Falls Church High Capital Project
Information about the Renovation and Addition
The Falls Church High School project was identified according to the Renovation Queue, approved in 2009. The Falls Church High project is ranked 45 of 63 schools in the queue. Planning/Design was funded by the 2017 bond, with construction funded by the 2021 bond. The completed project will add approximately 122,000 square feet to the building. The total future building area will be 429,000 square feet. The renovation and additions will include:
- science classrooms
- administrative offices
- library
- music rooms
- security vestibule
- site improvements
Latest Update: May 16, 2024
Falls Church High School Construction Information
Latest Update: November 17, 2023
Questions and comments about the construction project are shared at community meetings, via feedback forms, and through email. We will share answers and updates here.
- Streetlights are located on the residential side of Marc Drive. FCPS visited and all pole lights are now working, however some tree branches are blocking light.
- FCPS Design and Construction walked through the school building during evening hours and found out the wall pack lights and light poles are working.
- One additional temporary light will be added in the back of the building, adjacent to the construction entrance.
- If other issues are found or complaints submitted, FCPS Design and Construction will work to resolve them promptly.
- The Office of School Safety will be engaged regarding safety along the street to Providence and at intersections.
- There will be 516 total completed parking spaces once the project is complete.
- FCPS is currently leasing 79 parking spaces at Providence Park (this is not included in the 516-count above). During school hours there are spaces available at Providence Park.
- During Phase 2, the increase in building footprint and construction activities around the building will impact parking.
- FCPS Design and Construction is reaching out to Saint Philip’s Church about the possibility of allowing parking for FCHS.
- FCPS Design and Construction is reaching out to VDOT and local jurisdiction police departments for information about potential parking along Jaguar Trail.
- FCPS Design and Construction is reminding contractors to park in their designated parking areas.
- FCPS’ Office of Transportation will confirm if overnight bus parking is needed.
- FCPS Design and Construction is working with the contractor to make up time in phases 2 and 3. Time can be made up during the interior renovation as long as additional material delays or unforeseeable issues during demolition occur.
- An addition or renovation project in an occupied building typically has a longer duration compared to a similar project in a non-occupied building. High school renovations are typically four years or longer.
- There is no incentive built into the contract with the general contractor to finish early. Follow-up and progress meetings are held with the contractor to ensure they meet deadlines.
- Removing ceilings is necessary to facilitate the installation of new utility lines, both temporarily and permanently, during construction. Additionally, it allows for easy access to building systems for modifications and is frequently required for inspection and testing purposes during phased construction. This also allows for the removal of existing utilities when no longer needed.
- Budgeting for interior items post-renovation is determined by school leadership and is not part of the renovation scope.
- Solar panels are not part of the design.
- The theater seats are relatively new and could last 35 years once reinstalled in the renovated auditorium.
- The theater stage floor will be replaced with a new floor. No change was made to the stage floor in the project plan.
- The theater stage lighting is consistent with Oakton High School’s stage lighting. No changes were made to stage lighting in the project plan.
- New wiring and lighting circuits for athletic lighting are in the project scope. FCPS Design and Construction has records of existing lighting systems and newly proposed lighting, which can be shared with individuals upon request.
- Athletics revenue is not covered with the renovation scope and cannot be addressed by FCPS Design and Construction.
Falls Church High School Renovation Photo Gallery
Future Events
Community Meeting: Falls Church High School Renovation Updates
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church, VA 22042 - View Flyer
For updates, join the FCPS News You Choose subscription for this project. Once signed up or logged in, choose the Capital Projects (School Construction) and the school's construction topic.
Key Build Information
Funding: 2017 Bond (Planning), 2021 Bond (Construction)
Future Building Area: 429,596 SF
Anticipated Future Capacity: 2,500
Building Area: 306,713 SF
Acreage: 39.54
Prior Renovation: 1989
Prior Capacity Enhancement: 1988
2008 Renovation Rank: #45
Architect: Perkins Eastman
Contractor: Grunley
Current Status: Under Construction
Estimated Completion: Summer 2026
School Information
Address: 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church, VA 22042
FCPS Region: 2
Grades: 9-12
MS Feeder: Jackson MS, Poe MS
ES Feeders: Camelot ES, Fairhill ES, Graham Road ES, Mason Crest ES, Pine Spring ES, Timber Lane ES, Westlawn ES, Woodburn ES
Opened: 1967
Title 1: No
Programs: HS Advanced Placement, HS Academy, Intellectual Disability (School-based), Physical Disability, Nontraditional
Past Engagement, Planning & Construction Information
October 23, 2023: Community Meeting
- This meeting was an information session about the current status of the project and what to expect going forward. FCPS staff shared information about the project’s history and how cost-saving measures were incorporated. Dr. Michelle Reid, superintendent, was also in attendance.
- Presentation (October 2023)
April 23, 2023: PTSA Meeting
April 14, 2022: School Board Meeting
- Award of Contract - Agenda Item 5.04
- Video Recording - Agenda Item 5.04 - Award of Contract at 3:26:15
March 10, 2022: School Board Meeting
- Agenda (March 2022) - Item 6.17
- View Recording - Agenda Item 6.17 - Award of Contract at 2:47:12
February 3, 2022: Community Meeting
- Falls Church Community Meeting Comments and Questions
- View Recording
April 28, 2021: Community Meeting
June 4, 2019: Community Meeting