Colgan High School opened in 2016 as Prince William County’s 12th High School. The Prince William County School Board unanimously voted to name the school after Senator Charles J. Colgan Sr., who served in the Virginia State Senate for 40 years, representing the citizens of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. When Senator Colgan was sworn in for his 10th consecutive term in the Virginia Senate in 2012, he became the longest-serving Senator in Virginia State History.

Located mid-county, Colgan High School is built based on the “Patriot” design model. This model focuses on natural light, open courtyard spaces, and current technology. Colgan High School has several design modifications that make it unique, special, and tailored for students in the arts:

• Largest auditorium in Prince William County Public Schools with professional sound and lighting
• Purposely designed Black Box Theatre to allow for small performances and to support student creativity
• Outdoor amphitheater with covered stage, sound system, and lighting
• Contemporary, large dance studio
• Hydraulic lift for orchestra pit, allowing for effective use of the stage (including stage extension)
• Large Art rooms overlooking a beautiful courtyard
• Dedicated space for Band, Orchestra, and Choral – including Wenger soundproof practice rooms
• Cafe studio for small performances equipped with professional sound, lighting, and video

Colgan High School is designed to provide students with the best high school experience possible. From rigorous college preparatory coursework to specific career-focused curriculum that allows for industry certifications, the goal is for all students to thrive and to be prepared for their next stage of life.

The faculty at Colgan High School believe in supporting the whole child during the high school experience. The staff believes in the high value student activities and athletics play in a young person’s development. Additionally, the professional counselors at Colgan High School have an important role in the social and emotional development of teenagers along with playing a critical part in students’ career exploration and planning.

Colgan High School believes strongly in the inclusiveness of all students. Faculty and staff continuously explore ways to ensure all students know they are an important part of our community.

Colgan High School also includes the school division’s Aquatics Center. While the Aquatics Center is physically attached to the school, it serves the entire school division. The Aquatics Center will be used for all students in Prince William County Public Schools both through High School Swim & Dive Team practices and meets, as well as instructional purposes for water safety, lifeguard certification, and other related curriculum.

Vision Statement: Preparing and Inspiring students for their Future

Specialty Program:

“The Center for Fine and Performing Arts” - This program, which students must audition for, features concentrations in instrumental music (band & orchestra), vocal music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and creative writing. Prince William County students from across the county may apply for this program. If accepted into the program through the audition process, students can transfer to Colgan High School.

Additional Programs:

• AP and Advanced Coursework – Colgan High School is part of the College Board’s national Advanced Placement program. Students have availability to enroll in rigorous college-level courses in all disciplines, taught by College Board trained teachers.
• Project Lead the Way – Colgan High School offers the Engineering program that includes highly sought after classes and curriculum for students.
• Schoolwide Environmental Science Program – Embedded into all science classes is access to three outdoor classrooms in an adjacent nature preserve to focus on science instruction. These classrooms allow our science students to explore science with opportunities for hands-on work in natural settings. This focus is a result of a strategic partnership with the Department of Public Works and local citizens in the Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group.

School Profile

Colgan High School Profile (PDF)

VDOE School Quality Profile

Colgan High School Continuous Improvement Plan 2025-26

Information:

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School

13833 Dumfries Rd.

Manassas, Virginia 20112

Phone: 571-374-6550

• Principal: Jeffrey Litz
• Assistant Principals: Melissa McClellan, Octavia McDonald, Dr. David Parrish, Chad Cavender, Karyn Riddle, Alphonso Smith
• Admin Intern: Karinne Brown
• Teachers on Special Assignment: Angie Yeh, Brian Foley, Dana Heino, Sitar Ewell
• Director of School Counseling: Claire Handville
• Director of Student Activities: Marvin Wooten

Official Ribbon Cutting: August 22, 2016

First Day in School History: August 29, 2016

Number of Students: 2,934

• 9th Grade: 693
• 10th Grade: 765
• 11th Grade: 723
• 12th Grade: 728

Number of Staff: 251

• Administrators: 12
• Teachers: 172
• Support Staff: 67

School Colors:

• Colgan Blue
• Caribbean Blue
• Shark Gray

School Mascot: Sharks 🦈