Arlington Community High School Opens Its Doors at Amazon’s HQ2

Arlington, VA - On Monday, August 31, Arlington Community High School (ACHS) will open its doors for the first day of school but this time at Amazon's HQ2 at Metropolitan Park, after decades without a permanent home. The school occupies more than 30,000 square feet across two floors at 1450 S. Eads St. in National Landing, with a dedicated entrance on S. Eads Street.

The opening caps a partnership years in the making between Amazon and Arlington Public Schools (APS) and delivers on a commitment made in 2021 when Amazon was developing its plans for HQ2. Amazon covered the full cost of the buildout, including the custom design of classrooms, common areas, and facilities for educators that meet the unique needs of ACHS. Students will also have direct access to Met Park's 2.5-acre public park, community garden, and 13 local, small businesses.

ACHS serves approximately 300 students ages 16 and older, many balancing full- or part-time jobs while pursuing their high school diplomas. ACHS offers both day and evening classes to meet them where they are.

"When we chose Arlington for our second headquarters, we committed to being more than just a neighbor - we wanted to be a true community partner," said Andrea Fava, Amazon's vice president of U.S. public policy. "Education has always been central to our community investments in Virginia, and welcoming ACHS to Met Park shows what's possible when a company and a community build something together. These students now have a permanent school where they can thrive - surrounded by the energy of Met Park, local businesses, and thousands of Amazon employees who are cheering them on."

The opening of ACHS is part of Amazon's broader commitment to the Arlington community and the National Capital Region. The company has donated more than $60 million to over 230 local community partners in the last 12 months; invested $1.3 billion through its Housing Fund to preserve and create more than 10,000 affordable housing units; and strengthened Virginia's talent pipeline through $5.7 million in computer science education funding via CodeVA, nearly $1 million in Amazon Future Engineer scholarships, and pre-paid tuition coverage for more than 5,000 Virginia-based employees through its Career Choice program. In 2026, Amazon celebrates its 20^th anniversary operating in Virginia - and the opening of Arlington Community High School marks its newest chapter.

"The opening of Arlington Community High School's permanent home at Amazon's HQ2 is the realization of a promise made to the community when this need gained support nearly a decade and a half ago," said Matt de Ferranti, Arlington County Board chair. "Arlington County is proud to have partnered with Amazon and Arlington Public Schools to make this school a reality and ensure it will benefit our community for years to come."

In the week leading up to the grand opening, Amazon hosted a series of events to welcome ACHS faculty and staff to their new home. On August 28, a grand opening ceremony was held on site and featured local policymakers, followed by tours of the new classrooms and an invitation to a Taste of Met Park, where attendees enjoyed offerings from three local vendors who will be part of daily life for both Amazonians and the ACHS community.

"Arlington Community High School is a place where students demonstrate extraordinary determination every day, and they deserve a learning environment that reflects our belief in them and their potential," said Dr. Francisco Durán, superintendent of Arlington Public Schools. "This new permanent home represents much more than a new space. It represents opportunity, belonging and our community's commitment to helping every student succeed. We are incredibly grateful to Amazon for its partnership and investment in our students, our staff and the future of Arlington Community High School."

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for Arlington Community High School (ACHS) and, most importantly, for our students," said Dr. Jeannette Allen, principal of ACHS. "For the first time, our students and staff have a permanent home designed with them in mind, a place where they can learn, grow, dream and see limitless possibilities for their futures. As we open these doors, we are not simply beginning a new school year; we are beginning a new chapter filled with opportunity, connection and possibility. I cannot wait to see what our students accomplish here."

For more information on upcoming events and opportunities to support ACHS in the 2026-2027 school year, visit LINK or follow Arlington Public Schools and Amazon HQ2 on social media.