Three new elementary schools opening in Loudoun
By Elizabeth Coe
Three new public schools are opening this year in Loudoun County – Creighton's Corner, Liberty and Steuart W. Weller elementary schools.
They'll open their doors to students for the first time on Sept. 2, bringing the county's number of public schools up to 75.
"It's fun and exciting," said Mary Morris, a retired administrator who helped prepare Creighton's Corner Elementary in Brambleton. "I don't know of a principal who doesn't find this part exciting."
Creighton's Corner is named for L.B. "Billy" Creighton, who came to Brambleton in 1914 and established a sheep and cattle farm. He is famous for owning the first automobile in the area.
"The school looks beautiful," Morris said. "This place is rocking. We're pretty much ready to roll here."
Liberty Elementary is opening across the street from Freedom High School in South Riding.
Principal Angela Gwynne-Atwater said the building is 99 percent complete. Landscaping and other finishing touches will be ready by the time school starts.
"I feel very blessed to be here," she said. "The support from Dulles South has been awesome."
Gwynne-Atwater said the school's 10,000-book library was stocked Aug. 21 in only 45 minutes with the help of many volunteers.
Steuart W. Weller Elementary in Ashburn is named for a business owner and longtime Loudoun resident known as the "mayor" of Ashburn. Weller died in February.
Principal Janet Radcliffe, who came to the school after seven years as principal of Potowmack Elementary in Sterling, said the school is bustling with activity as teachers are putting the finishing touches on their classrooms.
A tile mural of the school's mascot, the Wild Cats, also was just completed in the front hall.
Radcliffe said she is excited for the opportunity to lead the new school.
"It's going to be great," she said. "I feel especially honored to be at Weller because it's a namesake. I've gotten to know Gracie [the wife of Steuart W. Weller] and the whole family."
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com