PGCPS To Host Groundbreaking For New James E. Duckworth Elementary School

Rendering of the new James E. Duckworth Elementary School

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George's County Public Schools broke ground on the new James E. Duckworth Elementary School on Tuesday, July 14, marking the final groundbreaking in the district's award-winning Blueprint Schools Phase II construction program.

The new 94,000-square-foot Duckworth Elementary School will accommodate up to 700 prekindergarten through 5th grade students. Duckworth will also relieve some of the overcrowding at Calverton Elementary School. The modern facility will feature 43 general education classrooms and six specialized Criterion Referenced Instruction (CRI) classrooms designed to support students with special needs.

Built to meet at least Silver certification standards under LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), the school will incorporate sustainable design and energy-efficient systems, including a high-performance building envelope and advanced HVAC and lighting systems.

Made possible through a public-private partnership with Progressive Education Partners (PEP), Blueprint Schools Phase II includes the construction of eight new schools — six elementary schools and two Pre-K-8 academies—by 2028 and represents a significant investment in modernizing the district's educational infrastructure while meeting the growing needs of the community.

The new James E. Duckworth is scheduled to open for the 2028-2029 school year.

For more information on design & layout.  https://www.pgcps.org/offices/capital-programs/projects/duckworth-es