Norfolk Public Schools

June 27, 2024:  Norfolk Public Schools, in collaboration with Heartland Construction, held a community engagement event to discuss the proposed updates for the new Maury High School.  Click here to view the presentation.

Community Meeting Presentation (PDF)

Maury High School, built in 1911, is the oldest high school in the City of Norfolk. It has served Norfolk families for generations and boasts alumni around the world.

Time has taken a toll on the building, and many of its systems are deteriorating. Water intrusion has affected windows, doors, and plaster. Failing structures have required external supports and bracing. Heating, cooling, and plumbing systems have also required extensive repair.

In June 2018, HBA Architecture completed an educational specifications process to review the school’s condition and use of space for its academic programs. Next, HBA Architecture conducted a feasibility study to create options for modernization or replacement. This process included multiple meetings to gather input from staff, students, families, and the community.

The group adhered to design principles for learning environments to ensure the future high school structure will:

• Build on tradition
• Be timeless
• Focus on the future
• Provide learning communities
• Be adaptable and flexible
• Facilitate anytime, anywhere learning
• Be safe and secure
• Be sustainable
• Provide space for community
• Respect its community context

The study also sought to incorporate several design attributes into the future high school structure, such as a commons or dining area as the center point of the school, multi-story classroom wings, natural light in learning spaces, separate entrances for the gym, and accessibility and updates to the administrative offices, media center, auditorium, athletic facilities, and locker rooms as well as the music suite.