Launching a brand new building and school name in 2027.
Learn about our current swing space at Meyer Elementary, our new building, and the story behind our new name.
Architect's rendering of the modernized building. Full plans are on the DCPS project page below.
What we're building
Brent's $90 million modernization project will create a new 94,000-square-foot elementary school with an outdoor classroom, two playgrounds, and other site enhancements. The original building has now been demolished, and construction has progressed to the foundation, with foundation walls and structural steel in place. Brent is spending the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years at the Meyer swing space. The new school remains on schedule to open in August 2027, in time for the start of the 2027-28 school year, when the school will also transition to the Gardner Bishop Elementary name. The project will serve both our children and the broader community for years to come.
Brent’s School Improvement Team, or SIT, brings together school staff, families, and community members. It has provided critical insight into the school’s and community’s needs throughout the modernization process, and serves as a bridge for sharing project updates with the wider Brent community.
The official DCPS project page
DCPS publishes the full plans, schedule, and community-meeting materials for Brent's modernization. It goes into far more depth than this page does.
DCPS Facilities — Brent ESsites.google.com/dc.govSwing space at Meyer
The former Meyer Elementary School building now functions as a dedicated DCPS swing space, with schools rotating through as their buildings are modernized. The building is currently occupied by Oyster-Adams Bilingual School.
Meyer is located at 2501 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. The closest public transportation sites are the U Street/Cardozo Metro station and bus stops for the 90/92 routes.
FAQs
We firmly believe it is the people who make the school, and that our incredible community will persist through the modernization process. We know Brent's temporary relocation comes with questions and concerns. Get answers to the most common questions about Brent's modernization below. Don't see your question here? Email sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.
Email sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.
What is the timeline for the modernization project?
Brent has moved out of the North Carolina Avenue building and is operating from the Meyer swing space while demolition and construction are under way. The modernized building is expected to open for the 2027-2028 school year.
What is the location of Brent's swing space?
The former Meyer Elementary School building is located at 2501 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Will transportation to the swing space be provided?
Yes. Buses are provided during the Meyer swing-space years. Families receive their student's route and stop information by email; Brent does not publish bus schedules or student rosters on this site. Check the [family transportation page](/family-resources#transportation) and school calendar for survey deadlines and schedule-release dates.
What sort of safety and supervision measures will be in place on the buses?
The advocacy committee of Brent's Site Improvement Team will meet with DCPS in October to discuss this and other Meyer specifics, and we will update this FAQ once we have details on this topic.
Can I drive my child to Meyer instead of sending him/her on the bus?
Yes, there is parking at Meyer for parent drop offs.
Will before and aftercare still be available? If so, where?
Before and aftercare remain available through providers including Capitol Language Services. Current offerings, registration, capacity, and location can change, so families should use the [Family Resources page](/family-resources#before-after-school) and confirm current details directly with the provider.
Is Meyer near public transportation?
Meyer is located approximately half a mile from the U Street/Cardozo station and bus stops for the 90/92 routes.
Can the community see and provide feedback on the design of the school?
Brent's Site Improvement Team, or SIT, provides comments and feedback to DCPS and DGS during the design-build process. Materials from SIT meetings, including recordings and slides, are available on Brent's DCPS modernization page. The SIT regularly hosts morning coffees and presents at quarterly community meetings in order to provide updates on the design-build process and to solicit feedback. Questions and concerns can also be emailed to sitbrentelementary@gmail.com.