Redistricting

Redistricting Transition: Preparing for the 2026–2027 School Year

Stafford Schools is preparing for an exciting new chapter as redistricting takes effect for the 2026–2027 school year. This transition includes the opening of new schools and updates to attendance boundaries to better serve our growing community. 

Our goal is clear: to create a smooth and positive transition where every student, family, and staff member feels welcomed, supported, and ready for the first day of school in August 2026. 

This webpage will provide families and the community with updates on the planning and preparation efforts taking place across the division.

What This Means for Families

Many elementary and high school students will attend a new school beginning in the 2026–2027 school year due to updated attendance boundaries. To support families through this transition, Stafford Schools is working across multiple teams to ensure:

• Clear and timely communication with families
• Opportunities to visit and learn about new schools
• Student transition supports and orientation events
• Fully staffed schools with prepared and caring teachers
• Safe, modern facilities ready for learning
• Transportation routes and logistics in place to ensure smooth travel

Key Milestones in the Transition

To keep families informed and engaged, Stafford Schools has outlined the major milestones leading up to the 2026–2027 school year. These milestones highlight the key activities and events that will guide a smooth and positive transition for students, families, and staff.

September 2025–February 2026

• School branding and identities finalized
• New school websites and social media launched
• Initial staff hiring begins
• Communication campaign begins for redistricting updates
• New schools construction continues

Spring 2026

• Welcome letters sent to families
• Family engagement events and school visits
• Staffing and program planning continues
• New schools construction nears completion

Summer 2026

• School supply lists and planning resources shared
• Furniture, technology, and instructional materials installed at new schools
• Staff onboarding and professional learning
• Final communication updates to families
• Bus routes finalized and drivers practice routes

August 11-12, 2026

Transition Day & First Day of School

• All schools will open fully staffed, fully equipped, and ready to welcome students. 

Impacted Schools

Each school will welcome students to their buildings by creating an environment that celebrates community, encourages collaboration, and sparks innovative learning. 

Families and students can look forward to engaging Welcome Nights, meaningful family and community engagement events, and thoughtful staff retreats and program planning, all designed to ensure every student feels supported, excited, and ready to thrive in their new school. The redistricting will impact the following schools: 

• Colonial Forge HS
• Brooke Point HS
• Hartwood HS
• Mountain View HS
• Stafford HS
• Anne E. Moncure ES
• Anthony Burns ES
• Conway ES
• Crow’s Nest ES
• Falls Run ES
• Garrisonville ES
• Kate Waller Barrett ES
• Park Ridge ES
• Rocky Run ES
• Stafford ES
• Winding Creek ES

How Stafford Schools Is Preparing

Stafford Schools is taking a thoughtful and coordinated approach to ensure a smooth and positive transition for the 2026–2027 school year. Every team is working together to make sure students, families, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and ready for a successful start.

Communications and Family Engagement: Families will stay informed and connected through multiple channels, including school websites, social media, email communications, physical mail, and community events. Exciting engagement opportunities, such as High School Welcome Night and Elementary Family Welcome Nights, will allow families to meet school staff, explore their new schools, and build relationships with other families, creating a sense of community from day one.

Staffing and Hiring: Stafford Schools is committed to having every school fully staffed with skilled and caring educators. Recruitment efforts include hiring experienced teachers, providing internal transfer opportunities, hosting spring hiring fairs, and ensuring all positions are filled before the first day of school. These efforts ensure that students are supported by staff who are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to make a positive impact.

Student Transition Support: The division is taking special care to make the transition smooth for every student. This includes personalized transition meetings for students receiving ESOL, special education, nursing, or counseling services, student visits to their new schools, orientation and welcome events, and secure transfer of student records. These supports help students feel confident, connected, and excited for their new learning environment.

Teaching and Learning Preparation: Curriculum teams are working to ensure teaching and learning can begin seamlessly. This includes ordering and transferring curriculum materials, building library collections, developing school improvement plans, and supporting teachers with professional learning. These efforts are designed to provide students with engaging, high-quality learning experiences from day one.
Facilities, Technology, and Operations: Staff are preparing the physical and technical spaces so that every school is welcoming and ready for students. Tasks include installing furniture and classroom equipment, setting up technology, organizing library and learning resources, and completing final inspections. Every detail is being carefully managed to ensure a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for learning.

Transportation: Transportation staff are finalizing bus routes, providing drivers with practice opportunities, and sharing clear route information with families. These steps ensure students can travel to and from school safely, efficiently, and on time, helping families feel confident and supported.

Every step of this transition is designed to create a positive, welcoming, and well-prepared start for all students, families, and staff as we embark on the 2026–2027 school year.

Stay Connected

Families are encouraged to stay connected throughout the transition to ensure they have the latest information and updates. 

Ways to stay informed include school websites, school social media accounts, division newsletters, and family engagement events. Additional information will be shared as planning continues, keeping families fully supported and engaged every step of the way.

Welcome Nights

Welcome Nights are designed to help students and families feel excited, informed, and connected to their new school community. 

These events provide an opportunity to meet school staff, explore classrooms and facilities, learn about programs and activities, and ask questions about the upcoming school year. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, Welcome Nights help students feel comfortable and confident as they prepare to begin their new educational journey.

Welcome Nights for Redistricting Transitions

School	Date	Time
Brooke Point HS	March 24, 2026	6-7:30 p.m.
Colonial Forge HS	March 24, 2026	5-7:30 p.m.
Hartwood HS *Location: UMW Stafford Campus	March 19, 2026	5-8 p.m.
Mountain View HS	March 24, 2026	6-7:30 p.m.
Stafford HS	March 24, 2026	6-7:30 p.m.
Anne E. Moncure ES	May 12, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Anthony Burns ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Conway ES	May 12, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Crow’s Nest ES *Location: Brooke Point HS	May 12, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Falls Run ES *Location: T. Benton Gayle MS	May 12, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Garrisonville ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Kate Waller Barrett ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Park Ridge ES	May 12, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Rocky Run ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Stafford ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.
Winding Creek ES	May 14, 2026	5:30 to 7 p.m.

Questions About Redistricting Transition?

If you have questions about school assignments, transportation, or transition planning, please contact Dr. Marcie Robertson at robertsonmd@staffordschools.net. 

More information about school boundaries and updates can also be found on the Redistricting Information Page. 

Enrollment Accommodation Plan

Past Redistricting