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Fairfax County Public Schools has received the 2026 Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence, becoming the first education applicant to earn the honor during its initial application process.
The Partnership for Excellence selected FCPS after an extensive review involving 25-page and 50-page applications, visits to schools and other sites, interviews with employees, and evaluations by more than a dozen Baldrige examiners.
Reviewers highlighted the school division’s leadership, consistent processes across its 266 schools and centers, and emphasis on student needs and outcomes. They also cited senior leaders’ focus on organizational values, ethics, staff expectations, and customer service.
Based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, the Gold Award is the region’s highest recognition for a U.S. organization demonstrating performance excellence, resilience, and long-term success. Applicants are assessed in seven areas: leadership; strategy; customers; measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; workforce; operations; and results.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid credited employees across FCPS with helping the division secure the award. She said the recognition reflects its commitment to students, staff members, families, and the wider Fairfax County community.
FCPS is scheduled to receive formal recognition at an awards banquet in September 2026. The Partnership for Excellence previously honored the school division with its Spirit and Pioneer awards in 2025.