Alexandria City High School, Minnie Howard Campus

Alexandria, Virginia

Firm

Perkins Eastman

Client

Alexandria City Public Schools

Area

343,410 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$190,000,000

Completion Date

07/2024

Judy Davis Photography

[close]

Design team
Sean O’Donnell (Principal in Charge); Omar Calderon Santiago (Design Principal); Ken Terzian (Project Manager); Lina Taheri (Project Architect); Huyen Nguyen (Construction Administration); Sogol Alesafar (Project Architect)

The reimagined Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School embodies Alexandria City Public Schools’ Equity for All 2025 visions. It delivers an inclusive, high-performance learning environment for all high school grades. Replacing a former ninth-grade academy, the five-story building supports interdisciplinary, project-based learning through student-centered “academic neighborhoods,” each with classrooms, extended learning spaces and embedded support services. A multistory Creative Commons anchors the design, blending dining, study and collaboration zones linked to arts, science and Career & Technical Education labs.

Community-integrated features include a state-funded Teen Wellness Center, a Family Resource Center, and a 100-student Early Childhood Center with Head Start programming. The gym, aquatic center and outdoor fields are shared with the public after hours.

Designed to meet net zero energy goals, the building incorporates geothermal systems, solar shading with photovoltaics, high-performance glazing and a daylight-optimized form. Sustainability and wellness drive every decision—enhancing indoor air quality, comfort and student experience. As part of the Connected High School Network, the campus fosters equity, resilience and civic engagement for future-ready learners.