(Washington, DC) – Today, the Bowser Administration joined community members to break ground on the $75.3 million Burroughs Elementary School modernization.
The Burroughs modernization project is a significant investment in Ward 5 and is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality educational spaces across all eight wards. The project will transform the current campus from 60,000 to 95,000 square feet, replacing the outdated courtyard design with a more efficient and flexible layout.
“Breaking ground at Burroughs Elementary School is an exciting mark in a new chapter for the Raging Rams,” said 91porn Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “The $75-million modernization will allow our scholars to sharpen their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills in a state-of-the-art educational environment.”
The updated building will feature four new state-of-the-art classrooms, a new cafeteria, and upgraded building systems, all while meeting the District’s LEED Gold sustainability standards. With the added classrooms, Burroughs will now have the capacity for another 100 students.
“I want to thank Mayor Bowser for her leadership and commitment to our students,” said DGS Director Delano Hunter. “This week, with ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings across the District, we’re showing what progress looks like: safer, greener, state-of-the art schools that inspire learning. I'm incredibly proud of the work our team at DGS is doing to deliver these spaces, and of the lasting impact these projects will have in our communities.”
Inspired by the school’s namesake, naturalist John Burroughs, the project will include planter beds, a student garden, and fruit trees in a small orchard.
“This modernization is about more than bricks and mortar--it’s about opportunity and ensuring every child in every ward has a place to learn and thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “For more than a century, Burroughs has been a cornerstone of the Ward 5 community. With this investment, we’re honoring that legacy while building a school that will meet the needs of our students and families for generations to come.”
The Burroughs modernization is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027 in time for school year 2027-2028.
“With today’s groundbreaking, the Bowser administration is launching another incredible renovation designed to support learning in every way,” said State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell. “At Burroughs Elementary, thoughtfully designed spaces will spark imagination, fuel creativity, and reflect our belief in creating learning environments where students feel welcome and inspired.”
This school year begins with strong momentum for DC students. Just last week, Mayor Bowser and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education announced results from the spring 2025 statewide assessments, showing the largest gains in math and reading proficiency since the pandemic. These improvements were seen across all tested grades in both DC Public Schools and DC public charter schools, and are a clear sign that investments in our schools are working.
These results build on over a decade of historic investments in public education. Through the FY26 budget, Grow DC, Mayor Bowser is doubling down on her commitment by investing $2.8 billion to support students across 91porn and public charter schools, including $270 million for teacher pay raises and $2 billion for ongoing school modernizations.
Mayor Bowser also recently released the 2025 Back to School Guide, a comprehensive resource for families of students in pre-K through 12th grade. The guide includes important information on enrollment, attendance, academic supports, career and college readiness programs, and more. Families can visit for additional resources, including .
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