Bennett School

The Bennett School has served different roles throughout its history. Below is an overview of its timeline and current status:

1908: The Virginia Assembly funded agricultural high schools for each of the 10 state districts. Manassas was selected for the eighth district and became the first school built under this grant. Named after Dr. Maitland C. Bennett, who donated two acres of land, the school was intended for agricultural education but instead served as an elementary school and teacher training center.
1909: Bennett School opened for elementary students within a nine-mile radius of Manassas.
1920s: After a new Osbourn School was built, the former Osbourn building became the Bennett Annex. Both buildings operated as Bennett School until 1969.
1969: A new Bennett School was constructed. The original building (near the Judicial Center) was repurposed for Prince William County Police.
1970–Early 1980s: In July 1970, the former Bennett School became the first headquarters for the newly established Prince William County Police Department. Portions of the building also housed general county government offices.
Early 1990s–2010s:By the early 1990s, the building ceased daily operations and was primarily used for Police Department storage. It later fell into disuse and was boarded up to prevent trespassing.
- 2004–2008: Plans to renovate the building as an HR Training Center were canceled due to recession-related budget constraints.
- Mid-2010s: The Sheriff’s Office proposed converting the building into office space, but funding was not approved.
Current: The facility has not been used in 40+ years and the building structure integrity is in question. The building contains asbestos, lead, mold, water damage and termites. It is cost prohibitive to renovate or relocate. Therefore, the building will be taken down to support expansion of the Judicial Center Complex. However, architectural features and historical exhibits from the Bennett School Building will be included in the Judicial Center Complex design.