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Fairfax County Public Schools could face significant cuts under a proposed county budget that leaves the school division underfunded by $150 million.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to begin finalizing the budget Tuesday, May 6. FCPS says additional revenue could come from measures such as a meals tax, which it estimates would add $2 to $3 to an average restaurant bill for a family of four.
The school division has published examples of programs and services that exceed Virginia’s minimum standards as officials warn about what could be at risk.
Immunization deadlines approach
Students entering seventh and 12th grades must meet additional vaccination requirements before school begins.
Rising seventh graders must receive one dose each of the Tdap booster, meningococcal MenACWY vaccine and HPV vaccine. Tdap must be administered at age 7 or older, while the qualifying MenACWY dose must be given at age 10 or older.
Parents and guardians may opt their children out of the HPV vaccine without submitting documentation to the school.
Students entering 12th grade need a MenACWY dose administered at age 16 or older. Families are encouraged to arrange vaccinations early because summer is typically busy for health care providers.
The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services are also seeking feedback from parents and caregivers about school health room services. The five-minute survey remains open through Monday, May 5.
Mental health support available at no cost
FCPS high school students can receive virtual therapy sessions at no charge. The service can help with mood or behavioral changes, motivation, grief, anxiety, fears, bullying, social skills, family and peer relationships, and academic stress.
A guardian or designated school employee may refer a student. Families can call 571-749-2940 or contact a school counselor, social worker, psychologist or director of Student Services.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board also offers youth and family counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, medication-assisted treatment and other intensive or recovery services. Its Entry and Referral office can be reached at 703-383-8500.
Sixth-grade choral festival marks 50 years
The FCPS Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. The annual event has brought together sixth-grade singers from across Fairfax County since 1975.
This year, 804 students from 97 schools performed before a live audience of 2,400, with additional viewers watching online.
At Chantilly Academy, Cosmetology 2 students continued another student-centered tradition by helping classmates in the Category B program prepare for Day Prom. The partnership, now in its second year, connects cosmetology instruction with service to students with intellectual disabilities.
Superintendent Michelle Reid also visited Oak Hill Elementary School to celebrate the completion of its renovation as part of her weekly tour of schools.
Driver preparation and summer activities expand
The FCPS Adult and Community Education Driver Education program now offers one of Virginia’s few state-authorized online permit test preparation courses. Nearly 35,000 students have participated in the program over the past decade.
Distracted driving accounts for 17% of crashes in Virginia—more than 21,000 accidents—according to figures cited by FCPS. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that driver education can improve safety among young motorists, with some studies finding crash reductions of up to 20%.
Families can also attend the free FCPS Summer Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Woodson High School. The event will feature educational and enrichment activities, information about summer programs, community resources, face painting, fire truck tours and student performances.
Schools recognize military-connected families
Irving Middle School has created its own military-style challenge coin for military-connected students who are leaving for another school. Challenge coins traditionally commemorate achievements, visits or membership in a military branch or unit.
Bucknell Elementary School teacher Neika Smith has also shared how life in a military family shaped her work as an educator. Smith met her husband, Qadree, while he was serving in the Army, and their two children attend Fairfax County public schools. She said the experience has made her a more compassionate teacher and expressed hope that her children feel welcomed, heard and seen.
Graduation improves as FCPS targets opportunity gaps
At a School Board meeting, Reid presented the division’s Strategic Plan Goal 5 update for the 2024-25 school year. The goal calls for every student to leave high school prepared to adapt, innovate and thrive.
During the 2023-24 school year, 94.58% of FCPS students graduated on time and 3.81% dropped out. Both measures improved from the previous results.
Reid also discussed Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, which seeks to close opportunity gaps by preparing students for college, careers and participation in a global society.
Confidential help and multilingual information
The FCPS Office of the Ombuds provides an independent, confidential place for families, students and employees to ask questions, discuss complaints and consider ways to resolve school-related concerns.
The office can be reached by phone at 571-423-4014 or text at 571-496-8284. Ombuds employees do not make or change decisions, policies or regulations, take sides or give legal advice.
General FCPS information is also available through telephone lines for parents and caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu or Vietnamese.
Key dates for families
FCPS will recognize cafeteria employees on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 2.
Historic Schoolhouse Day will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3. Six former FCPS one- and two-room schoolhouses will open for tours and activities highlighting Northern Virginia’s educational history.
The final day of school is Wednesday, June 11. Secondary and high schools will operate for two hours and dismiss at 10 or 10:10 a.m. All other schools will close two hours early.
Families whose children are struggling with attendance near the end of the year are encouraged to contact a teacher, counselor, administrator or another trusted adult at their school.