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Fairfax County Public Schools will reduce the number of elementary early-release Wednesdays from eight to four during the 2026-27 school year.
The shortened days give elementary teachers dedicated time for lesson preparation, professional development, training and collaboration. At Mosaic Elementary School, educators use the time after students leave to strengthen instruction and coordinate student support.
The change comes as FCPS celebrates the Class of 2026, prepares families for spring testing results and announces new academic programs and policies for the coming school year.
Graduates Head Toward College and Careers
Justice High School seniors marked graduation season with a walk through Glen Forest Elementary School. Across FCPS, the school system also recognized the families, teachers, coaches and community members who supported this year’s graduates.
West Springfield High School graduates Timothy Campbell and Kennedy Leary were among more than 15,000 seniors nationwide named 2026 National Merit Scholarship finalists. Both students were also runners and credited rigorous academics, leadership opportunities and their school community with helping prepare them for the future.
At Mountain View High School, graduating senior Trey Heathe has turned his skill as a barber into a growing business. He rents a chair at a local salon and has developed a social media following and business website while navigating challenges beyond those faced by many students his age.
South County High School graduate Dexter Burris spent years in the school’s theater program, contributing both as a performer and behind the scenes.
Ryan McFaul is completing a full FCPS journey that began in prekindergarten and continued through age 22 at Davis Career Center. Staff helped McFaul and his mother prepare for life after public education and connect with community resources. His experience also inspired his brother Justin to work for FCPS.
Three athletes are advancing from FCPS wrestling mats to collegiate teams. McLean High School’s Kaelyn MacKay, Oakton High School’s Kate Crockett and Lewis High School’s Ashley Lopez secured college recruitment opportunities just two years after varsity girls wrestling became an FCPS athletic offering.
The Asian Leadership Alliance, an employee group within FCPS, also awarded scholarships to three Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American graduating seniors.
Students and Staff Earn Major Honors
Fairfax High School Principal Georgina Aye was named the 2026 Washington Post Principal of the Year. The recognition highlighted her leadership and work to create an inclusive, high-achieving school community.
FCPS also received the 2026 Regional Gold Level Baldrige Award. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said the Baldrige framework has helped employees evaluate school systems and consider how to sustain strong outcomes for students, staff and families.
Students and productions from FCPS schools earned additional honors at the annual Cappies of the National Capital Area gala, which recognizes excellence in high school theater.
Testing Results Arrive Through June
Families will receive students’ spring assessment results throughout June. Most scores will be available through SIS ParentVUE, while individual test websites offer translated reports and guidance for understanding the results.
Caregivers with questions about which tests their children took, what the scores mean or how schools use the results should contact their school.
ParentVUE also provides access to attendance records, grades and progress reports. Once activated, an account remains in use until the student graduates, and children in the same family can be viewed through a single account. The service is available online and through Apple and Android apps.
Families should confirm that their phone numbers and email addresses are current in the Parent/Guardian section of ParentVUE.
On Wednesday, July 29, families that have not activated an account are scheduled to receive an email with the subject “Fairfax County Public Schools ParentVUE Activation Letter.” Those who do not receive it should check their spam folders or submit a Parent Support Request. After July 29, families may also ask their school for a printed letter or replacement activation key.
Free SAT and PSAT Testing Set for October
FCPS high schools will administer the digital SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families.
The SAT will be offered to 12th graders, while students in grades 10 and 11 will take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Because the College Board operates the exams, accommodations and multilingual learner supports are not provided automatically. Families of students with disabilities entering grades 10 through 12 must submit requests for new or updated accommodations to their high school by Monday, August 3.
Requests for multilingual learner supports must be returned by Thursday, August 27.
FCPS Adult and Community Education is also offering summer SAT preparation courses. Options include Math Part 1, Math Part 2 and a reading and writing course focused on speed, accuracy and test-taking strategies. Day and evening classes are available.
New Lifeguarding Course Opens to High School Students
A new Advanced Swimming and Lifeguard Certification course will begin at Skyview High School during the 2026-27 school year.
Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from every FCPS high school may enroll. Students will have the opportunity to take a certification test in spring 2027 and, if successful, earn American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification that includes deep-water qualification.
Transportation arrangements between students’ base schools and Skyview are still being developed. Interested students should speak with their school counselors.
The announcement followed the third annual FCPS Summer Extravaganza, which drew nearly 2,000 community members, including more than 500 students, for interactive learning activities and connections with school employees and community partners.
High School Lunches Become Phone-Free July 1
High school students will no longer be allowed to use cellphones or other smart devices during lunch under an updated policy taking effect July 1.
The change aligns FCPS rules with Virginia Senate Bill 108, which requires schools to follow a bell-to-bell phone-free policy. Across all grade levels, personal phones, accessories and smart devices must be switched off and stored for the entire school day.
The restriction covers smartwatches, earbuds, headsets, smart glasses and other internet-connected items. It does not apply to school-issued devices.
FCPS is also encouraging families to have brief, direct conversations with teenagers about mental-health concerns and difficult subjects such as fentanyl and overdoses.
Final-Day and School Board Dates Approach
Wednesday, June 17, is the final day of the 2025-26 school year and will follow an abbreviated schedule.
High schools will operate from 8 to 10 a.m., while secondary schools will run from 8:10 to 10:10 a.m. Middle and elementary schools will dismiss two hours early, with exact times varying by school.
The first day of the 2026-27 school year is Monday, August 24.
The School Board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Members are expected to vote on a Standard School Year Calendar policy and motions involving instructional technology.
FCPS Adult and Community Education is also accepting enrollment for Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills. The National Center for Construction Education & Research course covers foundational skills for electrical, HVAC, plumbing and other construction apprenticeships. Grant funding has been used to reduce tuition, and enrollment is limited.