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Fairfax County Public Schools closed its December classes with strong statewide performance results, new career-training investments and recognition for staff and students, even as changes to Virginia’s accountability system created fresh challenges for some schools.
All FCPS schools are fully accredited for the 2025-26 school year, and every comprehensive high school received either a Distinguished or On Track rating under the 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.
Federal designations can lower a school’s final performance level by one category. A school that earns an On Track score, for example, is reduced to Off Track if it is identified for Targeted Support and Improvement based on the results of even one student group.
Despite that rule, 147 FCPS schools, or 75%, were rated Distinguished or On Track. That exceeded Virginia’s overall rate of 66% by nine percentage points. All five FCPS schools identified for federal support last year also exited that status.
FCPS led Superintendent’s Region IV on several indicators. Four of the five highest-scoring elementary schools were in the division, along with all five of the region’s top elementary schools for reading mastery and all five for math mastery. FCPS also had three of the five highest-scoring middle schools and all five leading high schools for science mastery.
Some schools still require additional support. Of the 36 schools identified for Targeted Support and Improvement, 28 were flagged because of one student group’s performance. Two of the four schools identified for improvement were cited solely because of the new federal four-year graduation-rate indicator.
Other accountability changes also affected scores. The minimum size for measured student groups dropped from 30 to 15, science was added to federal calculations, and test refusals and other instances of nonparticipation counted as zero points for the first time.
Schools are also adapting to stricter eligibility rules for the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program. Participation in that assessment has fallen over the past three years by 23% in reading, 24% in math and 18% in science. FCPS teams are reviewing school and student data as they determine how best to support educators and students moving between assessment tracks.
Health-care training receives $200,000 boost
Falls Church Academy celebrated a $200,000 investment from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation in FCPS health and medical sciences programs through Educate Fairfax.
Since 2016, the partnership has directed more than $2.19 million to health and medical sciences programs across the school division. The funding gives students access to industry-aligned equipment, professional certifications and clinical experience while strengthening Career and Technical Education pathways into high-demand health-care jobs.
Superintendent Michelle Reid thanked Academy teachers and leaders, the foundation and Marc Brown for supporting opportunities for students.
Falls Church High School also had reason to celebrate after boys’ volleyball head coach Rob Baily was named the Class 6 Boys Volleyball Coach of the Year. In the program’s second season, Baily led the Jaguars to a 16-7 record, third place in the National District and a spot in the Region 6B tournament. The team finished its inaugural season 7-10.
Budget, boundaries and local priorities discussed
Reid attended a Northern Virginia Technology Council board meeting at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, where Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner discussed congressional developments affecting the region. The council represents Northern Virginia technology organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, as well as government contractors, service providers, academic institutions and nonprofits.
At the Fairfax County Council for Economic Opportunity meeting, participants discussed artificial intelligence, housing, revenues, state returns and the importance of living-wage salaries that allow families to live and work in Fairfax County.
Reid also joined the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the county’s Virginia General Assembly delegation for a work session on legislative priorities and initiatives. That evening, she attended the annual joint meeting of the City of Fairfax School Board and the FCPS School Board, hosted this year by the city board.
An employee conversation at Bailey’s Elementary School covered compensation, common assessments, early-release Wednesdays, the FCPS fiscal year 2027 budget, and student and staff mental health.
Reid later met with the Lorton Station Elementary School community about possible boundary adjustments. FCPS continues to review its options after hearing residents’ concerns and questions.
Athletics and community events round out the week
Reid attended varsity girls’ basketball games between Herndon and Fairfax high schools and between McLean and Langley high schools.
At Marshall High School, the gym was dedicated in honor of Joe Swarm, who recently retired after more than 30 years at the school. Swarm served as a teacher, coach and director of student activities. The ceremony was followed by a varsity boys’ basketball game between Marshall and Madison high schools.
The week concluded with the Vietnamese American Community Christmas Party at the Willston Multicultural Center, where FCPS families and community members gathered ahead of winter break.
Throughout the division, students and employees also supported community members in need during the holiday season, closing the year with an emphasis on compassion, service and mutual support.