Opening Date: 1960/1986 (Building originally opened in Sept. 1960 as Bryant Intermediate School)

Located near the Potomac River between George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion and the City of Alexandria, West Potomac High School (WPHS) was established in 1985 by combining two existing schools and communities. The school's motto is: Excellence is a Tradition, and WPHS has always been known for expecting a high level of academic and personal achievement. Drawing from an area that is economically, racially, and ethnically mixed, WPHS serves one of the most widely diverse student bodies in northern Virginia. Students come from more than 50 countries and speak 35 different languages in their homes. Socioeconomic and ability levels are just as widely spread. Staff members and students alike benefit from this cross-cultural experience. West Potomac's diversity is an asset to celebrate and explore.

West Potomac High School maintains a close relationship with the community, local businesses, and the middle and elementary schools in its pyramid. It continues to implement effective up-to-date programs for the academic and extracurricular needs of all of the students it serves and for the entire pyramid. West Potomac offers a diversified and challenging academic program for all students, as well as a wide variety of college preparatory courses, including a wide variety of Advanced Placement classes and many professional technical studies programs. The students perform hundreds of hours of community service and participate in a vibrant and renowned cultural arts program. More than half of our student body is actively involved in more than fifty extra-curricular clubs, music and sports programs.
As West Potomac implements small professional learning communities throughout the school, it continues to change and meet the challenges of preparing students for a global economy in the 21st century.

What's in a Name?

Learn about the origin of our school's name in this video produced for Fairfax County Public Schools’ cable television channel Red Apple 21.