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Fairfax County Public Schools families preparing for the 2025-26 school year have several tasks to complete before classes begin, including a significant change in the cafeteria: Students will use their student ID numbers instead of their current cafeteria PINs to receive meals.
Families new to FCPS should register their children as soon as possible. Early registration helps students participate in playdates, screenings, teacher visits and back-to-school nights organized by their schools.
Parents and caregivers should also activate their SIS ParentVUE accounts using the code provided during registration. ParentVUE gives families access to attendance records, grades, assignments and student ID numbers. One account can include multiple students in the same family and remains active until they graduate. It is available online and through apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Families should verify that their phone numbers and email addresses are current in the Parent/Guardian section of ParentVUE so they continue receiving school communications.
Immunization records must be current
Virginia requires students to have specified immunizations to attend school. Parents can review the vaccinations recorded for their children through ParentVUE and check with a healthcare provider to ensure all state requirements have been met.
Students who need vaccines may receive them through a healthcare provider, Fairfax County Health Department child immunization clinics or other local services. Families should submit updated immunization records through ParentVUE or deliver them to the school’s front office as soon as possible.
Families should prepare for meal costs
For the 2025-26 school year, student breakfast costs $1.75. Lunch costs $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary and high school students.
Families must provide money for school meals, pack a lunch or apply and receive approval for free or reduced-price meal benefits. The new application is available for the 2025-26 school year.
Students approved for meal benefits during the previous school year remain eligible for the first 30 days of the new year or until a new application is processed. Families must apply again to prevent a lapse in benefits for eligible students.
MySchoolBucks allows caregivers to add meal money automatically and manage multiple children under one account. Before school starts, families should set up an account if needed and help students learn their student ID numbers for cafeteria checkout. The numbers are available in ParentVUE, and school front-office staff can provide additional assistance.
FCPS also has a standardized process for requesting dietary accommodations for students who need them.
Calendars and back-to-school events
Families can use the FCPS school-year calendar to follow holidays, breaks and observances. A blue “H” identifies student holidays when schools are closed. An orange “O” marks religious or cultural observances when schools remain open, although certain events that cannot be rescheduled may not be held. Pink dates are student holidays and workdays for teachers and staff.
Some observances, including Eid al-Fitr, may shift and lead to calendar adjustments.
Back-to-school night schedules are organized by FCPS regions 1 through 6. Families who do not know their region can find it through the “School Profile” section of their school’s website.
During the school year, FCPS This Week is distributed by email on Wednesdays when classes are in session. Families can also follow FCPS and individual schools on social media for updates.
Beyond registration and records, caregivers should gather school supplies, arrange transportation and begin restoring bedtime routines before the first day.