Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 School is named in honor of Hunter Booker Andrews, a Hampton native who dedicated much of his life to public service. Andrews served both as a member and chairman of the Hampton School Board and represented the city as a Virginia State Senator for 32 years. Widely recognized as a “Champion for Education,” he played a pivotal role in shaping educational policy in Virginia. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Andrews helped direct billions of dollars toward public education. He was also instrumental in launching and funding the Virginia Pre-School Initiative and, alongside Norfolk’s school board chairman, helped establish WHRO-TV—the state’s first non-commercial educational television station.

The school officially opened in September 2010, marking the first new school built by Hampton City Schools in over three decades. Located on Victoria Boulevard, it sits on the former site of Dixie Hospital (later Hampton General Hospital).

Construction of the school, led by M. B. Kahn Construction and designed by Moseley Architects, was notable for its strong support of local businesses. An impressive 54% of the project’s participation came from SWaM (Small, Women-, and Minority-owned) businesses, making it a source of community pride and earning it the nickname “One of the Gems of the Peninsula.”

Inside, students at Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 School are organized into small, distinct “learning communities.” The PreK–2 and Grades 3–5 communities each accommodate up to 400 students, while the Grades 6–8 community holds up to 500. Prior to the school’s opening, students from the feeder schools selected the school mascot and colors. The chosen mascot is the alligator (Gators), and the school colors are green, blue, and silver.