Legacy Elementary has seen substantial growth since it opened, but some relief is in sight.

The school had 450 students when it opened for the 2005-06 school year. That number had ballooned to 900 by the end of the same school year as new houses sprouted in the large area served by Legacy.

“It wasn’t a surprise or a secret,” principal Rob Duckworth said. “We’re just trying to do our best with it.”

The school serves the fast-growing Brambleton area. Duckworth said Legacy has handled the growth well in the booming area, although relief is in sight with the opening of new schools in the coming years.

Students have several extra-curricular activities and clubs available through the school’s PTO, including French, yoga, sports and piano.

Duckworth said technology also plays an important role in student success.

“It’s very important because our society is constantly changing,” he said.

He said students also participated in efforts to collect hats, coats and gloves for the needy, as well as food for local food pantries.

The school has several regular events that bring the community together, Duckworth said, such as an annual holiday event – in 2006 it was a Holiday Hoedown with a western theme -- a holiday breakfast and movie nights.

“I think when children feel accepted and loved, that’s when they do their best,” Duckworth said.

He said he hopes the students and members of his staff never dread coming to school.

“My goal is that everybody wakes up in the morning and wants to go to school,” he said.