FAQ about the Re-Opening of Woodward High School

Updated: May 17,2024

What has been approved by the Board of Education for this project?

• Phase 1: Construct a holding facility for Northwood High School while Northwood HS undergoes a renovation/replacement at their current site. This will take place during June 2024 to August 2027.
• Phase 2: Reopening of Woodward High School is required to address the urgent space needs at Walter Johnson High School and the Downcounty Consortium high schools. The academic program for Phase 2 has not been determined yet, but design for Phase 1 needs to move forward to allow Northwood HS to use the building in September 2024.

What impact and/or influence will Phase 1 have on Phase 2?

Design of Phase 1 building will be extremely flexible to accommodate not only current programs, but for those in place 40 or 50 years from now. The design team is working to ensure that the Phase 1 design does not negatively impact the Phase 2 design.

Who will go to Woodward High School?

• Phase 1: Current Northwood High School students will use the Building as a holding facility while their new high school building will be built between June 2024 and August 2027.
• Phase 2: Woodward High School will be reopened September 2027. MCPS Division of Capital Planning will start the process of a boundary study to determine who will go to Woodward High School 18 months prior to the opening of school.

What is included in Phase 1 and Phase 2?

• Phase 1 includes all spaces necessary for Montgomery County high school students to graduate from the new Woodward High School.
• Phase 2 includes, at minimum, a second gymnasium, auditorium, and athletic site amenities based on continuing conversations with communities and all stakeholders. It will also include any additional spaces required to meet Phase 2 academic programs. The Phase 2 program has not been determined yet.

Why can’t Phase 1 and Phase 2 be constructed at the same time?

The program for Phase 2 has not been determined yet by the Board of Education, but design for Phase 1 needs to move forward to allow Northwood HS to use the building as a holding facility in September 2024.

What is the school site size?

27.31 acres (for reference, Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS is 16.36 acres, Walter Johnson HS is 30.86 acres). However, significant topographic change within the site limits the use of flat area for site amenities.

What site amenities will be available for Phase 1 – Northwood High School while at Woodward High School?

Montgomery County Parks and Planning may allow the use of the fields at Timberlawn Park. MCPS is continuing the discussion with Northwood communities and the Montgomery County Parks and Planning.

What site amenities will be available for Phase 2 – new Woodward High School?

We anticipate that a baseball field, a softball field, and a track with a stadium will be provided during Phase 2. Site plans from presentations show possible layout options. MCPS is continuing the discussion with communities and all stakeholders.

How many students will be accommodated in new Woodward High School?

The new Woodward HS building will be designed for a capacity of 2,200 students.

Is the new Woodward High School going to be an art magnet school?

The Phase 1 building is designed for all the programs necessary for Montgomery County High School students to graduate from the new Woodward High School. The Phase 2 program has not yet been determined.

How many stories is the proposed building?

The proposed building is terraced into the existing grades to minimize excavation and has a 3-story portion along Old Georgetown Road and a 4-story portion near the athletic fields.

Why is there a courtyard in the concept design?

Most of the instructional spaces require access to natural light, and having a courtyard is one of the most efficient ways to provide natural light. Also, a courtyard can be utilized for eating, assembly, and instruction. The proposed building design is one of the most efficient building footprints.

Can a parking structure be provided?

300 count structure is being provided as part of Phase 2.

What is the overall project schedule?

• Tilden Middle School will relocate to their new building summer 2020.
• The old Woodward HS building will be abated and demolished by January 2021.
• Construction of the new Woodward HS Phase 1 building will start by the end of January 2021.
• Construction for Phase 1 will be completed by August 2024.
• Site construction and Phase 2 construction starts summer 2024.
• Construction for Phase 2 will be completed by August 2026.

• The building form respects the surrounding scale and utilizes the topography to present a single-story front facade while maintaining a minimized footprint on the site.
• The orientation of the Administration Suite optimizes security by allowing ample supervision of the main entrance, drop-off loops, and playfields.
• The “Learning Stair” creates a unique learning environment while functioning as a formal connection between public spaces and play areas.
• A three-story master-planned addition has already been laid out to accommodate future enrollment growth.
• The facility will earn Green Globe certification (level 2) thanks to the–
  • high-efficiency LED lighting,
  • daylighting measures,
  • high-efficiency mechanical systems, and the
  • high-performance building envelope.