Design-Build Phase Starts In September For 8 New Prince George's County School Buildings

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George’s County Public Schools has reached financial close on the PGCPS Blueprint Schools Phase II Project.

The Phase II Project includes the construction of eight new school facilities by 2028: six elementary schools and two pre-kindergarten through 8th grade academies including Springhill Lake Elementary School, Fairwood Area Elementary School, Templeton Elementary School, Hyattsville Elementary School, Margaret Brent Elementary School, James Duckworth Elementary School, Brandywine Area PK-8 Academy and Robert Frost Area PK-8 Academy.

The project will be financed through both public and private sources. Public funding will account for $228 million during construction while the long-term financing includes $650 million in taxable municipal bonds. Private capital will be repaid over the concession in the form of availability payments.

“Blueprint Schools Phase II is an unprecedented demonstration of true collaboration across all levels of government: the board of education, eounty, County Council and the state legislature,” said PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II. “Once again, PGCPS is at the forefront of utilizing this innovative alternative delivery approach to deliver much-needed schools our students deserve, as quickly as possible.”

Highlights of Phase II include a state match and pre-kindergarten classrooms in all schools. All eight schools will be delivered as net zero schools.

"Phase II of the Blueprint Schools construction represents a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to provide world-class educational facilities for Prince George's County students,” said Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George's county executive. “This innovative model not only accelerates the construction of modern, state-of-the-art schools but also does so in a fiscally responsible manner, maximizing the benefits of public-private partnerships. By prioritizing efficiency and collaboration, we are creating learning environments that empower our children to thrive, ensuring a brighter future for our entire community."


PEP will now begin the design-build phase of the project with construction expected to begin in September and finish in 2028 with three delivery dates: summer 2026, summer 2027 and summer 2028 — unlike Phase 1 where all six schools were delivered in one school year.

“Over the next four years, the second phase of Blueprint Schools will create more than 8,000 seats in 8 schools across the county,” said Prince George’s County Board of Education Chair Lolita E. Walker. “These new buildings are critical and will replace and/or rightsize 14 schools as we continue to modernize our facilities, the second oldest in the state of Maryland. Ensuring this plan is fully funded is one of our top priorities and is integral to the success of our scholars.”