2039, to the seniors graduating next year. Acting Superintendent Grace Taylor, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, School Board Chair Christopher Harris, Alexandria City High School Principal Michael Burch and Police Chief Tarrick McGuire visited classrooms at ACHS’s King Street Campus on the first day.

New ACHS principal says administrators will focus on smartphone ban and attendance

By James Cullum

Published July 15, 2026 at 3:45PM

ACHS Principal Michael Burch talks to students, parents and administrators, July 15, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

With a new principal at the helm, Alexandria City High School administrators will focus their efforts this school year on chronic absenteeism and implementing Virginia’s stricter ban against smartphones and other smart devices in schools.

On Wednesday morning (July 15), new principal Michael Burch told students, parents and administrators that he’s been sending out emails about the “bell-to-bell” phone ban signed into law by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).

JUST IN: Michael Burch hired as principal of Alexandria City High School

By James Cullum

Published June 11, 2026 at 9:35PM | Updated June 12, 2026 at 8:38AM

Michael Burch, the incoming principal of Alexandria City High School (via ACPS)

Michael Burch, the ACHS lead administrator for operations and student support, has been hired as the next principal of Alexandria City High School.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made the announcement at tonight’s School Board meeting. With approximately 4,500 students and hundreds of staffers spread across four campuses, Burch will will lead the largest public high school in Virginia starting on July 1.