Central Nova News

On Wednesday, May 29, the City of Alexandria and Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of phase one of new facilities at the Alexandria City High School (ACHS)-Minnie Howard Campus. The second phase will involve constructing new athletic fields, with work expected to begin in June 2024.

The campus is named after Minnie Stansbury Howard, a notable community figure who dedicated her life to the welfare of children in Alexandria. She founded the city’s first Parent Teacher Association in 1912 and established several other key institutions for children's welfare. The original elementary school bearing her name opened in 1954.

“Minnie Howard Campus is a landmark facility for all Alexandrians. It will provide a much-needed community space where students, families, and residents can gather together and create new memories,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “It represents a crown jewel in an era of investment in our school facilities—an investment in the future of our city made without compromising on academic needs and sustainability.”

The newly constructed 343,000-square-foot school is unique as it serves both educational purposes and community needs. It includes early childhood education services, a teen wellness center, student and family resource centers, and an aquatic facility with a regulation-length pool. Staff from ACPS and the City will manage these spaces.

“The opening of Minnie Howard signals that our community is committed to our youth and to the future of this city,” stated City Manager James Parajon. He highlighted that by the end of the next decade over one billion dollars would have been invested in school facilities since 2015 due to taxpayer support alongside backing from the School Board and City Council.

The Minnie Howard Pool will offer swim lessons, lap swimming, and aquatics fitness classes starting this August. Public access hours are generally Monday-Friday from 4 to 8:45 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., subject to school use.

For more details on programs or accessibility services at these facilities or if translation assistance is needed, residents can visit alexandriava.gov/Aquatics or contact specified personnel through provided communication channels.

Alexandria celebrates its history with events marking its 275th anniversary between April through September underlining its progress toward inclusivity since its founding in 1749.