A new chapter begins with Gladys West Elementary School, and we're excited to share this journey with you! As we prepare to open our doors to students and families, you'll find here information about the school's name, leadership, and our plans for the future. Soon, you'll also have the chance to help us choose our mascot by participating in a survey.

The current Walker-Grant Middle School will become Fredericksburg City Public Schools' third elementary school in July 2025. Construction of a new middle school in the Idlewild neighborhood is well underway, following approval by the Fredericksburg City Council and School Board in March 2022.

Principal Courtney Wheeler and the FCPS team are dedicated to creating a welcoming, inspiring environment at Gladys West Elementary, and your input will be essential in shaping the school's culture and traditions. We’re excited to start this journey together and encourage you to check back often for updates and ways to get involved. Let’s make Gladys West Elementary a place where every student feels proud and eager to learn!

On August 6, 2024, the Fredericksburg City School Board selected Gladys West Elementary School as the name for the new third elementary school.

Dr. Gladys West was born in Sutherland, Virginia, and spent her formative years in Dinwiddie County. One of four children to Nolan and Macy Brown, Gladys was determined to forge a path different from her parents, who worked in the fields. She recognized the transformative power of education and excelled academically, becoming the valedictorian of her high school class, which earned her a scholarship to Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). There, she earned a BS in Mathematics and later obtained an MS in Mathematics. She further expanded her academic credentials with a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a PhD in Public Administration from Virginia Tech.

In 1956, Dr. West began her trailblazing career at the Naval Proving Ground, now known as the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. As the second African American woman hired and one of only four African American employees at the time, she played a pivotal role in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Renowned for her expertise in solving complex mathematical equations, Dr. West excelled in computer programming and contributed to satellite geodesy and other measurements that enhanced GPS accuracy. Her groundbreaking work on GPS technology, now essential in smartphones, cars, and various devices, has had a profound impact worldwide. She later served as the project manager for the radar altimetry data processing project of Seasat, the first satellite designed for remote sensing of Earth's oceans, for which she received a commendation. Over her 42-year career, she published numerous papers and presented her work at national and international conferences, retiring in 1998.

Often referred to as a “hidden figure,” Dr. West is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Her accolades include numerous international interview requests, radio segments, television interviews, and acknowledgment from her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She has been invited to speak at various schools, named one of the top 100 Women by the British Broadcasting Corporation, and received the Dominion Energy Strong Men & Women Award. Additionally, a Senate Resolution has honored her achievements. Dr. West is the only Black woman inducted into the Air Force Missile and Space Pioneers Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Her grandson, Andre Jones, sums up her legacy beautifully:

The purpose of Fredericksburg City Public Schools is to educate and inspire, and Gladys West's story embodies this mission, serving as a powerful example for all our students.

After careful consideration of dozens of names, the committee selected Gladys West for her unique combination of qualities. Not only is she a modern figure who has lived in the area for decades, but she is also nationally recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and science.

Gladys West's career underscores the importance of education and lifelong learning. Naming a school after her celebrates the value of dedication and encourages students to strive for excellence. As a Black woman in a predominantly male and white field during the mid-20th century, she broke barriers and overcame significant challenges. Her story inspires students to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

Many individuals of her era made substantial contributions to technological advancements without receiving due recognition. Today, we acknowledge these “hidden figures” and celebrate their achievements. We want our students to understand that we honor all accomplishments and diverse contributions.

Currently, our four schools are named after five men. Choosing a distinguished woman like Gladys West addresses this imbalance and demonstrates our commitment to recognizing and celebrating diverse achievements. To not choose a woman of distinction at this time would signal our acceptance of this imbalance and further solidify it.

Gladys West is an exceptional woman whose achievements and character make her truly deserving of this honor. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, intelligence, and dedication, making her an ideal role model for future generations. Naming a school after her not only honors her remarkable contributions but also serves as a lasting inspiration for our community.

The School Board selected current Lafayette Elementary School Principal Courtney Wheeler as first Principal of Gladys West Elementary School.

The daughter of a school superintendent, Wheeler graduated from UVA Wise in 2007 with a degree in education and endorsements in elementary education and middle school history, mathematics, and science. As a student athlete, she competed in the college softball world series. Following nine years teaching mathematics and science in Spotsylvania, Wheeler joined Fredericksburg City Schools where she was a teacher and administrator at both Lafayette and Hugh Mercer Elementary Schools before becoming principal at Lafayette in 2019.

Until Mrs. Wheeler's replacement is chosen, she will remain at Lafayette continuing to provide the strong leadership she is known for. A replacement is expected to be in place before January 2025 when Wheeler will devote her time to the opening of the new school and working with the community.