Charles County plans new Founders Point Elementary and River Ridge Middle School construction

The GCCS Board of Schools Trustees made significant strides in addressing the growing educational needs of the community during their meeting on May 13, 2025. A key highlight was the announcement of the upcoming construction of Founders Point Elementary and River Ridge Middle School, both aimed at accommodating the anticipated population growth in the area.

With the expansion of Charlestown Pike and the expected addition of approximately 2,025 new homes in the Salem, Noble Corridor, and surrounding neighborhoods, the board recognized the urgent need for new educational facilities. The construction of Founders Point Elementary is set to begin in September, with the project designed to alleviate enrollment pressures at Charlestown, Utica, and Pike Elementary Schools.

Additionally, the groundbreaking for River Ridge Middle School is scheduled for May 22. This new facility will temporarily replace the aging Parkview Middle School, which has been in deteriorating condition since its construction in 1961. The board emphasized that while River Ridge will serve immediate enrollment needs, plans for the future of the Parkview site remain in consideration.

These developments reflect the board's proactive approach to planning for the community's educational requirements, ensuring that as the population grows, students will have access to modern and adequate learning environments. The trustees' commitment to addressing these challenges is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the local education landscape.