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Fairfax County schools opened the fall season with packed family events, student performances, athletic contests and encouraging academic results, including higher test scores and a sharp increase in National Merit Semifinalists.
Superintendent Michelle Reid began the week on Monday evening at Back to School Night events at Crossfield and Greenbriar East elementary schools. Families, teachers and administrators gathered to mark the new school year and strengthen partnerships supporting students.
On Tuesday morning, Reid joined a Northern Virginia Technology Council Board of Directors meeting at Virginia Tech’s academic building in Alexandria. Regional leaders discussed innovation, workforce development and ways to prepare students for emerging careers by connecting education with the changing economy.
That evening, she attended three athletic events: Woodson’s junior varsity girls volleyball match against West Springfield, Robinson’s boys varsity volleyball match against South County and Centreville’s field hockey game against Oakton.
Reid returned to the Virginia Tech building Wednesday for an Educate Fairfax Board retreat. The nonprofit supports FCPS students and employees through community partnerships. Discussions covered long-term strategy, governance, fundraising and closer alignment with division priorities, including student access, staff support and community engagement.
At Oakton High School that evening, families from quads 1 and 2 met with FCPS representatives to discuss the budget, school safety and the Future-Ready Index. The index is intended to give families a broader picture of student success by considering learning, belonging and real-world experiences alongside test scores.
On Thursday, Reid met with the Dongjak District Council of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The international discussion included digital literacy, capital project planning, student discipline and organizational leadership.
Test scores rise despite new curricula
During Thursday’s School Board meeting, FCPS presented its Standards of Learning results for the 2024-25 school year. Division students continued to outperform Virginia averages on SOL and Virginia Alternate Assessment Program tests.
The FCPS reading pass rate held at 78% in 2023 and 2024 before increasing to 79% in 2025. Virginia’s corresponding rates were 73%, 73% and 74%.
In mathematics, the FCPS pass rate rose from 75% in 2023 to 76% in 2024 and 78% in 2025. Statewide rates over the same period were 69%, 71% and 73%.
Science results also improved, moving from 72% in 2023 to 73% in 2024 and 75% in 2025. Virginia averages were 67%, 68% and 71%.
The gains came during a year in which FCPS introduced new reading and mathematics curricula and students faced more difficult tests. Algebra 1 pass rates reached 100% among sixth- and seventh-grade students taking the course and 95% among eighth-graders.
FCPS also announced that 262 students from 19 high schools were named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists based on their PSAT/NMSQT performance. That represents an increase of about 40% from the previous year’s 191 semifinalists.
Meal program serves 110,000 daily
The School Board also received an update on Food and Nutrition Services, whose 1,295 employees provide 110,000 meals at 198 sites each day. The daily total includes 31,500 breakfasts, 77,500 lunches and 1,000 after-school meals.
The department distributed more than 7,000 meals during a snowstorm closure and 161,000 over the summer. It has also introduced more than 20 menu items and launched additional student-focused resources while working to offer healthy, culturally diverse food.
Reid’s School Board remarks included recent school visits, Timber Lane Elementary School’s 70th anniversary and a ribbon-cutting at Wakefield Forest Elementary School. She also highlighted upcoming community meetings about proposed boundary maps designed to rebalance school capacity across the division.
Students bring music to senior residents
On Friday morning, the Langston Hughes Panther Chorale performed for memory-care and assisted-living residents at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge Senior Living. Choral Director Steve McBride led the concert.
Students also shared a meal, conversations and activities with residents while learning about the senior-living environment. Reid met former School Board member Ruth Turner during the visit.
Later Friday, Rolling Valley Elementary School held its Chalk the Walk event and family picnic. Students, employees and families decorated a sidewalk behind the school before gathering for dinner.
The day concluded at Oakton High School’s homecoming football game against Woodson. Students, families and alumni filled the stands as the two teams competed in a spirited matchup.
On Saturday morning, Reid attended girls volleyball games at Langley High School featuring Robinson Secondary School. The matches were part of the Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament, which gives student-athletes an opportunity to support a cause beyond competition.