FCPS saved taxpayers over 250 million dollars by purchasing King Abdullah Academy, an already existing structure in Herndon, to accommodate schools over capacity this August.

FCPS finalized their payment of 150 million dollars for 33 acres and a 325,000 square ft. building- set to include equipment and technology as part of the purchase.

For a while, FCPS has been struggling with overcrowding at several schools. These include, Chantilly, Centreville, Oakton, and Herndon, all of which are well over 110% capacity, forcing students to attend classes inside trailers placed along school grounds.

However, there is a growing debate regarding how the school should be used. Some say it would be best to use the school to alleviate overcrowding, others believe it could be beneficial to use it for a magnet school, like the notable Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Several students have commented about the ongoing debate regarding the future of the school. “I think it would be better if FCPS used the new building as a more available school for the overcrowding,” sophomore, Nordine Bouyboud said.

While some people agree with making the school use it to alleviate overcrowding, there are many who agree with it becoming a magnet school due to its resources that other schools don’t offer, such as the Olympic-sized heating swimming pool and three gymnasiums.

FCPS isn’t planning on opening the school to the public until the 2026-2027 school year. School officials say that time is needed to determine how best to utilize the amenities the school offers.