Welcome to the Brent modernization hub!

The Brent building is scheduled for modernization spanning the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. This is an extensive project, including full demolition of the existing building, and so our community will move (or “swing”) to the former Meyer Elementary School building for the duration of construction.

Project Overview:
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Brent's modernization has been in development for several years and will include:

Upgraded Classrooms & Community Spaces: Improved technology and flexible learning spaces to foster collaboration and creativity.
Enhanced Safety Features: Modern security systems and updated building infrastructure to ensure a safe learning environment.
Green Spaces: New outdoor areas for play and learning, promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship.
Accessibility Improvements: Ensuring our school is welcoming and accessible for all students and families.

Quick Links

Get involved! Advocate to DC leaders for policies to ensure a smooth swing space transition

Visit Brent's DCPS modernization page

Find answers to common questions about the modernization process

Learn more about Brent's swing space

FAQs

We firmly believe it is the people who make the school, and that our incredible community will persist through the modernization process. We know Brent's temporary relocation comes with questions and concerns. Get answers to the most common questions about Brent's modernization below. Don't see your question here? Email it to sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.

What is the timeline for the modernization project?

We will vacate the current Brent Elementary building shortly after the end of the current (2024-2025) school year. Demolition and construction will span the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. We will move back into the new building for the 2027-2028 school year!

What is the location of Brent's swing space?

The former Meyer Elementary School building is located at 2501 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Will transportation to the swing space be provided?

Yes. Buses will be provided (free of charge) and will depart from a location near Brent (the campus itself will be an active construction site, and not a safe place to gather). The bus schedule will be available on the hub as soon as it is finalized (by the end of 2024).

What sort of safety and supervision measures will be in place on the buses?

The advocacy committee of Brent's Site Improvement Team will meet with DCPS in October to discuss this and other Meyer specifics, and we will update this FAQ once we have details on this topic.

Can I drive my child to Meyer instead of sending him/her on the bus?

Yes, there is parking at Meyer for parent drop offs.

Will before and aftercare still be available? If so, where?

Before and aftercare will still be available. Whether it will be hosted at Meyer or another location is still being determined.

Is Meyer near public transportation?

Meyer is located approximately half a mile from the U Street/Cardozo station and bus stops for the 90/92 routes.

Can the community see and provide feedback on the design of the school?

Brent's Site Improvement Team, or SIT, is tasked with providing comments and feedback to DCPS and DGS during the design-build process. See below for more information on the SIT. Materials from SIT meetings, including recordings and slides, are available on Brent's DCPS modernization page. The SIT regularly hosts morning coffees and presents at quarterly community meetings in order to provide updates on the design-build process and to solicit feedback. Questions and concerns can also be emailed to sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.

Site Improvement Team

Overview

The Site Improvement Team, or SIT, is composed of faculty, caregivers, and community members, and acts as a key advisory group to DCPS and DGS when planning, building, and delivering our modernized facility. The SIT is critical to the discrete decision making that will match Brent's future facility to our vision, goals, programs, and projected enrollment. SIT members were selected through an open application process in January 2024.

Members & Structure

Meetings

The SIT meets regularly with representatives from DCPS and DGS. Materials from SIT meetings, including recordings and slides, are available on Brent's DCPS modernization page. The SIT also hosts morning coffees and presents at quarterly community meetings in order to provide updates on the design-build process and to solicit feedback from the Brent community. Questions and concerns can also be emailed to sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.

Advocacy

Since the beginning of 2024, the SIT's advocacy committee has engaged with DC councilmembers, ANC commissioners, DCHA, DCPS, the Deputy Mayor of Education, neighboring elementary schools, members of the Brent community, and others regarding the swing space for our upcoming modernization project. For a detailed timeline of those efforts, please visit here.

Our School

Modernization