County leaders, school officials, and community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Deep Creek Middle School on Wednesday, July 23. The campus, designed to accommodate 1,800 students, aims to enhance education in one of Chesterfield’s rapidly growing areas.
“Today we will open the 13th middle school in Chesterfield County,” said School Board Member Steven Paranto (Matoaca District). “With it comes new traditions, new possibilities, and a renewed commitment to student success.”
The three-story, 254,000-square-foot school is located in the western Route 360 corridor. It represents vision and collaboration through public investment.
“Providing modern, innovative, and engaging environments is key to maintaining our commitment to excellence,” stated CCPS Superintendent Dr. John Murray.
Paranto expressed pride in this development. “This is a proud moment for our county,” he said. “One that reflects what we can accomplish when we invest in our future, our children, and our schools.”
The school’s location supports infrastructure improvements like extending Westerleigh Parkway and installing a roundabout on Otterdale Road to improve safety and traffic flow.
To address overcrowding at Tomahawk Creek Middle School nearby, each grade at the facility has its own floor with classrooms and science labs. Students also have access to a gymnasium, auditorium, and media center.
“With more than 64,000 students in our school division,” Murray noted. “We are one of the largest in the state and the county.”
An exploratory wing allows students to explore electives such as art and world languages.
“This school is more than bricks and mortar,” Paranto emphasized. “It represents our values, our students, and our vision for 21st-century education.”
Funds from a 2022 bond referendum were used for construction after collaboration between the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors and School Board due to capacity concerns.
“This school represents the best of what can happen when a community comes together to put students first,” Murray explained.
As excitement builds for the upcoming school year, families prepare for an academic journey ahead.
“I have no doubt the coming school year will be full of achievement,” stated DCMS Principal Dr. Bruce Fillman.
