Springfield Schools history

Built in 1868, this is Springfield's oldest standing school, although it has been significantly modified to the point where it is unrecognizable from its original design.

1871 - The Board issued twenty thousand 10% bonds to fund a new school building.

1872 - The first class is graduated.

The new school was named the Lincoln School when it opened in 1884.

Built in 1892, on a lot across from where Springfield's very first public school stood, this was closed at some point and converted into an office building.

In 1893, the community rose to the challenge and completed a three-winged school house for grades 1-12.

Built in 1896, this school was converted into elderly apartments (not sure when). It was never enlarged, so it is the same design as when it was originally built.

Built in 1898, this is still being used as a school, however it was frequently cited as an example of a school in poor physical condition.

Built in 1899, but later substantially modified and enlarged, this is still being used as a city school.

In 1900, Dorr Street School was opened and was nicknamed the “rabbit center” because of the rural location and its propensity to wildlife.

1906 - Construction began on the second section of the Senior High School.

1914 - Construction began on the third section of Senior High School.

It seems likely that the wing at the rear was an addition, but it was done early on, since it is visible in the postcard image circa 1915.

Holland Elementary School was originally built in the 1920's.

In 1925 a grassroots effort took place to fund a gymnasium.

Athletics, Music and MoreThe first football team was organized in 1927 with Jay R. Bone serving as the coach.

A swimming pool was built behind Holland Elementary in the mid 1930's.

1931, March 11 - Dedication of the "finest gymnasium in the state" with a packed house of 2100 people to see the first game.

1936 - Senior High Stadium was built.

1937 - The Fine Arts Building was built.

1939 - Construction began on the Industrial Arts Building, a new auditorium, and cafeteria.

In 1942, Crissey Elementary School was a three-classroom schoolhouse.

In 1947 the Memorial Football Stadium was built at a cost of over $11,000.

1956 - Senior High School was renamed Central High School after the district builds more high schools.

Construction of West Springfield Elementary School began in March 1964.

With construction largely complete in May, the School Board directed Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) administrators to open West Springfield immediately and move the students into the building on May 4, 1965.

Did you know that when West Springfield Elementary School opened there were no kindergarteners in our school? A kindergarten program was piloted in several schools in 1967 and proved so successful that one year later FCPS implemented kindergarten county-wide.

Students started attending the “new” high school in 1968.

Redistricting and the opening of White Oaks Elementary School decreased our student population to 347 in 1985.

The first addition to our school was constructed in 1986 and consisted of a combined gymnasium and music room.

The second addition to West Springfield was built in 1989 and added classrooms for the School Age Child Care (SACC) program.

In 1992, the community again supported its school system and voted a bond issue to fund a new elementary school.

The first school-wide renovation of our building took place in 1993.

Holloway Elementary School opened for the 1994-95 school year and is located on Pilliod Road.

OTC renamed the building Lincoln Hall in 1998 to honor its early history.

2000, April - Voters approve a major bond issue for the Springfield School District.

Thanks to support from voters in 2007, a "No New Taxes" bond issuance financed the construction of new athletic facilities, classrooms, and a fitness center on the Springfield High School campus.

Cheri Copeland-Shull, who became the instructional leader at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.

Construction, at no cost to the district, began in June, 2013 on Springfield Schools' property for the long-awaited McCord Road railroad underpass.

Andrew Screptock who took the reins as the school's Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at the start of the 2019-20 school year.

In 2020, the Blue Devil celebrated its 65th anniversary as the school's mascot with festivities that even celebrated Ed Gibson's involvement!