CULPEPER, VA – October 13, 2026 – Excitement filled the halls of Culpeper Middle School (CMS) on Tuesday, October 13, as students and staff officially moved into the first completed classroom tower of the school's ongoing renovation and expansion project.
The milestone marks a significant step forward in the transformation of Culpeper Middle School, bringing students and teachers one step closer to enjoying a fully renovated and modernized learning environment.
Teachers in the sixth and seventh grade classrooms previously located in the school's “B Wing” spent the October 9 teacher workday preparing for the transition, moving classroom decorations, instructional materials, and supplies into their new spaces. Tuesday marked the official transition for students with classes being held in the newly constructed classrooms.
According to CMS Principal Jesse Blackburn, the move went exceptionally well, with excitement building throughout the school as students and staff settled into their new surroundings.
"The transition was very smooth, and there is definitely excitement in the air among both our students and staff," said Blackburn. "It's wonderful to see our teachers and students finally getting to experience these beautiful new learning spaces. This is an exciting milestone for our entire school community."
While the opening of the first classroom tower is cause for celebration, construction continues as the project moves forward through Phase 2. The school's new administrative suite is scheduled to open in January 2027, followed by the opening of the new main entrance in February 2027.
Additional improvements are still on the horizon, with Phase 3 of the renovation project anticipated to begin in fall 2027.
The renovation and expansion project, which officially broke ground in May 2025, represents a major investment in the future of Culpeper County Public Schools. Once completed, the project will provide updated facilities and improved learning spaces designed to serve CMS students and staff for years to come.
For now, the opening of the first new classroom tower offers a glimpse of what's ahead and gives the CMS community plenty to celebrate as their transformed school continues to take shape.
