July 12, 2026
PGCPS TO HOST GROUND BREAKING FOR NEW JAMES E. DUCKWORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Duckworth groundbreaking marks final Blueprint Phase II groundbreaking, precedes opening of two new schools for 26-27 SY
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) will break 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 ceremony follows the groundbreaking for Springhill Lake Elementary School last week and comes just weeks before the opening of two completed Blueprint Phase II schools — Margaret Brent and Templeton elementary schools — for the 2026–2027 school year.
The new 94,000-square-foot Duckworth Elementary School will accommodate up to 700 prekindergarten through 5th grade students.
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.
WHAT: New James E. Duckworth Elementary School Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN/WHERE:
Tuesday, July 14 | 9:30 a.m.
11201 Evans Trail
Beltsville, MD
WHO:
PGCPS school and district leaders; students; partners; county and state elected officials
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