8 Essential Facts About William Ramsay Elementary School Alexandria VA: New Leadership, Major Renovations, And 2025 Safety Upgrades
William Ramsay Elementary School (WRES) in Alexandria, Virginia, is a dynamic educational hub within the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) division, currently serving a diverse student body from Pre-K through Grade 5. As of December 22, 2025, the school is undergoing a period of significant infrastructural and leadership transition, marked by major capital improvements and a renewed focus on student safety and academic equity. These updates ensure that WRES remains a central part of the Alexandria community, preparing its students to be "culturally competent citizens" and lifelong learners.
The school, located at 5700 Sanger Avenue, is proactively addressing both its physical campus and its academic mission, with a particular emphasis on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. From multi-phased kitchen renovations to an expanded speed camera program, the latest developments reflect a commitment from ACPS and the City of Alexandria to modernize the facility and enhance the safety of the surrounding school zone. The coming year, particularly the 2025-2026 school year, promises to be a transformative period for the WRES community.
The Legacy of William Ramsay: Founder and First Mayor of Alexandria
To understand the foundation of William Ramsay Elementary School, one must first look at the influential figure for whom it is named: William Ramsay (1716–1785). His life is inextricably linked to the founding and early development of Alexandria, Virginia, a history that provides significant topical authority to the school's location and mission.
Ramsay, a Scotsman and a Scottish Presbyterian minister, is considered one of the key founders of the town. His influence was so profound that he is sometimes referred to as the "Romulus of Alexandria."
William Ramsay's Biographical Profile
- Name: William Ramsay
- Born: 1716 (Scotland)
- Died: 1785
- Spouse: Ann (McCarty) Ramsay (married c. 1743)
- Key Role in Alexandria: Co-founder of the town in 1749.
- Civic Leadership: Served as the first mayor of Alexandria, Virginia.
- Profession: Prominent colonial merchant. He was a partner of John Carlyle in the Ramsay-Dixon store, a significant commercial enterprise of the era.
- Notable Action: Lobbied the Virginia General Assembly to formally establish Alexandria, VA.
- Historical Connection: Corresponded with George Washington, highlighting his status in colonial Virginia society.
Ramsay's role as a merchant and civic official who helped establish the town’s commercial and political framework is a testament to the school's commitment to developing future community leaders.
Major Capital Improvement Projects and Safety Initiatives (2025 Update)
A significant aspect of the current news surrounding William Ramsay Elementary School is the investment in modernizing its facilities and enhancing student safety, reflecting a major commitment from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and the City of Alexandria. These capital projects are essential for supporting the school's 654 students and 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
1. Kitchen and Cafeteria Modernization
The school has been the site of a multi-phased Kitchen and Cafeteria Renovation project aimed at improving the dining facilities and overall school infrastructure. The project was executed in at least two phases to minimize disruption.
- Scope of Work: The renovation included extensive work on the kitchen space, encompassing installation of new doors, frames, hardware, bath accessories, acoustical improvements, drywall, insulation, and general construction.
- Execution: The first phase, which involved renovating the kitchen and constructing a new building component, was successfully completed even while the school was in session.
In addition to the cafeteria work, the school is also slated for a roof replacement, with the schematic design for this facility maintenance project having recently been completed, indicating a long-term commitment to the building's structural integrity.
2. The William Ramsay Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Project
The City of Alexandria has prioritized the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program near WRES to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety. This project is crucial for students who walk or bike to the school and the adjacent Recreation Center.
- Primary Goal: To improve safety and access for students traveling to and from the school.
- Key Improvements: Recent work includes the installation of a new diagonal crossing at the intersection of North Beauregard Street and Sanger Avenue. Additionally, updated ADA ramps have been installed near the school to ensure accessibility for all community members.
- Future Plans: The SRTS project proposes replacing the crosswalk near the Recreation Center entrance with a raised crosswalk, a significant infrastructure upgrade designed to slow traffic and improve visibility for students.
3. School Zone Speed Camera Expansion
In a related safety measure, Alexandria is expanding its School Zone Speed Camera Program for the 2025-2026 school year. William Ramsay Elementary School is a key location in this expansion, with cameras targeting North Beauregard Street between North Morgan Street and Roanoke Avenue. This initiative is part of a city-wide effort to enforce lower speed limits and protect children during school hours.
Academic Landscape and New Leadership
William Ramsay Elementary School operates within the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) system, which centrally places racial equity in its educational mission. This focus aims to ensure all students have access to the necessary resources and engaging instruction to enhance their learning.
The WRES Academic Profile
The school’s academic program is built on core subjects, including reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. However, its performance is currently rated as "Conditionally" accredited by the Virginia School Quality Profiles, indicating a need for continued improvement in student achievement.
The school faces challenges, particularly in closing achievement gaps, as performance data shows lower outcomes for its Hispanic and English Language Learner (ELL) student populations. This data underscores the importance of the school’s equity-focused initiatives.
Enrichment and Advanced Programs
To support all learners, WRES offers several key programs:
- After-School Tutorials: Providing targeted academic support outside of regular classroom hours.
- Advanced Academics Services: ACPS provides specialized instruction for talented and gifted children, particularly in Math and Language Arts, using an enriched or accelerated curriculum.
- External Enrichment: Students have access to a variety of external enrichment opportunities, including popular STEM-focused programs like "STEM into Science" and "Coding with a Twist."
- Community Partnership: The school partners with organizations like the Campagna Center to provide programs like Campagna Kids, offering additional support and enrichment.
New Principal and Leadership
The school is welcoming new leadership, which is a major development for the WRES community. Nefertiti Hunter-Holbeck has taken on the role of principal at William Ramsay Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025, after having served in other leadership capacities within the school. This transition brings a fresh perspective and continued commitment to the school's improvement goals. Supporting her is Assistant Principal Christie Goodman, who returned to ACPS to serve in her current role.
The combination of new leadership, significant capital investments, and a clear focus on student safety and academic equity positions William Ramsay Elementary School for a period of growth and transformation in the coming years. The ongoing Safe Routes to School project and the expansion of the speed camera program demonstrate a holistic approach to student well-being, reinforcing the school's role as a vital community anchor in Alexandria, VA.
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