Briar Woods High School is one of two Loudoun County high schools that opened in September 2005 and had its first senior class of 87 students graduate in 2007. The Falcons’ campus and grounds in Brambleton are known for well manicured fields and state-of-the art amenities, from technology to open space.

There are eight computer labs and wireless Internet access (a secure, closed system) throughout the school.

“Our school is proud to host an up-to-date system of over 500 computers, 100 printers, 90 laptop computers, and other peripherals,” principal Ed Starzenski said. “They are all connected to a high-speed network, and wireless network for the laptops.”

Starzenski and staff had the unique opportunity to make choices about how the school would look, from the colors of the walls to fabric on the chairs. Although most county high schools are similar in design, Starzenski said the customization gave them latitude to create and define the space. The entrance hall is wider and taller than older schools, and there are key themes and words painted on the walls that promote the values of the school.

Growth is still occurring and teachers and students will be filling in spaces over the coming years. For example, an outdoor courtyard eventually will become an interactive classroom, like an agriculture lab where students can learn about the environment through hands-on experiences.

Starzenski said Briar Woods has a unique student body.

“About 75 percent of the kids are on the honor roll in any given grading period,” he said. “They are at or near the top in SOL (standards of learning) scores, and average daily attendance is one of the best.”

There are a variety of parent groups that support the school and the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization is involved. “Education is a large priority among our minority population,” said Starzenski. He said many students are from India, or other countries in Asia and the Middle East.

Student activities and clubs are growing among with the student body.

“An overwhelming majority of our students were actively involved in athletics, band, chorus, drama and other extracurricular activities,” Starzenski said.

Among the extracurricular activities, Briar Woods has an ice hockey club, Spanish club, student government, Key club and debate. The 2007 choirs earned the championship trophy, outperforming groups twice their size, at the Fiesta-val competition in New York.