Two new elementary schools opened in Prince William County this year. Here’s a look at the campuses, including the division’s first net-zero school.
Occoquan Elementary
Occoquan Elementary opened this year as Prince William County’s first net-zero school, according to Prince William Times. That means the building produces as much energy as it uses. Solar panels, site canopies, and an advanced HVAC system assist in reaching that goal.
Tools like an interactive dashboard and accessible geothermal equipment help teach students about sustainability. There is also an outdoor classroom on the third floor. Students will eventually plant a garden there.
Occoquan Elementary cost $80 million. The school is about 120,000 square feet and can accommodate about 850 students. It joins the ranks of other net-zero schools in Northern Virginia. That includes Discovery Elementary in Arlington, which is regarded as an early adopter of the net-zero mission.
Woodbridge Elementary
The county also opened Woodbridge Elementary this year. The school was built to combat overcrowding in the county’s public school system. Its opening was delayed by a year due to construction challenges.
Approximately 625 students are currently enrolled at the 130,000-square-foot school, which cost $69 million to build.
