Progress on Display at Suitland High School Tour

By Robert Nelson - Published July 21, 2025

The construction of the new Suitland High School is a project that many people within the Suitland community and across Prince George’s County are extremely excited about. The nearly 400,000-square-foot building is entering the final phases of construction, and project staff and construction teams are working hard to deliver a state-of-the-art facility.

On June 24th, PGCPS District 7 Board Member Dr. Phelton Moss organized a tour of the construction site, bringing together board members, project staff, community groups, law enforcement officials, alumni, and county officials to view the progress and celebrate the new school. Despite the 100-degree heat, the Suitland community gathered to tour the building, ask questions, and witness the results of their advocacy.

“I was inspired to request the tour because of the years of advocacy and dedication from community members who worked tirelessly—long before my time on the board—to bring the vision of a new Suitland High School to life,” said Dr. Moss. “Their efforts laid the foundation, and I felt it was important to witness firsthand the progress being made on a project that means so much to the community.”

The new Suitland High School is a complete replacement of the existing campus and will accommodate up to 1,500 comprehensive students and 500 Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) students. The facility includes a school auditorium, a versatile performance space equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, along with both a competition and auxiliary gymnasium. The dual-gym setup allows multiple sports to practice simultaneously and provides dedicated space for recreational activities, all supported by a modern fitness center and locker rooms. The campus also features an Exterior Learning Terrace and Outdoor Commons, inviting outdoor spaces designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. These areas provide a natural setting for study and social interaction, promoting a healthy balance between indoor and outdoor activities.

Inside the building, learning continues in thoughtfully designed academic spaces. A dynamic learning center will blend a traditional library with modern media technology, offering a range of digital and print resources. The school also includes dedicated spaces for music education and performance areas, supporting both academic and creative development.

The tour began in one of the most striking areas of the new building, the dining commons. Surrounded by unfinished concrete floors and partially completed drywall, the space still conveyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Tour participants were able to appreciate the open-concept design and large windows that bring in ample natural light.

While gathered in the dining commons, Capital Programs Director Shayla Jackson and Project Management Supervisor Will Smith welcomed attendees to the site and expressed gratitude for their ongoing support of the project. Among those in attendance were Suitland High School Principal Maurice Wright, members of the Suitland PTSA, the Suitland Civic Association, Senator Joanne Benson, Councilmember Krystal Oriadha, Delegate Denise Roberts, and PGCPS COO Charoscar Coleman. The event brought together a broad cross-section of stakeholders who have played a key role in supporting the future of Suitland High School.

Following the welcome remarks, the tour continued through several key areas of the new school. Attendees walked through future classrooms, administrative offices, mechanical rooms, and both gymnasiums, gaining a clearer sense of how the building’s design will support learning and wellness. Visitors also viewed the inclusive gender-neutral restrooms and the impressive learning stairs, an open, tiered space intended to foster collaboration and community. The tour concluded in one of the most visually stunning spaces in the new facility, the auditorium. With its soaring ceilings, expansive catwalks, and bold architectural lines, the auditorium will serve as the centerpiece for CVPA performances and school-wide gatherings. Even in its unfinished state, the space conveyed the promise of creativity, celebration, and community that will define the next chapter of Suitland High School.