VMDO Architects

A Flagship School for Norfolk
Maury High School represents a transformative step forward in education for Norfolk, Virginia. As the city's flagship high school, the new Maury High School will provide an innovative learning environment while preserving the rich history of the existing 1911 building - the oldest continuously operating school in Virginia. Designed in collaboration with Work Program Architects and Heartland Construction, this state-of-the-art facility will serve 1,750 students in grades 9-12 on a tight urban site in the historic Ghent neighborhood.

A Thoughtful Approach
Situated in a densely developed area, the project carefully balances the needs of modern education with the architectural heritage of the existing school. While the historic Maury High School building will be turned over to developers for adaptive reuse -potentially as housing - the new school will incorporate design elements that pay homage to its predecessor. These include a strong sense of symmetry, repetitive vertical openings, and the use of red brick with white accents to create a timeless, civic presence.

A 21st-Century Learning Environment
Informed by the principles set forth in Norfolk Public Schools’ "Re-Imagine Maury High School Educational Specification", the new facility is designed to support a dynamic and flexible educational experience. The school will feature:

• Academic Learning Communities with shared Learning Commons, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement.
• Experiential Labs that enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE), including specialized spaces for science, culinary arts, and medical training.
• A State-of-the-Art Athletics Program complete with multiple competitive fields, gymnasia, fitness, and health spaces, JROTC, and fully equipped PE locker and coaching facilities.
• Performing Arts Facilities including a dedicated theater and classrooms to support creative expression.
• Flexible and Community-Connected Spaces with shared programs on the lower levels accessible to the public.

Engaging the Community
Throughout the design process, Work Program Architects and VMDO have worked closely with Norfolk Public Schools, the City of Norfolk, students, teachers, and the surrounding community to ensure the new school reflects a collective vision. This engagement has been vital in reaffirming key elements of the original educational specification and ensuring that the school aligns with both educational and civic goals.

A Legacy for the Future
The new Maury High School will serve as a beacon of academic excellence and community pride for generations to come. By integrating modern educational strategies, sustainable design principles, and a deep respect for the site’s historical significance, VMDO and its partners are creating a school that will stand the test of time. This project reflects Norfolk’s commitment to education and community, ensuring that generations of students have access to a premier learning facility that supports academic excellence, creativity, and innovation. As a hub of activity for students, educators, and the broader Norfolk community, the new Maury High School will serve as a model for future schools, demonstrating how thoughtful design can bridge the past, present, and future.

Sustainability and Innovation
The new Maury High School is designed to be Net Zero Energy (NZE) Ready, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. Key sustainable features include:

• A geothermal system to reduce energy consumption.
• Mass timber construction for the roof system over academic spaces and the gym, promoting a sustainable and warm architectural aesthetic.
• High-performance building systems to optimize efficiency and long-term resilience.