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Fairfax County Public Schools students improved pass rates across science, mathematics and reading in 2025, even as Virginia introduced more rigorous tests in two of those subjects.
The results, released by the Virginia Department of Education on August 27, show FCPS continuing to outperform statewide averages in all three federally reported subject areas.
Science produced the largest gains among student groups. Pass rates rose four percentage points for Hispanic students and three points each for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, Black students and economically disadvantaged students.
In mathematics, pass rates increased three percentage points for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, Black students and Hispanic students. Both math and reading used new, more demanding Standards of Learning tests this year.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid connected the results to the strategic plan FCPS launched with families and the community in 2023, particularly its focus on expanding access to advanced mathematics.
The share of eighth graders enrolled in Algebra 1 or a more advanced course climbed from 58.4% in 2022 to 74.5% at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, Reid said. FCPS also expanded Algebra 1 access to sixth graders this school year.
The division additionally has seven of Virginia’s 10 highest-ranked high schools and the nation’s fifth-ranked school, according to U.S. News & World Report.