Update August 27, 2026: This article remains published for historical context, but the community should note that key elements were updated as of Monday, August 24, 2026. The School Board voted to formally pause the process detailed in this article to allow for further review and planning.
Members of the public can track the timeline and decision-making process for the Early Childhood Education Center using the following public records:
August 24, 2026 | School Board Meeting, Action Agenda
August 10, 2026 | Board Worksession: Early Childhood Center Proposed
June 8, 2026 | ▶️Presentation to the Board, Early Childhood Center Plan Presentation Slides
May 18, 2026 | Board Worksession: Early Childhood Center Study
April 20, 2026 | Board Worksession: Early Childhood Center Study
The original article published on June 9, 2026, appears below.
In alignment with both our Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, the district is proposing plans to open the district’s first Early Childhood Education Center in the fall of 2027. This specialized center will be housed in the existing Norfolk Highlands Primary (NHP) school building.
On June 8, 2026, the school administration presented a Proposed Plan for the Early Childhood Education Center to the School Board. The proposal outlines key components of the plan to maximize district resources and better serve families, including:
Kindergarten Readiness: By aligning with state early childhood initiatives, the district establishes kindergarten readiness as the primary catalyst for long-term academic success. When children master foundational literacy, math, and social-emotional skills early, we create a sustainable trajectory for lifelong learning.
Expanded Access: There is a significant, growing need for expanded preschool opportunities that current capacity cannot support. While the Chesapeake Preschool Initiative (CPI) currently serves 360 students, Virginia Department of Education FY 26 data indicate that there are approximately 765 eligible preschoolers in the area, meaning that over half of these children remain underserved.
Utilization of Existing Facilities: Because of its constrained property boundaries, Norfolk Highlands Primary cannot accommodate a standard K-5 modernization or expansion. Repurposing the existing building prevents the underutilization of a district property in a low-growth residential zone.
Potential Impacts on Current Attendance Zones
The proposed opening of the Early Childhood Education Center could have potential impacts on attendance boundaries beginning in the fall of 2027 for students currently zoned to attend Norfolk Highlands Primary, Carver Intermediate, Portlock Primary, Georgetown Primary, Rena B. Wright Primary, Truitt Intermediate, Sparrow Road Intermediate, and Thurgood Marshall Elementary schools.
As part of this comprehensive plan, Georgetown Primary would fully align with our district’s standard primary school model to serve students in grades K-2, and Sparrow Road Intermediate would align with our standard intermediate model to serve students in grades 3-5.
Timeline & Next Steps
As of August 24, 2026, the timeline and next steps section is no longer valid.
Fall 2026:Proposed rezoning options presented to the School Board. Community feedback collected. Final attendance zones voted on and approved by the School Board.Winter 2026 / Early Spring 2027:Staffing process begins (with personnel transfers and any new positions effective July 1, 2027), andspecialized program applications open to families.Summer 2027:Physical facility updates to optimize the NHP building for preschool learners.Fall 2027:Early Childhood Education Center opens.