In this week’s update:

🩺 Northern Virginia's healthcare fix starts here! A $200 million medical school is breaking ground in Fredericksburg, and it's not just about new buildings. It's about solving a problem that's been hurting local families for years: too few doctors, too long wait times, and too far to drive for care.

📍 Chantilly is about to get Virginia’s first AI-powered school. Imagine classrooms without lectures, mornings run by AI lesson plans, and afternoons filled with entrepreneurship and life skills.

🌳 Prince William County may put $300,000 on the table to help build a long-awaited memorial skate park in Woodbridge. The project has been fueled by community passion for over a decade — and this latest move could finally turn the dream into reality.

Driving the news: A new $200 million medical school is coming to Fredericksburg by 2029, the region’s first in decades, aiming to fix one of the area’s most pressing issues: not enough doctors for a booming population.

Details:

• The school is a partnership between Mary Washington Healthcare and the University of Mary Washington.

• Construction and early infrastructure investments are already in motion, including the new Mary Washington Healthcare Conference Center.

• The school will be located in Fredericksburg, a hub straddling suburban and rural care needs.

Why it matters: Northern Virginia has grown fast, but healthcare access hasn’t kept up.
The school gives the region a shot at homegrown talent, reducing dependence on out-of-state doctors who often don’t stay long.

It also means residents in Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding counties may finally see shorter wait times and more consistent local care.

Between the lines: Medical students tend to practice near where they train. That makes Fredericksburg a strategic choice, equidistant from rural Virginia and D.C. suburbs, where demand is high and supply is low.

What’s next: Expect more visible development over the next few years as partnerships formalize, facilities rise, and applications open. Watch for updates from Mary Washington Healthcare as the launch date approaches.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: Alpha School, a Texas-born private school model, will open its first Virginia campus in Chantilly this August. It’s the state’s first AI-powered school, blending adaptive academics with real-world skill building.

Details:

• Location: 4550 Walney Road, Chantilly (former Guidepost Montessori site).

• Grades: K–5.

• Opening: August 2025; enrollment now open.

• Tuition: $65,000 annually, with a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.

• Discounts: 5% sibling discount.

Why it matters: For Fairfax County families, Alpha introduces a fresh option at the intersection of education and technology. With Northern Virginia already booming from AI jobs and data centers, this move ensures local kids grow up learning the same tools shaping their parents’ workplaces.

The big picture: Alpha flips the traditional classroom. Instead of lectures:

• AI academics in the morning: Personalized, adaptive lesson plans for each child.

• Life skills in the afternoon: Public speaking, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and outdoor learning.

• Mentorship over teaching: Guides mentor in small groups, focusing on motivation and accountability.

By the numbers:

• Students in Alpha’s other campuses score in the top 1–2% nationwide on NWEA MAP tests.

• Advanced learners show 6x growth over the national average.

• 90%+ report enjoying school daily.

Between the lines: The launch comes as Northern Virginia cements itself as a national AI hub. Google, Amazon, and state officials are pouring billions into data centers, workforce training, and education.

What’s next: Enrollment is open now, with classes kicking off in August 2025. Families weighing elite private schools will be watching to see whether Alpha’s model delivers the same results in Virginia as it has in Texas, Miami, New York, and San Francisco.

MORE DETAILS→

In this video, I'm telling you about 5 areas in Northern Virginia that will
boom over the next 10 years!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

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📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
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💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: Prince William County may commit $300,000 to jumpstart the design of the Charlie Boone Trails Bike & Skate Park in Woodbridge, honoring a young local resident who passed away in 2012.

Details:

• Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye plans to request the funds from the county’s new park expansion fund at an upcoming Board of County Supervisors meeting.

• The full project, estimated at $1.5 million, includes a skate park, bike trails, a parking lot, and bathrooms.

• The county previously provided land for the park, five acres at 12490 Everest Peak Lane.

Why it matters: This funding shift would ease the burden on local families and nonprofits who’ve worked for years to make the park a reality.

Beyond recreation, the project offers a safe, dedicated space for teens and young adults to skate and bike, something the community lost years ago when similar facilities were torn down.

The big picture: The park honors Charlie Boone, a 22-year-old Lake Ridge resident, avid skater, and bicyclist who died by suicide in 2012. His mother, Wendy, has championed the park as both a tribute and a way to provide young people with healthier outlets.

What’s next: The Board of County Supervisors will review the request as part of the county’s capital improvement plan.

If approved, design work could begin with county backing for the first time.

READ MORE→

Dollar Tree Expands in Fairfax

Big news for bargain hunters in Fairfax! Dollar Tree just opened its fourth location right at 10700 Fairfax Blvd., in the old Party City spot next to Panera Bread.

That means even more chances to score budget-friendly finds, from everyday essentials to seasonal goodies—all without breaking the bank.

With more than 16,500 stores nationwide, Dollar Tree keeps growing, and now Fairfax shoppers have another spot to stop, save, and stock up.

SEE THE DETAILS→

Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.

For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.

For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.

• Bozzuto, Invesco Expand $1B JV with DC-Area Purchase

• New Surf Park Is Now Open in Virginia Beach

• Former Tyson Foods plant in Hanover sells for $5M