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Fairfax County Public Schools began the 2025–2026 academic year Monday, Aug. 18, bringing students back under tighter cellphone restrictions and expanded security measures as the division managed one of the nation’s largest school systems.
About 1,625 buses were scheduled to transport students on opening day. FCPS uses staggered bell times to make its routes more efficient and reduce the number of buses needed.
Elementary schedules range from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the earliest to 9:20 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. at the latest. Some elementary bus routes may not finish until after 4:30 p.m., approaching the 4:47 p.m. sunsets seen in December.
The county projected enrollment would increase from 180,384 students in 2024–2025 to 181,662 in 2025–2026. That estimate will remain preliminary until the official Sept. 30 count, which the Virginia Department of Education uses when determining state funding.
FCPS was still recruiting bus drivers as of Aug. 17 amid a nationwide shortage affecting many school districts.
New rules and programs
Elementary and middle school students must keep cellphones put away throughout the school day. High school students may no longer use phones or personal devices such as AirPods and smartwatches during passing periods. They may use phones during lunch but otherwise must store them away.
Students at every FCPS middle and high school can also expect OPENGATE weapons-detection systems. Students walk between two freestanding pillars capable of screening people carrying backpacks, purses and other bags for metal threats such as guns and knives while limiting false alarms from objects such as keys.
The expansion was funded with one-time year-end money and proceeds from a class-action settlement involving a vaping company. Funding for the project was approved in the fiscal 2024 budget.
Girls flag football is also scheduled to run from September through November, with plans for a 25-player team at each high school. Langley High School student activities director Geoffrey Noto said Fairfax County expected a Washington Commanders grant supporting one girls team at each of the county’s 25 high schools.
Fairfax County also deployed 10 additional speed cameras in two phases before the school year began.
Meal prices and assistance
Breakfast costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for students attending middle, high and secondary schools.
Children in households earning less than 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals, while those in households earning between 130% and 185% may receive reduced-price meals. Families must submit a new Free and Reduced-Price Meals application before each school year.
Approval may qualify students for other benefits. State law also permits the school division to share meal-eligibility information with Medicaid and FAMIS.