Reston 2020, FCPS Talk Population Expansion

Area development-watchers have been predicting a population boom for Reston as new housing opens up in conjunction with the Silver Line.

Currently under construction: High-rises at Avant at Reston Town Center and across Reston Parkway at Athena Renaissance. Approved and coming sometime in the future: development at Reston Heights and at Fairway.

There is expected to be new housing at the Reston-Wiehle East Metro station, as well as at the revamped Spectrum.

In all, if the Reston Master Plan Task Force adopts "Scenario G" for future growth, 20,080 high-rise multi-family units are projected to yield 1,747 students, says advocacy group Reston 2020.

Patch reported in January that Fairfax County Public Schools predict South Lakes High School, which underwent extensive renovation and redistricting five years ago, could be at 140 percent capacity in five more years.

To see FCPS' December Capital Improvement Report, click here.

The issue has vaulted SLHS close to the top of the list for change, which could include building a new high school in the western part of the county. That change could include a large new addition at SLHS, as well as capacity additions at Oakton and Herndon High Schools to alleviate South Lakes' overcrowding, said an FCPS report.

FCPS also predicts Reston might need at least one new elementary school to alleviate overcrowding.

Reston 2020 sat down with school system officials last week. Their takeaway:

* That a 2014 bond issue, if approved, will help pay for a $17 million expansion for South Lakes but that SLHS will have about 3,000 students by 2025.

* Boundary changes could be considered, but are highly controversial.

* That existing elementary schools may be expanded.

To read a full recap of Reston 2020's conversation with FCPS, click here.

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