(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon at the newly modernized Hyde-Addison Elementary School in Ward 2. Mayor Bowser’s investments have modernized 26 DCPS schools, and she has committed more than $1.3 billion over the next six years for continued modernization of DCPS schools. In addition to Hyde-Addison, four other modernized schools will open this fall.
“The modernization of Hyde-Addison is an investment in our students, teachers, and families. This newly modernized building is a school that was worth the wait – a world-class learning space that will foster the Hyde-Addison values of curiosity, diversity, integrity, kindness, and persistence,” said Mayor Bowser. “This year, the first day of school is going to be extra special for the Hyde-Addison community, and just the beginning of making every day count.”
The $47 million investment in new construction and renovations at Hyde-Addison unified the once separate Hyde and Addison buildings with a 30,000-square foot addition to the school. Prior to the modernization, the school did not have indoor physical education space. The addition will allow for a new gym and auditorium space, main entrance and welcome center, music and art classrooms, and a fully functional kitchen, which can also be used as a classroom.
“I am proud of the investments our city continues to make in providing our students with 21st century learning facilities that meet their unique needs,” said DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee. “I know that unifying the Hyde and Addison buildings with a beautiful addition will create a more cohesive Hyde-Addison campus, and an incredible space for the entire school community to learn and grow.”
Both the Hyde Building and the Addison Building have been deemed historic structures in Georgetown. Through the modernization, their existing characteristics remain, while portions of the interior were renovated. The building also has a new state-of-the-art media center with a maker space and playgrounds for all ages.
The modernized Hyde-Addison will include six public art installations, including four by DC residents. Artists include Joshua Minor, a Duke Ellington High School graduate, and Luis Del Valle, a Ward 8 artist.
“Art inspires the mind to create, learn, and grow,” said Department of General Services Director Keith A. Anderson. “In addition to delivering a modernized school, we are pleased to bring permanent works of art through the DGS ‘Percent for Art’ program.”
Hyde-Addison educates students from all eight wards in pre-K3 through 5th grade, and the modernization includes two additional pre-K classrooms, with a total capacity of 400 students.
Over the next week, Mayor Bowser will cut the ribbon on four additional modernized DCPS schools: Coolidge High School, Ida B. Wells Middle School, Maury Elementary School, and Kimball Elementary School. Mayor Bowser will also celebrate the opening of Bard DC, a new DCPS high school in Ward 7, which will provide students with two years of college courses through an early college program.