11211 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville, Maryland 20852

Architect Grimm + Parker Architects
Contractor Hess Construction, Inc.
Project Manager Chris Deraleau · christopher_d_deraleau@mcpsmd.org

Site Size Student Capacity Stories Parking
27.31 acres 2,200 students 3–4 stories
(terraced into the site)
300 spaces
(parking structure)

Construction Phases

Per the most recent MCPS Board of Education construction progress report, the Woodward project is tracked in three phases:

Phase Description
Phase 1 — Core Building Construction of the main academic building, completed in 2024 with final punch-list work and greenhouse modifications wrapping up. This phase allowed Northwood High School to move in that fall as a holding school.
Phase II — Stadium Field, Auxiliary Gym & Auditorium Shell Construction of the stadium field and auxiliary gymnasium (targeted for completion by August 2026), along with the auditorium's structural shell (targeted for completion by December 2026).
Phase III — Auditorium Fit-Out Interior fit-out of the auditorium, targeted for completion by March 2027 — the final phase of construction ahead of Woodward's reopening.

Separately from these construction phases, Northwood High School has been using the completed core building as a holding school since Fall 2024, and will remain there through the end of the 2026–2027 school year before Woodward officially reopens in Fall 2027.


Project Timeline

Date Milestone
Summer 2020 Tilden Middle School relocated to its new building
By January 2021 Old Woodward HS building abated and demolished
January 2021 Phase 1 construction (core building) began
August 2024 Phase 1 construction completed; Northwood HS moved in as a holding school
Summer 2024 Phase II construction (stadium field, auxiliary gym & auditorium shell) began
August – December 2026 Phase II targeted for completion
2025 – March 2027 Phase III construction (auditorium fit-out) underway
2026 – 2027 School Year Northwood HS remains as holding school through final construction
Fall 2027 Woodward High School officially reopens

Building & Design Highlights

  • The building form respects the surrounding neighborhood scale, using the site's natural topography to present a single-story front facade while keeping a minimized footprint.
  • The Administration Suite is positioned to optimize security, allowing clear visibility of the main entrance, drop-off loops, and playfields.
  • A central courtyard brings natural light into instructional spaces and doubles as a space for eating, assembly, and instruction.
  • A "Learning Stair" creates a unique gathering space, formally connecting public areas and play areas.
  • A three-story addition has already been master-planned to accommodate future enrollment growth.
  • The facility is on track to earn Green Globe certification (Level 2), supported by high-efficiency LED lighting, daylighting design, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and a high-performance building envelope.

Community Meetings

Community meetings are held monthly. Visit our Meeting Resources page for upcoming dates, agendas, and how to join. Visit Meeting Resources →


Additional Resources

View project status and construction progress photos

Full MCPS Woodward HS construction page (FAQ, meeting archive, and more)

Capital Improvements Program / Master Plan

Woodward HS Boundary Study