On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Loudoun County School Board voted to name its next high school, HS-14, Thornton Summit High School. The school is located at 41634 Steeplechase Loop Drive and is situated on the same campus as Watson Mountain Middle School. Thornton Summit High School is expected to open at the start of the 2028-2029 school year and will have a capacity of 2,100 students across approximately 345,000 square feet.

The name was chosen by the School Board after considering the Naming Committee's suggestions and recommendations. “One of the greatest privileges of serving on a school board is the opportunity to name a school that will stand for generations as a place of learning, growth, and community,” said Loudoun County School Board Chair April Chandler. “It is especially meaningful when that name honors a family whose dedication, service, and contributions have left an indelible mark on our county's history. We have heard from many members of the community who wanted this name because of what it represents to them and what it says to our future generations of students. By recognizing the Thornton family legacy, we ensure that those future generations not only benefit from their example but also remember the values and commitment that helped shape our community.”

The name Thornton Summit provides multiple connections to the community and Loudoun County history. It was drawn from Thornton Acres Lane, off Watson Road, and near the new school’s location. It is also drawn from the Thornton family, who have lived in the Watson community of Leesburg since settling in the 1700s. The Thornton family was integral in the formation of the First Baptist Church of Watson and Douglass High School. The name Thornton Summit High School recognizes the area's history and the school's location, overlooking the surrounding landscape and its proximity to Watson Mountain Middle School.

More information about the school’s construction and the naming can be found on the LCPS website.