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Fairfax County Public Schools closed 2025 with every school fully accredited and three-quarters rated Distinguished or On Track under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework.
The framework awards points for academic growth and achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. Those totals place schools in one of four categories: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track, or Needs Intensive Support.
All FCPS comprehensive high schools were rated Distinguished or On Track for the 2025-26 school year. Across the division, 147 schools, or 75%, reached one of those two levels—nine percentage points above Virginia’s statewide rate of 66%.
FCPS also led Superintendent’s Region IV on several measures. Four of the region’s five highest-scoring elementary schools and three of its five highest-scoring middle schools are in Fairfax County. FCPS schools swept the top five elementary positions in both reading and math mastery, as well as the top five high school positions in science mastery.
All five FCPS schools identified for federal support during the previous year have exited that status.
The results were reviewed during the Academic Matters portion of the Dec. 18 School Board meeting.
The framework also identified schools requiring additional assistance. A federal Targeted Support and Improvement designation lowers a school’s overall performance category by one level, even when the designation stems from results for only one student group. Of the 36 FCPS schools placed in that federal category, 28 were identified because of a single group’s performance.
Two of four schools identified for improvement were flagged solely because of a new federal four-year graduation-rate measure.
Other accountability changes also affected scores. The minimum size used to evaluate student groups fell from 30 students to 15, science was added to federal measures, and test refusals and other instances of nonparticipation counted as zero points for the first time.
FCPS is also adapting to tighter eligibility rules for students with disabilities taking the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program. Participation in that assessment has fallen during the past three years by 23% in reading, 24% in math, and 18% in science.
Division teams are examining school and student data to identify the causes behind the results and determine what support educators and students need.
Health-care programs receive $200,000
The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation announced a $200,000 investment in FCPS Health and Medical Sciences programs through Educate Fairfax during a Dec. 15 event at Falls Church Academy.
Since 2016, the partnership has directed more than $2.19 million to those programs. The funding gives students access to industry-aligned equipment, professional certifications, and clinical experience intended to prepare them for health-care careers.
The Claude Moore Scholars partnership also supports Career and Technical Education pathways across the school division.
Falls Church coach earns statewide honor
Falls Church High School boys’ volleyball coach Rob Baily was named the Class 6 Boys Volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the young program to a 16-7 record.
In only its second season, the team finished third in the National District and reached the Region 6B tournament. Falls Church posted a 7-10 record during its inaugural season.
FCPS also honored longtime Marshall High School educator and coach Joe Swarm on Dec. 19 by dedicating the school’s gym in his name. Swarm recently retired after more than 30 years as a teacher, coach, and director of student activities.
The ceremony preceded Marshall’s varsity boys’ basketball game against Madison High School. Other athletic events during the week included girls’ basketball games between Herndon and Fairfax high schools and between McLean and Langley high schools.
Budget, boundaries and local priorities discussed
Superintendent Michelle Reid participated in several meetings focused on issues affecting FCPS families and employees.
At a Fairfax County Council for Economic Opportunity meeting on Dec. 16, participants discussed artificial intelligence, housing, revenues, state returns, and the importance of wages that allow families to live and work in Fairfax County.
Reid later joined the Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County’s Virginia General Assembly delegation for a work session on the county’s legislative priorities. That evening, she attended the annual joint meeting of the City of Fairfax and FCPS school boards.
An employee conversation at Bailey’s Elementary School on Dec. 17 covered compensation, common assessments, early-release Wednesdays, the fiscal year 2027 budget, and student and staff mental health.
Reid also met with the Lorton Station Elementary School community that evening to hear questions and concerns about possible boundary adjustments. FCPS continues to review its options before determining a path forward.
Earlier in the week, Reid attended a Northern Virginia Technology Council board meeting at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner discussed congressional developments affecting the region during the gathering.
The week concluded with Reid attending the Vietnamese American Community Christmas Party at the Willston Multicultural Center, where FCPS families and other community members gathered ahead of winter break.