Groundbreaking Celebration Held for Barnard Elementary School

Mayor Bowser, DC Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking of $22 Million Addition to Barnard Elementary School

Washington, DC — On June 13, 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined leaders from the Department of General Services (DGS), DC Public Schools (DCPS), and the Ward 4 community to break ground on a major $22 million, 21,000-square-foot addition at Barnard Elementary School. The event marked a key milestone in the ongoing modernization of the school and investment in the Petworth neighborhood.

The new addition will include:

  • 12 new classrooms

  • A state-of-the-art Specials Lab

  • Dedicated Special Education spaces

  • Green infrastructure improvements, including a green roof, new playfield, and bioretention ponds

“These improvements are part of a larger vision to make the school campus—and the surrounding block—safer, cleaner, and more accessible for students and neighbors,” said Mayor Bowser.

The project, which is targeting LEED Gold certification, reflects the District’s commitment to building modern, sustainable, and inclusive learning environments across all eight wards.

“This project represents the best of what public infrastructure can do,” said DGS Director Delano Hunter. “We are proud to deliver a project that aligns with Mayor Bowser’s priorities for safe, sustainable schools—and to create opportunities that inspire learning and strengthen neighborhoods.”

Designed with minimal disruption to current school operations, the new addition will enhance both the learning environment and the school's presence in the community. From the outset, the team prioritized long-term solutions that serve students, staff, and the broader neighborhood.

Community engagement has played a central role in shaping the design, with multiple meetings ensuring that local voices and ideas are reflected in every phase of the project. The DGS/DCPS team remains committed to listening, adapting, and delivering a school that meets the needs of its students and families.

This project is being delivered in partnership with Ashley McGraw Architects and GCS-Sigal with leadership from Project Manager Ryan Walker from the Capital Construction Services team.

Ashley McGraw