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Fairfax County Public Schools is considering investments aimed at putting more eighth graders on an advanced math track while also weighing changes to middle school start times.
The proposed fiscal 2026 budget emphasizes academic growth, including continued work toward helping students complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade. Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has recorded a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or a more advanced course. The share of fifth graders enrolled in advanced math has risen 6.8%.
Completing algebra during middle school can give students more opportunities to pursue advanced math and science classes in high school. Updating the school system’s math curriculum is one part of the effort.
New secondary math resources are scheduled to enter use during the 2025-26 school year, followed by elementary resources in 2026-27. A committee of teachers, administrators and community members will evaluate materials submitted by vendors through a competitive request for proposals.
Community members may examine the potential resources online or review printed instructional materials from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 100. In-person reviews will not be available February 25, February 27, March 11 or March 12.
Comments will be provided to the review committee and local education officials before a vote expected in spring 2025.
The budget committee discussed the fiscal 2026 proposal on February 18. Education officials were scheduled to consider adopting the advertised budget at a meeting at 7 p.m. February 20.
During a February 18 work session, officials also discussed the next steps toward adjusting middle school start times and reviewed a study conducted by Prismatic Services Inc.
Academic and mental health assistance
FCPS students and families have access to Varsity Tutors services at no cost. Available resources include weekly live online classes, round-the-clock chat tutoring, essay editing, recorded lessons, practice problems and diagnostic tests.
Free virtual therapy is also available to all FCPS high school students through Hazel Health. Appointments with therapists who specialize in working with teenagers can be scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The school system is separately urging parents and caregivers to hold short, direct conversations with teenagers about fentanyl. Young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year, making those discussions important even when families do not believe a teen is at risk.
FCPS is also providing families with information about eating disorders, as required annually under a 2013 Virginia law covering caregivers of students in grades five through 12.
Eating disorders are treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people across ages, backgrounds, identities, body shapes and weights. National Eating Disorders Association figures from 2023 indicate that 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder during their lives.
Rather than having a single cause, the illnesses can result from biological, psychological and sociocultural factors interacting with genetic vulnerability. FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department have developed online information and resources for families. The association’s confidential, toll-free helpline is 1-800-931-2237.
Students taste-test new lunches
School cafeterias introduced several new menu choices in February, including Asian meatball subs, a vegetarian meatball version, fish tacos with pineapple-pepper fruit salsa, Alfredo and basil lasagna, and tomato soup.
Food and Nutrition Services said the nutritionally balanced dishes were tested and approved by students through food shows, focus groups and surveys. Executive Director Shaun Sawko said the department is “putting students at the center of every single one of our plates.”
Career exploration draws 500 students
About 500 FCPS students attended the fifth annual Instruction 2 Industry Future Ready Conference on February 18 despite temperatures hovering near freezing.
Students met industry professionals, explored possible careers and made workplace connections intended to help shape their plans after graduation. Participating fields included health care, digital technology, public service and safety, and entrepreneurship.
Elsewhere in the school system, Newington Forest Elementary second-grade teacher Tonja Walden is using her family history to inspire curiosity among students. Walden is a great-great-great-niece of Frederick Douglass and has shared that ancestry with her class in connection with Black History Month.
Superintendent Michelle Reid also highlighted Oak View Elementary School’s Kindness Night, an event focused on how everyday acts of kindness can make schools and communities safer, healthier and more inclusive.
Family Summit invites student projects
Students were invited to present projects and advocacy work concerning inclusion at the 2025 FCPS Family Summit, scheduled for March 15 at South Lakes High School.
Projects could be shared as posters, essays, videos, songs or artwork in a share-fair setting. Participation offered students a chance to gain service hours and add experience to their résumés. The submission deadline was February 21.
The summit was also set to include presentations by authors and inclusion advocates Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, along with breakout sessions, community vendor exhibits and networking opportunities. Childcare was expected to be available.
Teacher recruitment and early dismissal
FCPS scheduled a virtual instructional job fair from 9 a.m. to noon February 22. Participants could network and interview with school representatives, with some candidates potentially receiving offers for positions during the current school year. Questions could be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 571-423-3000.
Elementary schools in 12 pyramids were scheduled to dismiss students three hours early February 24. The affected pyramids were Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Oakton, Robinson, South Lakes and Westfield.