Arlington Community High School (ACHS) has officially opened its permanent home at Amazon's HQ2 campus in Metropolitan Park, marking a significant milestone for students, educators and the broader Arlington community. The new facility is the result of years of collaboration among Arlington County, Arlington Public Schools (APS) and Amazon, and fulfills a long-standing goal of providing ACHS with a dedicated, permanent location.
The opening also highlights one of the community commitments tied to Amazon's decision to establish its second headquarters in Arlington. Since Amazon selected Arlington for HQ2 in 2018, the company has invested in a range of initiatives supporting housing, education, workforce development, small businesses and community organizations throughout the region. The permanent home for ACHS represents a visible example of how that investment is creating long-term benefits for Arlington residents.
Arlington's successful attraction of HQ2 reflected the community's longstanding strengths as a business location, including access to highly educated talent, exceptional transit connectivity and proximity to federal agencies, research institutions and leading technology employers. Today, nearly 8,500 employees work at HQ2, further strengthening Arlington's position as a center for innovation and economic opportunity.
Located at 1450 S. Eads St. in National Landing, the school occupies more than 30,000 square feet across two floors within Metropolitan Park. The space includes classrooms, common areas and dedicated facilities designed to support the unique needs of the ACHS community. Students also have access to Metropolitan Park's public amenities, including its park, community garden and nearby local businesses.
The opening represents a major milestone for ACHS, which has operated for decades without a permanent home. The school serves approximately 300 students ages 16 and older and provides flexible day and evening class schedules that support students balancing their education with work, family responsibilities and other commitments.
Arlington County worked alongside APS to identify a permanent location for the school and establish ACHS as a community benefit associated with HQ2 development. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring residents have access to pathways that support long-term success.
The new location places ACHS students and staff in the heart of National Landing, one of the region's fastest-growing employment and innovation centers. By bringing together education, community resources, local businesses and employment opportunities, the project demonstrates how economic development investments can contribute to broader community goals.
The grand opening ceremony was held Aug. 28 ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year and brought together students, educators, community leaders, elected officials, Arlington County representatives, APS leadership and Amazon representatives to celebrate the new chapter for ACHS.
For Arlington, the opening of ACHS at HQ2 represents more than a new educational facility. It demonstrates how public-private partnerships can create lasting community benefits while supporting the County's continued economic competitiveness, talent development and quality of life.