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A total of 262 students from 19 Fairfax County public high schools have been named 2026 National Merit semifinalists, a 40% increase from 2025.
The recognition leads a wide-ranging set of school updates released September 17, including higher state testing pass rates, college-planning events, new student assessments, community meetings and upcoming calendar changes.
State test scores rise
Pass rates increased in writing, science and math on Standards of Learning tests administered during the 2024-25 school year. Students also continued to outperform Virginia averages on SOL and Virginia Alternate Assessment Program tests.
Beginning in October 2025, all second graders and selected students in grades three through seven will take the Naglieri General Ability Tests as a universal abilities screening.
The assessment examines verbal, nonverbal and quantitative reasoning. Because it measures abilities rather than academic achievement, students are not expected to prepare for it.
Schools use the results alongside other information to understand students’ reasoning strengths, guide instruction and consider whether advanced academic services may be appropriate. Individual schools will notify families of participating students.
Workshops offer families practical support
An eight-week Mind in the Making workshop will explore seven life skills considered essential to childhood development. Families and caregivers will learn research-based strategies and activities they can use at home.
Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, September 25 through November 20, at the Annandale Community Center.
Other Family Academy offerings include programs on autism and applied behavior analysis, co-parenting, early literacy, preschool learning at home, sibling support and parenting strategies. Webinars will also address Section 504 and math strategies for students with cognitive disabilities.
Students prepare for college and adult life
Preparing graduates for the future is the focus of Goal 5 in the school division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
A Roadmap to College webinar for families of upper-middle and high school students is scheduled for Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It will cover steps students can take throughout high school to strengthen their college applications.
The annual College Fair will bring approximately 200 colleges, universities and U.S. service academies to George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena on Sunday, October 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. A virtual postsecondary event will follow Tuesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.
College Access Fairfax will also offer virtual financial-aid workshops for students in the Class of 2026 and their parents:
- Paying for College for Seniors: September 27 at 10 a.m.
- FAFSA Line-by-Line: October 29 at 7 p.m. and November 8 at 10 a.m.
- Scholarships: November 15 at 10 a.m. and November 20 at 7 p.m.
- Paying for College for Military Families: November 19 at 7 p.m. and December 6 at 10 a.m.
Students may also apply to beta-test the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid before its October 1 release. Participants will be able to submit the form early while helping test the application process.
Families of students with individual education plans can attend the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair at Robinson Secondary School on Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will connect families with adult-service providers and community resources that may be useful after students leave the school system.
School meal operation serves 110,000 daily
The Food and Nutrition Services team employs 1,295 staff members at 198 sites and provides about 110,000 meals each day. That total includes 31,500 breakfasts, 77,500 lunches and 1,000 after-school meals.
Recent efforts have included serving more than 7,000 meals during a snowstorm closure, introducing more than 20 menu items and launching additional student-focused resources. The work is tied to the strategic plan’s emphasis on equity, excellence and accountability.
School construction bond heads to voters
A school bond referendum will appear on the ballot Tuesday, November 4.
Fairfax County sells bonds to spread the cost of major construction and renovation projects over time. School bonds finance capital improvements including building renovations and safety additions such as security vestibules.
The county says its triple-A bond rating allows it to borrow at low interest rates and has saved taxpayers at least $1 billion in financing costs.
CPR training helps students save a life
Annual hands-on CPR lessons at Longfellow Middle School proved crucial during a scouting trip when Laurent Lee collapsed. His son Davin and friends Raphael and Avi performed CPR, helping save his life.
Historical marker honors Louise Archer
Students, educators, community members and alumni gathered at Louise Archer Elementary School on September 6 for the dedication of a historical marker honoring Archer’s decades of service as a teacher and principal.
The marker recognizes her lasting contribution to education in Fairfax County and completes the county’s Black/African American Historical Marker Project.
Solar celebration highlights electric buses
A Sun Day celebration is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Louise Archer Elementary School.
The event will mark the launch of a solar initiative and the arrival of 17 electric school buses. Activities will include live music, solar-themed story time and student-led sustainability demonstrations.
Boundary review meetings continue
Community meetings on school boundaries and start times will continue through September. Each session will include an update on the comprehensive boundary review, discussion of community feedback and an outline of the next steps.
Upcoming meetings include:
- September 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at West Potomac High School, covering the West Potomac and Mount Vernon pyramids.
- September 19, 12:30 to 2 p.m., at Sully Community Center, covering the Westfield and Chantilly pyramids.
- September 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Madison High School, covering the Madison and McLean pyramids.
- September 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School, covering the South Lakes and Herndon pyramids.
In-person and virtual attendance options are available, and the meetings are open to everyone regardless of school pyramid.
Rosh Hashanah changes the school calendar
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Monday, September 22. Important events will not be scheduled after school that day because it is designated as an evening-only observance.
Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, September 23, for the holiday.
Student leadership applications open
High school students may apply for the School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program through Friday, September 26.
The program gives students a closer look at how the school system is governed and provides opportunities for them to share their perspectives with decision-makers.