Briar Woods High School

On a late summer day in 2005, Briar Woods High School opened its doors. The anticipation was palpable as students, pouring in from Stone Bridge High School, Loudoun County High School, and Eagle Ridge Middle School, explored their new academic home. Briar Woods High School became an instant hub for the Broadlands, Brambleton, and Waxpool communities. The official dedication ceremony, led by Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick III, took place on October 14, 2005, cementing the school’s place in Loudoun County history. Even without a senior class, Briar Woods High School celebrated its first Homecoming in 2006. The school quickly grew. By the 2011-2012 school year, ten trailers had to be installed to handle the influx of students. New lockers appeared the following year to accommodate even more new faces. By the 2014-2015 school year, Briar Woods High School was bursting at the seams. Around 500 students shifted to the newly opened Rock Ridge High School. This move relieved some of the pressure on Briar Woods. In 2023, a new addition to the building eliminated the need for the trailers, marking another milestone in the school’s evolution. Briar Woods High School boasts an impressive academic record. In 2011, Newsweek ranked Briar Woods High School as one of America’s best high schools. It secured the top spot in Loudoun County, fourth in Virginia, and 112th nationwide. The school also excels in athletics. Briar Woods High School is a member of the Potomac District, competing in Region 5D of the Virginia High School League. The Falcons, as they’re known, have brought home multiple state championships. Their football team clinched the title three years in a row, from 2010 to 2012. The cheerleading squad achieved an even more impressive four-peat, dominating the state championships from 2009 to 2012. Not to be outdone, the softball team also earned a state title in 2011. And in 2017, the men’s soccer team added another championship trophy to the school’s collection. Briar Woods High School has also nurtured some notable alumni. Alex Carter went on to play cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. Trace McSorley became a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lina Granados, a former student, played football for FF Lugano 1976 and attended Vanderbilt University.