Innovation Elementary School

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) awarded Innovation Elementary School its prestigious Platinum Design Award in the 2025 VSBA Exhibition of School Architecture, citing the school’s groundbreaking layout and visionary approach to future learning environments. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and Moseley architects collaborated to design and build Innovation Elementary, which opened in August 2023.

Judges evaluated school submissions using criteria that emphasize learning ambience, sustainable design, educational community, civic presence, subtle security, and multi-functionality. Key elements of Innovation Elementary’s design include:

  • Abundant natural light in learning spaces to support student well-being and academic performance
  • Flexible, multi-use areas that accommodate a wide range of teaching and learning styles
  • Classroom controls that allow teachers to customize lighting and temperature
  • Outdoor learning spaces and strong technology integration
  • Community-accessible facilities and preserved parkland
  • Sustainable design: water-saving, recycled materials, and healthy indoor environment
  • Subtle, layered security achieved through thoughtful building layout and natural supervision
  • A versatile prototype that can be adapted for future schools and a variety of sites

Justin Moss, PWCS facilities director, expressed his enthusiasm for the school’s impact on its students.

“It's exciting to see our students thrive in a school designed to inspire creativity, well-being, and community,” he said. “Innovation Elementary truly sets a new standard for learning."

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promoting excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.