Schools stories

1. TJ Students Build Tool to Track School Board Decisions

   Students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology have launched Civic Cycle, a free web application designed to help residents follow local school board meetings.

   Schools / Arlington / August 3, 2026
2. Renovation of Centreville High stalled as families press for fixes

   Centreville High School families are pushing Fairfax County officials to address reported building deficiencies while a voter-approved renovation project sits on hold, caught between a...

   Schools / Fairfax / July 31, 2026
3. Fairfax Teens' Finance Book for Kids Goes Global

   Three Oakton High School students turned a school project into an international effort to teach young children about money management through storytelling.

   Schools / Oakton / July 25, 2026
4. Oakton students turn financial lessons into a book for younger readers

   Three Oakton High School students are using a simple choice between planting a seed and trading it for candy to introduce elementary school pupils to personal finance.

   Schools / Oakton / July 25, 2026
5. Arlington's Gift of Bells: A Tower That Rang Through Generations

   The rope hung rough and hairy from the tower at James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School, and every morning Mr. Brown the custodian gave it a pull. That clang sent a clear message across...

   Schools / Arlington / July 24, 2026
6. Fairfax County Students Make Community Theater Debut in 'Dear Evan Hansen' Partnership

   When the curtain rises tonight at South Lakes High School in Reston, students from 11 Fairfax County schools will share the stage with adult actors in a groundbreaking collaboration...

   Schools / Reston / July 24, 2026
7. Fairfax Fifth-Graders Discover the Sting of Taxes at "Money Camp"

   Soccer camps may be overflowing this summer, but a different kind of training is underway at Oak Hill Elementary School in Herndon—one that could shape how Fairfax County students handle...

   Schools / Fairfax County / July 24, 2026
8. Fairfax students put money skills to work at Oak Hill’s Money Camp

   Fairfax County students practiced the financial responsibilities of adult life during a five-day Money Camp at Oak Hill Elementary School in Herndon.

   Schools / Fairfax / July 24, 2026
9. Cooper Middle School Teacher Charged With Assault After Alleged Contact With Student

   A special education teacher at Cooper Middle School faces criminal charges following accusations of unlawful contact with a student, Fairfax County police announced.

   Schools / McLean / July 23, 2026
10. Cooper Middle School teacher charged with two counts of simple assault

    A Cooper Middle School special education teacher has been charged with two counts of simple assault following allegations involving a student, according to Fairfax County police.

    Schools / McLean / July 23, 2026
11. Fairfax County Students Must Tap New ID Cards to Board School Buses This Fall

    Fairfax County Public Schools is overhauling its bus system with card readers that will track every student who climbs aboard, launching one of the largest student-tracking transit...

    Schools / Fairfax County / July 23, 2026
12. Fairfax school board tightens rules for AI, devices and internet access

    The Fairfax County School Board approved a series of technology restrictions and reviews July 16, including a prohibition on generative artificial intelligence for elementary students...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 23, 2026
13. FCPS plans tap-to-ride ID system for school buses this fall

    Fairfax County Public Schools plans to introduce a tap-to-ride student ID system during the 2026-27 school year, giving students cards to scan when they board and exit school buses.

    Schools / Fairfax / July 23, 2026
14. FCPS rolls out student bus IDs as Skyview boundary plan moves forward

    Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to give every student a new identification card for the 2026-27 school year, part of a transportation technology rollout arriving as the...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 23, 2026
15. Fairfax Schools Chief Tours Summer Programs, Board Shifts 2,500 Students

    Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid spent last week visiting summer learning programs across the district while the School Board finalized boundary changes that...

    Schools / Fairfax County / July 20, 2026
16. Robinson Captures Third Virginia Athletics Cup in Four Years

    Fairfax County Public Schools wrapped up a landmark week with Robinson Secondary School claiming its fifth Virginia Army National Guard Cup for Athletics—and third in just four...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 20, 2026
17. Fairfax School Board approves Skyview, western pyramid boundary changes

    The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved attendance boundary changes for Skyview High School and five western Fairfax County school pyramids on July 16, setting the changes...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 17, 2026
18. FCPS schools collect VHSL championships and media honors

    Fairfax County Public Schools reported four Class 6 Virginia High School League team championships and 11 championship entries during the 2025-26 school year, along with five team...

    Schools / McLean / July 16, 2026
19. Fairfax School Board Seeks Review of Sales-Tax Referendum for School Construction

    The Fairfax County School Board has unanimously asked the Board of Supervisors to evaluate the potential benefits of asking voters to approve a 1% sales-tax increase for school...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 14, 2026
20. FCPS expands Special Olympics programming from 23 schools to 49

    Fairfax County Public Schools says Special Olympics programming now operates in 49 schools, more than twice the 23 schools participating at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

    Schools / Fairfax / July 14, 2026
21. McLean and Robinson win 2025-26 Virginia Army National Guard Cups

    Two Fairfax County high schools earned top honors in the 2025-26 Virginia Army National Guard Cup competition, the school division announced Monday.

    Schools / McLean / July 14, 2026
22. Nine FCPS students receive college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships

    Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students from five high schools were named recipients of college-sponsored 2026 National Merit Scholarships, according to FCPS. The awards provide...

    Schools / Oakton / July 13, 2026
23. Hayfield graduate named finalist for duct-tape prom outfit scholarship

    Aiden Mattauszek, a 2026 graduate of Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax County, was named one of the top 10 finalists in Duck Tape’s annual Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest.

    Schools / Fairfax / July 9, 2026
24. Fairfax County students earn two national FBLA first-place awards

    Fairfax County Public Schools students earned two first-place awards and multiple other top-15 finishes at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference,...

    Schools / Fairfax / July 8, 2026
25. FCPS says 77 schools earned Eco-Schools Green Flags

    Fairfax County Public Schools reported that 77 of its schools received National Wildlife Federation Green Flag awards through the Eco-Schools U.S. program during the 2025-26 school year.

    Schools / McLean / July 1, 2026
26. Fairfax NAACP Presses Schools to Act Faster on Anti-Black Bias

    Fairfax County’s NAACP chapter is demanding greater urgency and transparency from the school system when it investigates complaints of anti-Black bias and discrimination.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 30, 2026
27. Fairfax Student Representative Targets Mental Health and Security Reform

    Newt Shosteck, a rising senior at Hayfield Secondary School, will join the Fairfax County School Board on July 1 with plans to improve student access to mental health services, review...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 30, 2026
28. Hayfield Senior Targets Mental Health Access in New Student Role

    Newt Shosteck, a rising senior at Hayfield Secondary School, will begin a one-year term July 1 as the student representative on Fairfax County’s school governing body.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 30, 2026
29. Virtual Mental Health Care Expands to Every FCPS Middle School

    Fairfax County Public Schools students at every middle school can access virtual mental health services beginning July 1, 2026, expanding a program previously available to high school...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 30, 2026
30. April Cage Takes Charge of FCPS Region 2 After 25-Year Rise

    April Cage will become Fairfax County Public Schools’ assistant superintendent for Region 2 on July 1, overseeing schools in the Falls Church, McLean and Justice High School pyramids.

    Schools / Falls Church / June 29, 2026
31. Boundary Decisions and Student Wins Shape FCPS Summer Update

    Fairfax County Public Schools entered summer with a major boundary recommendation approaching, extensive facilities work underway and students earning recognition in academics, business...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 29, 2026
32. Fairfax Schools Boundary Proposal Heads to Board in July

    Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for a key boundary decision as Superintendent Michelle Reid finalizes her preliminary recommendation for Skyview High School and the Western...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 29, 2026
33. Fairfax Schools Lock In Superintendent Through 2030 at $469,936 a Year

    Michelle Reid is set to remain superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools through June 2030 under a new four-year contract approved by the Fairfax County School Board on June 25.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 29, 2026
34. Sleepless Nights Ruled Indiana’s 1950s Teen Social Scene

    Slumber parties were a cornerstone of teenage life in 1950s middle America—and about much more than staying up late. An invitation confirmed that you still belonged. Being left out felt...

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 26, 2026
35. Fairfax Teen Reaches Final Five in National Cooking Showdown

    A Fairfax County 10th grader advanced from roughly 250 entrants to become one of five finalists in a national student cooking competition held in Arlington.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 25, 2026
36. Falls Church Schools Put Firm Guardrails Around Student AI Use

    Falls Church City Public Schools has adopted its first systemwide policy governing artificial intelligence, setting sharply different rules by grade level and requiring human judgment to...

    Schools / Falls Church / June 25, 2026
37. FCPS Closes Spring With Champions, Boundary Plans and Summer Services

    Fairfax County Public Schools entered summer with new athletic honors, a celebrated Olympian’s return to his former elementary school and key decisions approaching in the Skyview High...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 22, 2026
38. Olympic Champion’s Homecoming Caps a Big Week for Fairfax Schools

    Fairfax County Public Schools closed out the academic year with state athletic honors, an Olympic champion’s return to his former elementary school and new recognition for efforts to...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 22, 2026
39. Falls Church AI Policy Puts Human Judgment Back in Charge

    Falls Church school leaders are moving toward an artificial intelligence policy that would keep people—not automated systems—responsible for grading, discipline, student placement and...

    Schools / Falls Church / June 19, 2026
40. Sleep-Away Camp Was the Ultimate ’50s Summer Escape

    For me, nothing topped the freedom of sleep-away camp during the summers of the 1950s.

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 19, 2026
41. Fairfax Eyes Major Child Care Expansion as Parents Raise Safety Concerns

    Fairfax County could replace its School Age Child Care program with the newer Beyond the Bell model by the 2029-30 school year, potentially opening more spaces for families while...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 18, 2026
42. Ice-Storm Leadership Earns Annandale Sixth Grader Top Safety Honor

    Sixth grader Will Kinne’s calm response to students darting into traffic for chunks of ice helped earn the Canterbury Woods Elementary School safety patrol captain a regional honor.

    Schools / Virginia / June 18, 2026
43. Stone Middle School Turns Civics Testing Into a Student Museum

    Eighth graders at Stone Middle School recently transformed their classroom into a museum, replacing a traditional civics test with projects connecting current events to lessons about...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 18, 2026
44. Fairfax School Board Locks In Breaks Despite Survey Backlash

    Fairfax County students will see more five-day school weeks, fixed-length winter and spring breaks, and a summer vacation that begins before Juneteenth under a new calendar framework...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 17, 2026
45. FCPS Closes School Year With 14,758 Graduates and Major Honors

    Fairfax County Public Schools ended the 2025-26 school year celebrating 14,758 graduates and a series of academic, athletic and artistic achievements across the division.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 17, 2026
46. FCPS Launches Summer Resources as Key Feedback Deadlines Loom

    Fairfax County Public Schools ended the 2025-26 school year with new summer resources, approaching public-feedback deadlines, student achievements and expanded access to meals and mental...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 17, 2026
47. FCPS Opens Summer With Key Surveys, Free Meals and Student Resources

    Fairfax County Public Schools is beginning summer with new learning and wellness resources, opportunities for families to shape instructional decisions, and a slate of student and staff...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 17, 2026
48. Langley Economics Team Takes Third on the National Stage

    Four Langley High School juniors placed third in the National Economics Challenge after demonstrating their command of economic theory, current events and real-world problem-solving.

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 17, 2026
49. Olympic Champion Ilia Malinin Returns to His Westbriar Roots

    Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion figure skater Ilia Malinin returned to Westbriar Elementary School on June 15, thrilling students at the school where he once played...

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 17, 2026
50. Sixth Grader’s Safety Leadership Earns Top AAA Honor

    William Kinne followed a family tradition when he joined the safety patrol at Canterbury Woods Elementary School in Annandale. Now, the sixth grader has been named AAA’s Safety Patroller...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 17, 2026
51. Fairfax Students Head to Broadway for High-Stakes Jimmy Awards

    Two Fairfax County students will make their Broadway debuts June 22 when they compete against 114 young performers from across the country at New York City’s Minskoff Theatre.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 16, 2026
52. State Police, Senate Close Centreville High School Investigations

    Investigations by the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions have closed without finding evidence of wrongdoing at Centreville High...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 16, 2026
53. Fairfax Parents Gain Device Opt-Out as Broader Screen Limits Stall

    Fairfax County Public Schools will allow parents of preschool and elementary students to decline take-home laptops and tablets during the 2026-27 school year, even as the School Board...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 15, 2026
54. FCPS Athletes Capture a Wave of Spring State Championships

    Fairfax County Public Schools athletes closed the 2026 spring season with five team titles and 15 individual or relay championships in Virginia High School League Class 6 competition....

    Schools / Springfield / June 15, 2026
55. FCPS Caps Graduation Season With Awards, Medals and Major Student Wins

    Fairfax County Public Schools closed in on summer with a packed stretch of graduations, student achievements and employee honors across the division.

    Schools / McLean / June 15, 2026
56. FCPS Celebrations Surge as Class of 2026 Closes Out the Year

    Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching summer with a packed stretch of graduations, student achievements, employee honors and plans for new classroom resources.

    Schools / McLean / June 15, 2026
57. Hayfield Robotics Seniors Turn World Stage Success Into Bold Futures

    More than 600 teams from over 10 countries converged on Houston in April for the FIRST Robotics World Championship. Among the competitors were Hayfield Secondary School’s Team 614, the...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 15, 2026
58. Fairfax County’s First Girls’ Wrestling Class Lands College Spots

    Fairfax County’s introduction of varsity girls’ wrestling has already opened a path to college competition for three athletes who helped pioneer the sport in local high schools.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2026
59. Fairfax Schools Chief Wins Statewide Honor for Family Engagement

    Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid received the Virginia Parent Teacher Association’s 2026 Power Partner Award during the organization’s Annual Meeting and...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2026
60. Fairfax Schools Halt Outdoor Activities as Heat Index Nears 105

    Fairfax County Public Schools canceled most outdoor activities on school grounds from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, as dangerous heat and humidity threatened to push the heat index...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2026
61. Fairfax Students Honored for Scholarship, Service and Character

    Two Fairfax County high school graduates have received School Board honors for achievements extending beyond the classroom.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2026
62. FCPS Superintendent Wins Statewide Honor After 100-Plus Community Meetings

    Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid received the Virginia Parent Teacher Association’s 2026 Power Partner Award after holding more than 100 community meetings...

    Schools / Springfield / June 12, 2026
63. The Wedding Dress Disaster That Couldn’t Stop the Big Day

    Weddings have a way of throwing families into chaos, and ours was no exception.

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 12, 2026
64. Two Fairfax Graduates Stand Out for Service, Scholarship and Character

    Two Fairfax County Public Schools graduates have earned honors for achievements reaching well beyond the classroom, from improving food access and expanding youth sports opportunities to...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2026
65. “Office Romance” Revives the Spark Modern Rom-Coms Have Lost

    “Office Romance” reaches back to the golden age of 2000s romantic comedies, pairing a forbidden workplace relationship with the charm, humor and predictability that made the genre so...

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 11, 2026
66. After 40 Years, This Physics Teacher Says Students Haven’t Changed

    Technology has transformed education and advanced the study of physics, but longtime Hayfield Secondary School teacher Dave Hincher says one crucial part of the classroom remains familiar.

    Schools / Vienna / June 11, 2026
67. Herndon Fifth-Grader’s Poem Wins Her a Cape Canaveral Adventure

    A Floris Elementary School student will travel to Cape Canaveral this summer after her poem celebrating American diversity earned first place in a nationwide contest.

    Schools / Herndon / June 11, 2026
68. Fairfax School Projects Face 200-Day Reviews as Costs Loom

    Fairfax County planners are considering ways to accelerate reviews of public school construction projects after approval times climbed from roughly 50 days to an average of 200 days.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 10, 2026
69. FCPS Cuts Early-Release Wednesdays From Eight to Four

    Fairfax County Public Schools will reduce the number of elementary early-release Wednesdays from eight to four during the 2026-27 school year.

    Schools / Springfield / June 10, 2026
70. FCPS Cuts Early-Release Wednesdays in Half for 2026-27

    Fairfax County Public Schools will reduce elementary early-release Wednesdays from eight to four during the 2026-27 school year, while also preparing families for a stricter cellphone...

    Schools / McLean / June 10, 2026
71. Forestville Fourth Graders Capture Third Place on the World Stage

    Seven fourth graders from Forestville Elementary School earned third place at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, outperforming dozens of teams in an international test of creativity,...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 10, 2026
72. Falls Church Tops Livability List, but Housing Costs Sting

    Falls Church has been named the most livable community in the South, earning praise for its healthcare access, parks, walkability and close-knit atmosphere — even as steep housing costs...

    Schools / Falls Church / June 9, 2026
73. Nearly 2,000 Pack FCPS Summer Extravaganza for Hands-On Learning

    Nearly 2,000 community members, including more than 500 students, attended the third annual FCPS Summer Extravaganza for a day of interactive learning and family activities.

    Schools / Falls Church / June 9, 2026
74. Eight Howard Students Took On Virginia’s Jim Crow Bus Law

    Eight Black women from Howard University boarded a segregated bus in Fairfax County in 1944 and sat near the front, launching a legal confrontation that helped weaken Virginia’s Jim Crow...

    Schools / Vienna / June 8, 2026
75. Fairfax Schools Cap Year With Major Honors and a 50,000-Square-Foot Expansion

    Fairfax County Public Schools entered its final full week of the school year with graduations, national honors, student awards and the completion of a major elementary school renovation.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 8, 2026
76. FCPS Students and Shows Claim 27 Cappies Honors

    Fairfax County Public Schools theater programs captured 27 honors at the 2026 Cappies Awards, including the top prizes for both play and musical.

    Schools / Herndon / June 8, 2026
77. McLean Students Face a Summer Break Squeezed by Big Ambitions

    As the 2026-27 school year nears its end, McLean High School students are confronting a frustrating reality: Their summer break may not offer enough time to recover, pursue academic...

    Schools / McLean / June 8, 2026
78. Ryan McFaul Defied Early Predictions—and He’s Ready for What Comes Next

    At 22, Ryan McFaul is preparing for a major transition: leaving public education after years of building the skills and confidence to contribute in the workplace and his community.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 8, 2026
79. Two Assignments Shouldn’t Decide Nearly an Entire Quarter’s Grade

    In classes such as AP Language and Composition, students may reach the end of a quarter and discover that just two summative assignments determine most of their grade.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 8, 2026
80. Clamp-On Skates Gave One Bookish Kid a Taste of Freedom

    I was never the athletic type. During team selections, I usually landed near the end—just ahead of the shortest classmate and the child with thick glasses. If my mother had not pushed me...

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 5, 2026
81. Fairfax Teacher Comes Full Circle in the Schools That Raised Her

    Lindsay D’Imperio returned to Fairfax County Public Schools as a teacher after spending her own childhood in the division’s classrooms.

    Schools / Fairfax / June 5, 2026
82. Three Fairfax Seniors Win Scholarships for Community Leadership

    Three Fairfax County Public Schools seniors received scholarships from the Asian Leadership Alliance on Wednesday, June 3, recognizing their academic work and commitment to causes...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 5, 2026
83. Fairfax High Principal Wins Top Regional Honor After School Transformation

    Georgina Aye, principal of Fairfax High School, has been named the 2026 Washington Post Principal of the Year, recognizing her work to expand academic opportunities and build stronger...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 4, 2026
84. Ice Cream Social Brings Mount Vernon Neighbors Together

    Warm weather set the scene for Mount Vernon At Home’s annual Ice Cream Social on May 14 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 4, 2026
85. Lawsuit Claims Fairfax Schools Singled Out Muslim Students Over Viral Skit

    A Muslim civil rights organization sued Fairfax County Public Schools on June 4, alleging several Thomas Jefferson High School students were unfairly suspended after filming a staged...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 4, 2026
86. Pride, Performances and Block Parties Pack the Weekend

    Pride celebrations, outdoor concerts, gallery gatherings and major theater openings will crowd the Northern Virginia and Washington area from Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7....

    Schools / Falls Church / June 4, 2026
87. Eight Fairfax Students Win National Merit College Scholarships

    Eight Fairfax County Public Schools students from six high schools have secured college-sponsored 2026 Merit Scholarship awards, joining more than 2,500 National Merit Finalists selected...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2026
88. Fairfax Schools Tighten $4.1B Budget, Order Public Fiscal Guide

    Facing a $28.9 million shortfall, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a tightened $4.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget on May 21, preserving several major programs while...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2026
89. FCPS Sets June Deadlines as Summer Programs and Free Meals Begin

    Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important June deadlines as the district prepares for summer meals, learning programs and the 2026-27 academic year.

    Schools / Falls Church / June 3, 2026
90. FCPS Summer Countdown Brings Deadlines, Free Meals and Student Wins

    Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching summer with key deadlines for families, including a calendar survey, camp registration, meal-account payments and the final day of classes....

    Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2026
91. Firefighters Save Bren Mar Park School, Reopen It Within 24 Hours

    Hundreds of Bren Mar Park Elementary School students and staff welcomed Fairfax County first responders back to campus one month after firefighters contained a two-alarm blaze and helped...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2026
92. South Lakes Creates a Graduation Where Every Student Can Shine

    South Lakes High School has developed a specialized graduation ceremony for students who benefit from an adapted curriculum, offering an accessible alternative to an event that can be...

    Schools / Northern Virginia / June 3, 2026
93. Two West Springfield Runners Race Into National Merit Honors

    Two West Springfield High School runners will cross another finish line Thursday, June 4, when they graduate as 2026 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

    Schools / Springfield / June 3, 2026
94. Mock Bus Crash Pushes Falls Church Academy Students Into Crisis Mode

    Falls Church Academy became the scene of a simulated catastrophe May 22 as students confronted a school bus crash, dozens of mock injuries and the demands of a large-scale emergency...

    Schools / Falls Church / June 2, 2026
95. Review Clears Fairfax High Staff in Student Groping Case

    An outside review found that Fairfax High School staff acted urgently and followed required procedures after receiving reports that a student had groped female classmates, according to...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 2, 2026
96. Chantilly Student Wins Big With App Tackling Senior Isolation

    Chantilly High School student Meghana Nannapaneni captured first place in the 10th annual Fairfax Area High School Shark Tank Technology Challenge with an app designed to help older...

    Schools / McLean / June 1, 2026
97. Chantilly Student Wins Top Prize With Senior-Focused App

    Chantilly High School student Meghana Nannapaneni won first place in the 2026 Fairfax Area High School Shark Tank Technology Challenge with an app designed to support older adults and...

    Schools / McLean / June 1, 2026
98. FCPS Girls Wrestling Breakthrough Sends Three Seniors to College Teams

    Just two years after Fairfax County Public Schools made girls wrestling an official varsity sport, three graduating seniors have secured places on college teams.

    Schools / McLean / June 1, 2026
99. FCPS Staff Win June Praise for Life-Changing Acts

    Fairfax County Public Schools’ June 2026 FCPS Cares submissions spotlight employees whose work ranged from averting a divisionwide payroll disruption to helping students regain...

    Schools / Fairfax / June 1, 2026
100. Grief Nearly Derailed Trey Heathe—Barbering Helped Him Graduate

     Gold clippers glide across a client’s hair as Mountain View High School senior Trey Heathe carefully shapes the cut. Around campus, his talent is no secret. He rents a chair at a local...

     Schools / Virginia / June 1, 2026
101. Perfect SOL Results and Major Honors Cap a Big Week Across FCPS

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered June with graduations approaching and a packed week of student achievements, scholarships, performances, athletics and community events.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 1, 2026
102. Perfect SOL Scores and Major Honors Cap a Big FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered June with perfect test results, statewide student honors, major scholarship awards, championship performances and celebrations across the county.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 1, 2026
103. Review Finds Fairfax High School Responded Swiftly to Sexual Misconduct

     An independent external legal investigation has concluded that Fairfax High School administrators acted promptly and appropriately after receiving reports of sexual misconduct involving...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 1, 2026
104. Wild Weather Swings Disrupt McLean Students’ Classes and Sports

     Rapid shifts from humid, summerlike heat to cold rain and thunderstorms have disrupted daily life for students at McLean, complicating commutes, outdoor activities and preparations for...

     Schools / McLean / May 31, 2026
105. Off Campus Breaks Out as Streaming’s New Romance Obsession

     In its first season, Off Campus has emerged as one of streaming’s most talked-about new dramas. Since premiering May 13 on Prime Video, the series has spread rapidly across social...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 29, 2026
106. Fairfax Schools Lock In 2027 Budget as Graduation Season Nears

     The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2027 budget on May 21, preserving investments in competitive employee compensation and student success despite...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 28, 2026
107. FCPS Approves 2027 Budget as Deadlines and Graduations Loom

     FCPS leaders unanimously approved the fiscal year 2027 budget on May 21, maintaining competitive compensation and strategic investments intended to support student success.

     Schools / Oakton / May 28, 2026
108. Two Fairfax Seniors Turn Student Journalism Into Community Impact

     Two graduating Fairfax County seniors have used journalism not only to report on their schools, but also to elevate overlooked voices, mentor other writers and serve their communities.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 28, 2026
109. Algebra Pilot Soars as FCPS Schools Report Major Spring Gains

     FCPS capped a busy week in late May with exceptional math results, international science honors, school renovation progress and new academic programs taking shape across the division.

     Schools / Virginia / May 26, 2026
110. Fairfax Schools Tout Big Gains as Renovations and Graduation Near

     Fairfax County schools closed out another busy spring week with academic honors, construction progress, budget action and encouraging results from several student programs as graduation...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 26, 2026
111. After 30 Years, Virginia Run Teachers Retire Side by Side

     Josh and Heidi Antoncic arrived at Virginia Run Elementary School as new teachers in 1996. Three decades later, the married couple is preparing to leave the school together.

     Schools / Virginia / May 22, 2026
112. Bryant Senior Lands Three Medals and a $27-an-Hour Career Start

     Three years after arriving from Yemen without speaking English, Bryant High School senior Mohammad is preparing to graduate with three state SkillsUSA medals and a competitive...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
113. Dr. Mom’s Medicine Cabinet Had a Cure for Everything

     My mother could juggle more jobs than a circus performer. She cooked, cleaned, handled the books and taxes for the family business, and stayed active in our church. She also served as...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 22, 2026
114. Fairfax School Board Adopts FY 2027 Budget, Orders Financial Review

     The Fairfax County School Board adopted its fiscal year 2027 budget during a May 21 regular meeting and directed the superintendent to prepare guidance on sound financial management.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
115. Fairfax Schools Restore Key Positions in Unanimous 2027 Budget Vote

     The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2027 budget May 21, directing $180.7 million toward employee agreements while restoring several positions and...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
116. Fairfax Students’ Senior-Focused Tech Challenge Marks 10 Years

     Fairfax County leaders celebrated a decade of student innovation Tuesday, May 19, recognizing a technology competition that challenges local high schoolers to improve the lives of...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
117. FCPS Eighth-Grade Reading Proficiency Jumps 15.4%

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported a 15.4% year-over-year increase in the number of eighth graders reading on or near grade level in fall 2025, following a push for more challenging...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
118. FCPS Locks In $180.7 Million for Pay and Restores Key School Programs

     Fairfax County’s elected education leaders unanimously approved the school division’s fiscal year 2027 budget on May 21, committing $180.7 million to employee agreements while restoring...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2026
119. FY 2027 Budget Approved as Board Orders Financial Practices Review

     The fiscal year 2027 budget won approval May 21, followed by a directive for Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid to outline sound financial management principles, policies and practices.

     Schools / Reston / May 22, 2026
120. McLean Students Say A-Minus Grades Fuel a Perfectionism Trap

     At McLean High School, some students argue that the A-minus grading scale intensifies academic stress by placing heavy weight on differences of just a few percentage points.

     Schools / McLean / May 22, 2026
121. Oakton Seniors Turn Hearing Loss Into a Mission With Local Impact

     As graduation nears at Oakton High School, seniors Jovina Arulandu and Victoria Yu are leaving behind a nonprofit that has brought hands-on STEM lessons to younger students and helped...

     Schools / Oakton / May 22, 2026
122. Fairfax County Spellers Head to National Stage After Years of Training

     Two Fairfax County students will compete against 246 other champions at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., following years of preparation and success in local...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 21, 2026
123. Chantilly Gives Shakespeare’s Romance a Corporate Makeover

     Chantilly High School thrust Shakespeare’s As You Like It into modern corporate America, blending workplace image-making and family tension with the comedy’s disguises, romantic...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 20, 2026
124. Fairfax Schools Face Budget Vote as Summer Deadlines Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are approaching a packed end-of-year stretch that includes a School Board budget vote, unpaid meal balances, graduation preparations, summer...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 20, 2026
125. FCPS Families Face Key Deadlines as Budget Vote Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to review unpaid meal balances, prepare for upcoming schedule changes and take advantage of graduation, mental health and summer...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 20, 2026
126. McLean-Area Students Capture Top Honors With Wind and Solar Designs

     Students from Langley and McLean high schools and Cooper Middle School earned top-three finishes at the Virginia KidWind State Competition on April 11 at James Madison University.

     Schools / McLean / May 20, 2026
127. West Potomac Senior Chooses 911 Career Over College Debt

     West Potomac High School senior Lily plans to enter the emergency communications workforce after graduation, turning skills learned in a 911 Dispatch class into a direct path toward her...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 20, 2026
128. Centreville Senior Returns to the Teacher Who Changed Her Life

     At Union Mill Elementary School, Centreville High School senior Alexa Ralston is preparing for a teaching career alongside the educator who helped her thrive as a child with dyslexia.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 19, 2026
129. Fairfax Schools Mental Health Leader Takes Aim at Barriers to Learning

     Fairfax County Public Schools is expanding efforts to address the emotional, behavioral, mental and physical health needs that can prevent students from succeeding in the classroom.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2026
130. McKay Apologizes After ‘Bimbo’ Text Escalates Fairfax Budget Feud

     Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay publicly apologized May 19 for calling School Board member Melanie Meren a “bimbo” during an escalating dispute over the county budget.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2026
131. New Doctor Returns to NOVA to Rally the Class of 2026

     Seven years after earning his associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College, Jonathan “Jack” Ham returned to inspire its newest graduates—just 24 hours after becoming a...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2026
132. Accessibility Push Gives Every FCPS Student a Better Chance to Succeed

     Ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday, May 21, FCPS educational specialist Mollie Kropp is working to ensure that students, employees, and families can use learning...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 18, 2026
133. Edison Academy Champions Turn Technical Skills Into Careers

     Three award-winning Edison Academy students are transforming hands-on training in HVAC, computer networking and other technical fields into plans for the professional world.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 18, 2026
134. Emmy Nods and Student Triumphs Cap a Standout Week for FCPS

     Fairfax County Public Schools received two nominations for the 68th Capital Emmy Awards, highlighting a week filled with student achievements, school visits and community events across...

     Schools / Vienna / May 18, 2026
135. Emmy Nods, Rocket Triumphs and Student Success Mark a Standout FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools earned two nominations for the 68th Capital Emmy Awards during a week filled with student achievements, school visits, community celebrations and...

     Schools / Vienna / May 18, 2026
136. Nine Fairfax Students Capture Global Science Fair Honors

     Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students earned awards at the 2026 International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, including two Langley High School students who secured one of...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 18, 2026
137. A Rainstorm Erased This Autograph Dog’s Priceless Memories

     Long before scrapbooking became a hobby stocked with patterned borders, colorful stamps and cartoon-style speech bubbles, memory books were simpler—and often stuffed so full they barely...

     Schools / Arlington / May 15, 2026
138. Epstein-Themed Game Stokes Fairfax School Laptop Concerns

     Fairfax County parents are pressing school leaders to tighten controls on student devices after children reportedly accessed an Epstein-themed escape game, gambling-related content,...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 15, 2026
139. FCPS Pauses Programs and Cuts Staffing Reserve to Close $28.9M Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools is pausing six budget items as it works to close a $28.9 million funding gap without eliminating full-time positions.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 15, 2026
140. More Than 12,000 Mason Graduates Turn Differences Into Strength

     Four years after arriving from India unsure whether she would belong, Saniya Dilip Darediya stood before George Mason University’s Class of 2026 as its student commencement speaker.

     Schools / Virginia / May 15, 2026
141. One Breath Wipes Out 50 AP U.S. History Scores

     Fifty AP U.S. History scores were canceled Thursday after a student reportedly breathed with unusual force during the document-based question section in McLean’s Lower Gym.

     Schools / McLean / May 15, 2026
142. Two Fairfax Students Recover After Separate School Overdoses

     Two Fairfax County students are recovering after suffering nonfatal overdoses at separate schools within a 24-hour period, prompting a divisionwide warning to families and staff on May 15.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 15, 2026
143. 26 Fairfax Students Take First Place at Virginia FBLA Conference

     Twenty-six Fairfax County Public Schools students captured first-place honors at the 2026 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference in Reston.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 14, 2026
144. Eight Schools Later, Audrey Ortiz-Peterson Is Bound for West Point

     Audrey Ortiz-Peterson began kindergarten in Alamogordo, New Mexico. By the time she entered first grade, she was in Panama City, Florida.

     Schools / Arlington / May 14, 2026
145. Fairfax Drops High School Crossing Guards as Budget Fight Turns Ugly

     Fairfax County will stop assigning crossing guards to high schools this fall, a cost-cutting decision that has raised safety concerns and fueled an unusually personal clash among county...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 14, 2026
146. Jewish Students Report Rising Antisemitism in Fairfax Schools

     Jewish students in Fairfax County say antisemitic harassment, hostile social media posts and heightened security concerns have left some of them feeling unsafe or pressured to conceal...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 14, 2026
147. McKay Apologizes After Insulting School Board Member in Budget Clash

     A simmering Fairfax County budget dispute erupted publicly after School Board member Melanie Meren disclosed text messages in which Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay called her a...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 14, 2026
148. 31 Fairfax Students Win National Merit Scholarships

     Thirty-one students representing 12 Fairfax County high schools have each won a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 13, 2026
149. At 72, a Grandmother Finally Claims Her Long-Sought Degree

     Irma García spent decades raising a family, working two jobs and helping others. On Saturday, the 72-year-old grandmother will achieve a goal she set before moving to the mainland United...

     Schools / Virginia / May 13, 2026
150. Fairfax Schools Face $28 Million Gap as Phone Ban Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is confronting a $28 million budget gap while preparing to prohibit student cellphone use throughout the school day beginning July 1.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 13, 2026
151. Fairfax Schools Target Staffing and Technology to Close $28.9M Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools could cut staffing reserves, delay technology replacements and postpone teacher programs to close a $28.9 million hole in its fiscal year 2027 budget.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 13, 2026
152. Falls Church Mom Takes First Place in National Super Mom Race

     Falls Church resident Diana Brice has reached the Top 10 and holds first place in the 2026 Colossal Super Mom Competition, a national fundraiser benefiting Children’s Miracle Network...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 13, 2026
153. FCPS Faces $28 Million Gap as Phone-Free Rule Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is confronting a $28 million budget gap while preparing to prohibit student cellphone use throughout the entire school day beginning July 1. The school...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 13, 2026
154. Food Deliveries Trigger Security Questions at D.C.-Area High Schools

     Food delivery tables have become a familiar sight at some D.C.-area high schools, but the convenience is drawing renewed scrutiny over campus security.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 13, 2026
155. Fairfax Schools Tighten Phone Ban From Bell to Bell

     Fairfax County students will face a stricter ban on cell phones and smart devices during the 2026-27 school year, including a new prohibition on high school phone use at lunch.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 12, 2026
156. Fairfax Students Face All-Day Phone Ban Beginning July 1

     Fairfax County Public Schools students must keep phones and other smart devices turned off and personally stored throughout the school day beginning July 1, 2026.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 12, 2026
157. Fifth Grader’s 190-Hour Project Earns Special Education Honor

     A Fairfax County fifth grader who spent more than 190 hours making 75 3D-printed fidget toys was among the students, educators, staff members and volunteers honored at the 2026 Special...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 12, 2026
158. Fairfax County Spellers Take on National Stage, Earn Top-200 Finishes

     Two Fairfax County Public Schools students advanced from the regional spelling bee to compete against the nation’s best, with one finishing tied for 30th place.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 11, 2026
159. FCPS Makes History With Gold Award on Its First Try

     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.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 11, 2026
160. FCPS Wins Gold as Budget Gap Clouds a Week of Milestones

     Fairfax County Public Schools received the 2026 Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence from The Partnership for Excellence, becoming the first education applicant to earn the top...

     Schools / Herndon / May 11, 2026
161. FCPS Wins Gold as Budget Gap Forces Tough Choices

     Fairfax County Public Schools has become the first education applicant to receive the Partnership for Excellence’s Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence on its first attempt.

     Schools / Herndon / May 11, 2026
162. Judge Tosses FCPS Teacher’s $1 Million Retaliation Lawsuit

     A federal judge has dismissed a Centreville High School teacher’s lawsuit accusing Fairfax County Public Schools of retaliating against her after she alleged that school employees helped...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 11, 2026
163. McLean High Internship Propels Student to Lead FCPS Tech Role

     Arman Nikmorad never knows whether his workday will involve repairing a microphone, producing a School Board livestream or meeting a U.S. senator.

     Schools / McLean / May 11, 2026
164. McLean Internship Launches Student Into Lead Tech Role

     Arman Nikmorad never knows whether his workday will involve repairing a microphone, producing a School Board livestream or meeting a U.S. senator.

     Schools / McLean / May 11, 2026
165. Fairfax Schools Face $28 Million Gap as Final Budget Vote Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools must close a $28 million funding gap as the School Board approaches its final vote on the fiscal year 2027 budget.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 8, 2026
166. Falls Church Weekend Brings History Walk, Major School Phone Shift

     Falls Church residents can explore 70 local women’s history displays at Cherry Hill Park on Saturday, May 9, as the city also prepares for stricter student cellphone rules, searches for...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 8, 2026
167. FCPS Proposes New Cuts to Close $28 Million Budget Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing a series of spending reductions to close a $28 million gap in its fiscal year 2027 budget as officials await the outcome of Virginia’s budget...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 8, 2026
168. When the Milkman Knew Every Family’s Order by Heart

     Growing up in a community of about 20,000 people, I was proud to call myself a city kid rather than someone from “the sticks.” It was a small city, but residents enjoyed services that...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 8, 2026
169. 29 Scholars Honored for Leadership Across Fairfax County Schools

     The Hispanic Leadership Alliance recognized 29 Fairfax County Public Schools high school seniors, adult learners and community leaders with scholarships on Monday, May 4.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2026
170. 500 New Trees Take Root With Great Falls Students

     Five hundred dogwood and magnolia saplings are heading home with young students after the Great Falls Rotary Club and Bartlett Tree Experts teamed up for their third annual tree...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2026
171. Inside the Fairfax School Where Students Become the Tech Experts

     A mouse designed for children with disabilities recently became the lesson of the day for a group of fourth graders spending their Friday lunch break in a classroom at Poplar Tree...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2026
172. Young Musicians Take the Stage With Seven-Piece Band

     Piano & More marked its 10th anniversary by giving young music students an ambitious challenge: performing live with the seven-piece band Twin Brooks without a full rehearsal.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 7, 2026
173. Bus Rescue and Lifesaving Calm Lead FCPS May Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in its May 2026 FCPS CARES roundup, highlighting acts ranging from an unusual bus rescue in Washington, D.C., to...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2026
174. Fairfax Parents Push Schools to Rein In Classroom Screen Time

     Fairfax County parents and teachers are pressing the school system to reconsider how often students use laptops and tablets, arguing that digital devices have become the default even...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2026
175. FCPS Budget Hearing Leads a Rush of May Deadlines and Events

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important May dates, including a hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, student immunization requirements and an...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2026
176. FCPS Budget Hearing Looms as Key Student Deadlines Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important dates in May, including a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, immunization requirements, an...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2026
177. Twelve FCPS Kitchen Teams Honored for Serving Students Beyond the Lunch Line

     Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools kitchen teams were honored for outstanding service as Food and Nutrition Services marked National School Lunch Hero Day on May 6, 2026.

     Schools / Herndon / May 6, 2026
178. Wearable Tech Lets Deaf Students Feel a Live Orchestra

     Students who are deaf or hard of hearing recently experienced a Woodson High School Orchestra performance through technology that translated the music into vibrations across their bodies.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2026
179. After 26 Years and 13,000-Step Days, Beloved School Aide Retires

     Pam Lieber once logged 13,000 steps in a single workday at Kings Park Elementary School in Springfield. After 26 years as an instructional assistant, she plans to retire at the end of...

     Schools / Springfield / May 5, 2026
180. Calm Leadership Steadies Fairfax Schools in Critical Moments

     For nearly 12 years, Tracey Wynne has helped Fairfax County Public Schools communicate with staff, families, and community members, including during transitions and emerging situations.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 5, 2026
181. Madison Star Bryce Eldridge Gets Another Shot With Giants

     James Madison High School graduate Bryce Eldridge is back in the major leagues as the San Francisco Giants search for a way to revive their struggling offense.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 5, 2026
182. Bush Hill Earns National Spotlight for Putting Inclusion Into Play

     Bush Hill Elementary School celebrated two major national honors April 30, recognizing years of work to bring students with and without disabilities together through sports.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 4, 2026
183. FCPS Week Brings National Honors, Major Scholarships and Milestones

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a packed week of student achievements, community celebrations and school visits as the division prepared for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 4, 2026
184. Three FCPS Educators Show How Personal Support Changes Student Lives

     National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, observed May 4-8, recognizes educators and staff members whose work supports, challenges, and inspires students.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 4, 2026
185. Fairfax Students Press School Leaders on AI’s Classroom Risks

     Fairfax County student journalists challenged school division leaders this week on artificial intelligence, raising concerns about cheating, environmental costs and the technology’s...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 1, 2026
186. How Air Conditioning Chased Neighbors Off the Front Porch

     Before a “visit” became a trip, it meant sitting down with someone face-to-face and talking. There were no emails, texts, Zoom calls or Snapchat messages—just conversation shared in person.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 1, 2026
187. Chihuahua Races Lead a Jam-Packed Weekend Around Northern Virginia

     Northern Virginia and the D.C. area head into May with a crowded calendar of concerts, dance, theater, art and hands-on activities. The 14th annual Running of the Chihuahuas is among the...

     Schools / Falls Church / April 30, 2026
188. Her Son’s Autism Journey Led This Fairfax Mom Back to the Classroom

     Nuril Kingsley’s experience helping her autistic son navigate school ultimately inspired her to become the kind of teacher she knew children like him needed.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 30, 2026
189. Edison’s “Chicago” Turns Murder and Rivalry Into Dazzling Spectacle

     Thomas Edison High School plunged into the seductive scramble for celebrity with an energetic production of Chicago: Teen Edition, pairing fierce performances with bold lighting, music...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 29, 2026
190. Fairfax Schools Urge Families to Hold Off on Smartphones Until Eighth Grade

     Fairfax County Public Schools is encouraging families to wait until their children finish eighth grade before giving them smartphones, part of a broader effort to reduce screen time and...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 29, 2026
191. Falls Church Students Turn Soft Skills Into Jobs and Internships

     A firm handshake, steady eye contact and professional attire are helping Falls Church High School students build confidence—and, in some cases, secure their first jobs and internships.

     Schools / Falls Church / April 29, 2026
192. FCPS Unveils Summer Programs, Student Support and Major Music Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading toward summer with new learning opportunities, mental health services and family resources, while also celebrating achievements in music,...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 29, 2026
193. Science Teacher Julia Murdock Charges Into National Quarterfinals

     Science teacher Julia Murdock has advanced to the quarterfinals of the America’s Favorite Teacher contest after finishing first in her regional group during a week of voting.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 29, 2026
194. Summer Programs, Music Honors and Student Support Expand Across FCPS

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading toward summer with new learning opportunities, expanded family support and a national honor for its music education programs. The school...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 29, 2026
195. Around 60 Students Honored Ahead of Final and AP Exams

     Students, families, counselors and teachers gathered in the Lecture Hall on April 22 to celebrate academic achievement at the All School Awards.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 28, 2026
196. Fairfax Special Education Conference Draws Nearly 500, Honors Standouts

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ annual Special Education Family Conference more than doubled its attendance this year, drawing nearly 500 people for a free Saturday program connecting...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2026
197. Navy Students Turn Blue Ribbons Into a Lesson About Child Safety

     Blue ribbons fluttering from a tree outside Navy Elementary School carry a message that technology specialist Chrissy McLaughlin wants every student to understand: Children deserve to...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2026
198. TJ Admissions Reach Every Fairfax Middle School for Sixth Year

     Fairfax County Public Schools offered 550 students admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Class of 2030, marking the sixth consecutive year that every...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2026
199. Fairfax Schools Celebrate National Honors and Rising Algebra Access

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a busy final week of April with national recognition for its music programs, major student awards, expanded access to Algebra 1 and community...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
200. Fairfax Schools Mark Major Wins as Algebra Access Surges

     Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated national recognition in music, student success in science and academics, and an expansion of middle school Algebra 1 access during a busy final...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
201. Fairfax Students Turn Climate Concerns Into Solar Action

     Student advocates from Falls Church and McLean high schools are taking their environmental concerns beyond the classroom, speaking to local leaders about solar power and community change.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
202. Fairfax Students Turn Climate Lessons Into Solar Action

     Student advocates from Falls Church and McLean high schools are taking environmental concerns beyond the classroom, promoting solar energy and other changes across Fairfax County Public...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
203. FCPS Earns Top Recognition for Financial Transparency

     Fairfax County Public Schools has received a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report covering the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
204. Lake Braddock Star Matthew Hibner Lands With Baltimore Ravens

     Lake Braddock High School alumnus Matthew Hibner is headed to the NFL after the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 33rd pick of the fourth round in this year’s draft.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 27, 2026
205. Lambs Replace Gas Mowers at Rolling Valley Elementary

     Rolling Valley Elementary School turned its lawn care over to a flock of lambs during the finale of its Earth Week activities, giving students a firsthand look at an unusual approach to...

     Schools / Springfield / April 27, 2026
206. Fairfax Teachers Gain Three Hours as Students Leave Early

     Fairfax County’s monthly early-release days are giving elementary teachers three additional hours to plan lessons, complete training, meet with families and help students who are...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 25, 2026
207. A Rare Shot at Safety Patrol Ended With One Loud Crack

     In the 1950s, sixth-grade boys could gain considerable status by making the basketball team. In Indiana, the birthplace of “Hoosier Hysteria,” even elementary schools had teams and...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 24, 2026
208. Algebra 1 Enrollment Surges as FCPS Starts Math Skills Early

     Fairfax County Public Schools is expanding access to Algebra 1 by teaching problem-solving, pattern recognition and early algebraic thinking from kindergarten through sixth grade.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2026
209. Candidate Vows to Fight Gerrymandering and Dark Money in Congress

     Virginia is nearing the end of what I see as a season of aggressive gerrymandering. Although I am uneasy about the steps Virginia Democrats took, I believe the party was responding to a...

     Schools / Virginia / April 24, 2026
210. Fairfax Schools Earn National Music Education Honor for 13th Time

     Fairfax County Public Schools has again been named one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, marking the district’s 13th time receiving the designation.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2026
211. Langley Student Warns Fairfax Libraries Are Falling Behind

     Fairfax County supervisors are facing growing pressure to increase spending on library materials, with advocates warning that limited print collections are leaving students without...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2026
212. Megan Vroman Tapped for Key Fairfax Schools Leadership Role

     Fairfax County Public Schools has appointed Megan Vroman as its new chief of schools, elevating the current Region 2 assistant superintendent to a critical executive leadership position.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2026
213. Robinson Teacher Builds a Schoolwide Culture of Inclusion

     Paul Arena’s influence at Robinson extends well beyond his classroom, connecting students with intellectual disabilities to their peers through academics, athletics, and some of the...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 23, 2026
214. FCPS Students Score Major Honors as Fall Vaccine Deadlines Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned national scholarships, claimed top science awards and celebrated major academic milestones as families received an early reminder about...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2026
215. FCPS Students Score Major Honors as Vaccine Deadlines Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools students are earning major recognition in science, academics and literary competition, while families of rising seventh- and 12th-graders are being urged to...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2026
216. Meridian’s IB Art Show Turns Years of Work Into a Bold Finale

     Meridian High School’s lobby became a gallery on Wednesday evening, April 15, as students unveiled the paintings, photographs, ceramics and mixed-media works they spent as long as two...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 22, 2026
217. Nine Fairfax Students Win National Merit Corporate Scholarships

     Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students are among more than 700 National Merit finalists selected nationwide for corporate-sponsored scholarships in 2026.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2026
218. 12 Fairfax County Teachers Secure Prestigious National Credential

     Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools teachers have earned or renewed National Board Certification, a nationally recognized credential reflecting rigorous standards for teaching.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2026
219. Fairfax High Student Gets 360 Days for Groping Classmates

     An 18-year-old Fairfax High School student has been sentenced to 360 days behind bars after being convicted of repeatedly groping female classmates in crowded school hallways.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2026
220. Fairfax High Student Gets Jail Time for Assaulting Nine Girls

     A Fairfax High School student was sentenced Tuesday to more than four months in jail after being found guilty of assaulting nine girls in the school’s hallways.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2026
221. From Alaska Oil Fields to an Alexandria Classroom

     Josh McFarland returned to West Potomac High School with an unusual career change and a hands-on approach to helping students build confidence.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 21, 2026
222. Terra Centre Teacher Wins National Green Schools Honor

     Laure Grove, an early childhood inclusion teacher at Terra Centre Elementary School, has won a 2026 Best of Green Schools Award after being selected from hundreds of nominees nationwide.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 21, 2026
223. Top FCPS Bus Drivers Advance After High-Stakes Safety Contest

     Fairfax County Public Schools transportation employees put their driving knowledge and safety skills to the test during the 2026 Bus Roadeo at the Stonecroft Transportation Center.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2026
224. Fairfax Students Turn Spring Into a Season of Standout Achievements

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned major honors in writing, music, science and journalism during a busy spring week that also featured community service, inclusive athletics,...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 20, 2026
225. Historic Dunn Loring Center Set to Fall for New School

     A Dunn Loring building that has served Fairfax County families for nearly nine decades will begin closing in phases in May, clearing the way for a new four-story elementary school.

     Schools / Dunn Loring / April 20, 2026
226. More Than 400 Fairfax Students Claim Prestigious IB Honors

     More than 400 Fairfax County Public Schools students earned International Baccalaureate credentials in 2025, completing demanding academic or career-focused programs at schools across...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 20, 2026
227. Two School Fires Hit Maryland and Virginia on the Same Sunday

     Fires broke out at two D.C.-area elementary schools Sunday afternoon, damaging a Maryland classroom and a section under construction at a Virginia campus. No injuries were reported in...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 20, 2026
228. Rooftop Fire Won’t Delay Classes at Bren Mar Park Elementary

     A Sunday afternoon fire at Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Alexandria will not prevent students from returning to class on Monday, April 20.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 19, 2026
229. Fairfax Schools Give Multilingual Learners an Academic Boost

     Fairfax County Public Schools is pairing specialized English-language instruction with standard classroom lessons to help multilingual students strengthen their academic skills and...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 17, 2026
230. Fairfax Standout Tristan Leigh Closes In on His NFL Dream

     A plaque in the halls of Robinson Secondary School helped convince Tristan Leigh that a path from Fairfax to the NFL was possible. Now, after five seasons on Clemson’s offensive line,...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 17, 2026
231. Multilingual Students Gain Confidence Through Targeted Support

     Fairfax County Public Schools is combining specialized English-language instruction with standard classroom lessons to help multilingual learners develop academic language and greater...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 17, 2026
232. The Lost Luxury of Spare Time Is Ready for a Comeback

     “Spare” can mean many things, from the change gathering in jars and on dresser tops to the emergency tire waiting in a car trunk. One can rescue a household when money is tight, while...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 17, 2026
233. Arlington Students Rally as Afterschool Funding Deadline Looms

     Nearly 500 students and parents gathered at Kenmore Middle School with elected officials and community leaders to press Arlington County for continued, dedicated funding for afterschool...

     Schools / Arlington / April 15, 2026
234. Fairfax School Workers Demand County Reverse Cuts to Pay and Staffing

     About 100 Fairfax County Public Schools employees and supporters rallied Tuesday to press county leaders to restore pay, benefits and staffing commitments that were negotiated last year...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 15, 2026
235. FCPS Adds Veterans Day Classes, Shifting 2027 Last Day of School

     Fairfax County Public Schools has revised its 2026-27 calendar, adding Veterans Day as a regular instructional day and moving the final day for students to Wednesday, June 16, 2027.

     Schools / Dunn Loring / April 15, 2026
236. FCPS Adds Veterans Day Classes, Shifting 2027 School-Year Finish

     Fairfax County Public Schools students will attend classes on Veterans Day during the 2026-27 school year, a calendar change that moves their final day to Wednesday, June 16, 2027.

     Schools / Dunn Loring / April 15, 2026
237. New Book Donation Expands Garfield Elementary’s Library

     Garfield Elementary School students gained new reading options through a book donation from the Library of Congress and Springfield Veterans of Foreign Wars.

     Schools / Springfield / April 15, 2026
238. Two Fairfax Students Win Grand Prizes at Virginia Science Fair

     Two Fairfax County Public Schools students earned grand prizes at the 2026 Virginia Science and Engineering Fair, advancing their projects to an international competition in Phoenix.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 15, 2026
239. Brother’s Death Drives Fairfax Teen to Rally 100 Students

     After his brother died while experiencing homelessness in 2024, Minn Vo visited the shelter where his brother had stayed. The conditions he saw left a lasting impression—and pushed him...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 14, 2026
240. Fairfax Schools Slash Student Days Off, Restore Veterans Day Classes

     Fairfax County students will have fewer days off and more full weeks of classes in 2026-27 under a calendar approved by the School Board in an 8-4 vote on April 9.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 14, 2026
241. Key Family Services Shift From Dunn Loring to Pimmit Hills

     Several family-facing services will move from the Dunn Loring Center to the Pimmit Hills Center this spring as planned renovations prepare the Dunn Loring building to return to use as a...

     Schools / Dunn Loring / April 14, 2026
242. Spring Testing Will Shape Student Support and Course Placement

     Fairfax County Public Schools students will soon take spring assessments determined by their grade levels and courses. The testing includes standardized benchmarks, progress assessments...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 14, 2026
243. Fairfax Schools Drop Veterans Day Holiday in Calendar Shake-Up

     Fairfax County students will attend classes on Veterans Day during the 2026-2027 school year under a newly approved calendar aimed at giving families more consistent five-day school weeks.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 13, 2026
244. FCPS Celebrates Student Success as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools returned from spring break with a packed schedule of academic programs, student achievements, community events and budget discussions across the division.

     Schools / McLean / April 13, 2026
245. FCPS Week Brings National Spotlight, AI Win and Budget Push

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a packed spring week with national recognition for a Holmes Middle School teacher, a statewide artificial intelligence victory, athletic honors and a...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 13, 2026
246. Seven Moves Inspired Robinson Senior’s National Recognition

     Robinson Secondary School senior Abby Huisman has turned the challenges of repeatedly starting over into a mission to make new students feel at home.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 13, 2026
247. Virginia Closes School Lunch Loophole in Tougher Student Phone Ban

     Virginia students will be barred from using cell phones throughout the entire school day—including lunch and breaks between classes—under a new law taking effect July 1.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 13, 2026
248. Fairfax High Junior Convicted on Nine Counts in Student Groping Case

     A Fairfax High School junior was convicted Thursday of nine misdemeanor assault-and-battery charges after being accused of groping female classmates inside the school.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 10, 2026
249. Fairfax School Board Makes Veterans Day an Instructional Day

     The Fairfax County School Board voted April 9 to make Veterans Day a standard instructional day beginning with the 2026-27 school year, while rejecting a proposal to do the same for...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 10, 2026
250. Fairfax Schools Put Veterans Day Back on the Classroom Calendar

     Fairfax County students and staff will attend school on Veterans Day beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, following a series of calendar decisions approved by the School Board on April 9.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 10, 2026
251. The Giant Philco That Changed Everything in 1955

     The arrival of our first television in 1955 remains one of my happiest childhood memories. My frugal parents were among the last people in the neighborhood to buy one, so for a while,...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 10, 2026
252. 273 Fairfax Students Earn Spots in Elite All-Virginia Ensembles

     A total of 273 Fairfax County Public Schools students have earned places in prestigious statewide music ensembles following a competitive audition process.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 9, 2026
253. 241 Fairfax Students Reach National Merit Finals as Budget Debate Looms

     Fairfax County Public Schools announced that 241 students from 16 schools have been named 2026 National Merit finalists, while county leaders prepare to hear public feedback on a budget...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2026
254. 241 Fairfax Students Reach National Merit Finals as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating 241 students named 2026 National Merit finalists while preparing for major budget hearings and a packed April calendar of community events.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2026
255. Fairfax Parents Push Back Against School Calendar Disruptions

     Fairfax County parents are urging school leaders to reduce midweek closures and irregular early-release days as the School Board prepares to vote Thursday on proposed calendar changes.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2026
256. Fairfax Schools May Drop Two Holidays to Curb Calendar Chaos

     Fairfax County students could spend more time in class next school year as School Board members consider eliminating two student holidays and sharply reducing the number of early-release...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2026
257. Fairfax Students Dominate Region’s National Merit Finalist Count

     Dozens of students across the D.C. region have reached the finalist stage of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition, including 241 students from Fairfax County Public Schools.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 7, 2026
258. Irving Aide’s Patient Approach Delivers Big Wins for Students

     For seven years, instructional assistant Samina Butt has helped Irving Middle School students with diverse learning needs gain confidence, independence and a stronger sense of belonging.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 7, 2026
259. Union Mill Leader Turns Childhood Struggles Into a Mission for Belonging

     Dominic Williams remembers struggling in school until a fourth grade teacher made him feel seen and heard. Now, as assistant principal at Union Mill Elementary School, he works to give...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 7, 2026
260. 244 Fairfax Students Reach National Merit’s Final Round

     Fairfax County Public Schools has 244 students from 18 schools among the 2026 National Merit Scholarship finalists, placing them in contention for thousands of scholarships to be awarded...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 6, 2026
261. Fairfax Schools Chief Looks Ahead as Spring Break Winds Down

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid closed out spring break with a brief message encouraging employees to enjoy the remaining time away before returning for the...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 6, 2026
262. Fairfax Student Writers Capture 162 Regional Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 162 honors in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Awards, including 24 Gold Keys that will advance automatically for consideration...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 6, 2026
263. Fairfax Students Put Their Biggest School Concerns Before Superintendent

     Students representing every Fairfax County Public Schools high school gathered at Skyview High School for the district’s first Superintendent Student Summit, bringing their concerns and...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 6, 2026
264. Oakton Tragedy Spurs Push for Speed Cameras on Risky Side Roads

     A Virginia bill inspired by two Oakton High School students killed while walking home in 2022 could allow Northern Virginia localities to install speed cameras on more high-risk roads.

     Schools / Oakton / April 6, 2026
265. Quick Thinking and Quiet Acts Lead FCPS April Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in April 2026 for actions ranging from life-saving emergency responses to sustained support for students, families...

     Schools / Falls Church / April 6, 2026
266. Region 6 Taps Houston Leader After Dramatic Readiness Gains

     Fairfax County Public Schools has appointed Rhonda Honoré as assistant superintendent for Region 6, placing an experienced instructional leader over schools in the Annandale, Hayfield,...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 6, 2026
267. The Easter Tradition That Turned Little Girls Into Sunday Showstoppers

     Long before rising prices helped push the custom aside, Easter Sunday in the 1940s and ’50s meant an entirely new outfit for many little girls. And “outfit” meant everything: dress,...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 3, 2026
268. Fairfax Families Revolt Against a School Calendar Packed With Days Off

     Fairfax County families are pressing for fewer interruptions to the school year, arguing that a calendar filled with holidays, teacher workdays and early dismissals is disrupting...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 31, 2026
269. Federal Probe Deepens Scrutiny of Fairfax High Assault Case

     The U.S. Department of Education has opened a Title IX investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools following allegations that a Fairfax High School student groped multiple female...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 31, 2026
270. Federal Title IX Probe Puts Fairfax Schools’ Assault Response Under Scrutiny

     The U.S. Department of Education has opened a Title IX investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools over its response to sexual assault reports involving an 18-year-old student at...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 31, 2026
271. Gunston Librarian Turns the School Library Into a Learning Adventure

     Gunston Elementary School librarian Nicole Oberdick has transformed the school’s library into an immersive space designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of learning.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 31, 2026
272. FCPS Students Put Their Priorities Directly Before Superintendent

     Fairfax County high school students took a direct role in shaping the school division’s future during the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit at Skyview High School.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 30, 2026
273. FCPS Students Put Their Priorities in Front of Superintendent

     Fairfax County Public Schools students took center stage during a packed final week of March, offering recommendations on academics, mental health, equity and preparation for life after...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 30, 2026
274. Spring Break Classrooms Give Fairfax Students an Academic Boost

     At Hollin Meadows Elementary School in Alexandria, spring break began much like a regular school day. Students arrived by bus at 8 a.m., received breakfast packs from Assistant Principal...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 30, 2026
275. Mount Vernon Senior Turns Dance Into a Path Toward Healing

     Mount Vernon High School senior Kimberly Castaneda Gonzalez entered dance looking for a way to express herself. Four years later, the International Baccalaureate Dance program has...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 27, 2026
276. The Lost Backyard Alleys Where Trash Became Treasure

     In the 1950s, alleys behind homes offered more than a route for garbage collection. For curious children, they were hunting grounds filled with discarded objects waiting to be repurposed.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 27, 2026
277. McLean Students Are Hungry for a School Lunch Overhaul

     For many McLean High School students, lunch is less of a welcome break and more of a daily frustration. Repetitive menus, limited vegetarian choices and concerns about flavor, portion...

     Schools / McLean / March 26, 2026
278. Nine-Year-Old Herndon Speller Wins County Bee With “Béarnaise”

     Nine-year-old Laasya Mohan won the 2026 Fairfax County Spelling Bee after correctly spelling “béarnaise” on her second attempt at a championship word.

     Schools / Herndon / March 26, 2026
279. Election Forces FCPS Calendar Shake-Up as Science Projects Advance

     A special election is prompting Fairfax County Public Schools to revise its April calendar, while students celebrate major science fair wins and prepare for summer internships, budget...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 25, 2026
280. Fairfax Schools Could Put Corporate Names on Fields and Gyms

     Fairfax County Public Schools could begin selling naming rights to athletic facilities as officials search for new revenue to address a growing maintenance backlog.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 25, 2026
281. Special Election Forces April Schedule Shake-Up at FCPS

     A special election affecting all Fairfax County Public Schools has prompted a change to the April calendar.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 25, 2026
282. Fairfax Middle School Theatre Gives Students a Place to Thrive

     Theatre programs across Fairfax County are helping middle school students build confidence, friendships and empathy—whether they perform under the lights or work behind the scenes.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 24, 2026
283. Falls Church Initiative Tackles Political Divides With Dialogue Training

     A new Falls Church City group is trying to give residents and students practical tools for navigating political disagreement without sacrificing respect, relationships or honest debate.

     Schools / Falls Church / March 24, 2026
284. Hollin Meadows Reading Push Lifts Grade-Level Scores 10%

     A team-based reading strategy at Hollin Meadows Elementary School has increased the share of students reading at grade level by 10%, helping some third graders move from high-risk scores...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 24, 2026
285. Outside Firm Will Probe Fairfax High Groping Allegations

     Fairfax County Public Schools has hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations that an 18-year-old student improperly touched several classmates at Fairfax High School.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 24, 2026
286. Overflowing Robotics Interest Ignites Lorton Station’s First Science Fair

     Student demand for science surged at Lorton Station Elementary School after a third-grade robotics program attracted three times as many applicants as it could accommodate.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 24, 2026
287. Parents Challenge FCPS Over Screen Time and ‘Policy-Loose’ AI

     Fairfax County parents are pressing school officials to reconsider the growing role of screens and artificial intelligence in classrooms, warning that technology is being introduced...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 24, 2026
288. Fairfax Schools Celebrate Major Wins as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered spring with major student honors, new evidence of reading progress and a packed schedule of school and community events, while county officials...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 23, 2026
289. FCPS Celebrates Major Wins as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered spring with a packed week of student honors, school visits and community meetings, while Superintendent Michelle Reid urged residents to weigh in on...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 23, 2026
290. Outside Law Firm to Review Fairfax High Assault Allegations

     Fairfax County Public Schools has hired an outside law firm to conduct an independent review of serious physical assault allegations involving multiple students at Fairfax High School.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 23, 2026
291. Student Tech Squad Becomes a Poplar Tree Tradition

     Between bites of lunch, fifth grader Samyuktha records how-to videos designed to help classmates use technology more efficiently at Poplar Tree Elementary School.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 23, 2026
292. A “De-Scented” Skunk Proved Everyone Wrong

     My childhood friend Susie was an ideal daytime companion. She lived just across the alley and one house down, was always ready to play and, best of all, had access to the neighborhood’s...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 20, 2026
293. Dannan Takes Office as FCPS Board Reviews Safety and Budget

     Thomas F. Dannan II took office as the Braddock Magisterial District representative March 19 during an FCPS board meeting that also featured decisions on school safety, athletic...

     Schools / Springfield / March 20, 2026
294. Fairfax School Board Welcomes Dannan, Advances Budget and Safety Reviews

     Thomas F. Dannan II took the oath of office as the Fairfax County School Board’s Braddock District representative on March 19, opening a meeting that also covered school safety, the...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 20, 2026
295. Alexandria Students Turn King’s Legacy Into Visions for the Future

     Alexandria opened Black History Month with young artists sharing their visions of justice, equality and community through the city’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Poster...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 19, 2026
296. Fairfax Schools Press for Tougher AI Rules Before Year’s End

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving toward a more detailed policy governing artificial intelligence in classrooms, with school board members calling for clearer safeguards, parental...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 19, 2026
297. McDaniel Poised for Budget Role as $175,000 Dispute Continues

     Kyle McDaniel is set to return to a leadership role on the Fairfax County School Board’s budget committee even as litigation accusing him of misappropriating company funds remains active.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 19, 2026
298. Capital One’s $125 Million Land Grab Could Reshape Tysons

     Capital One has acquired about 14.7 acres near its Tysons headquarters for $125 million, giving the financial giant room to potentially expand its campus south of Route 123.

     Schools / Tysons / March 18, 2026
299. FCPS Celebrates Winter Champions as Key Family Deadlines Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating three teams and 34 individual athletes who won Virginia High School League Class 6 championships during the 2025-26 winter season.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 18, 2026
300. FCPS Families Face a Rush of March Deadlines and Spring Events

     Fairfax County Public Schools families have several major deadlines approaching, including a March 23 cutoff for the Family Engagement Survey and March 27 deadlines for course-request...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 18, 2026
301. FCPS Athletes Capture 36 Class 6 Winter State Championships

     Fairfax County Public Schools athletes delivered a standout 2025-26 winter season, with three teams and 33 individual entries winning Virginia High School League Class 6 championships....

     Schools / McLean / March 17, 2026
302. Life-Size Star Wars Droids Turn STEAM Lessons Into an Adventure

     A working, life-size R2-D2 is rolling into classrooms and public events to show young people that robotics, coding and engineering are within their reach.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 17, 2026
303. McLean Teens Get a Head Start on the Local Job Market

     McLean-area teenagers explored their first steps into the workforce during a two-hour job fair at the McLean Community Center this weekend, meeting directly with employers offering...

     Schools / McLean / March 17, 2026
304. Meridian Job Fair Opens Unexpected Career Doors for Students

     Meridian High School students considering how to spend their summer found more than the usual restaurant and retail jobs at an in-school fair March 12. Among the opportunities presented...

     Schools / Falls Church / March 17, 2026
305. Nine Fairfax Student Projects Win Top Science Fair Honors

     Nine Fairfax County Public Schools projects earned Grand Prize awards at the 2026 Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, advancing their creators toward international...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 17, 2026
306. Two Grandmothers Turn a Fairfax School Bus Into a Place of Joy

     Long before classes begin, Paula Langhorne and Pam Mitchell are already working to make students feel safe, welcome, and ready for the day.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 17, 2026
307. Fairfax Career Conference Draws 1,400 Students Into the Working World

     More than 1,400 high school students met nearly 200 industry professionals at the sixth annual Instruction 2 Industry Future Ready Conference in Fairfax, gaining a close look at careers...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 16, 2026
308. FCPS Week Packs in Science, Student Voice and Community Milestones

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a busy mid-March week with student advocacy, science and technology programs, financial-literacy lessons, school visits and community events across...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 16, 2026
309. Fairfax Schools Plan Three-Hour Early Dismissal as Severe Storms Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools will dismiss students three hours early Monday as potentially severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and tornadoes threaten the region.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 15, 2026
310. Career Talks Open New Possibilities for Sophomores

     Sophomores explored careers ranging from architecture and law to health care and digital technology during a first-period event Wednesday that brought parent professionals into school...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 14, 2026
311. The ‘Perfect Man’ Finally Speaks—and He’s Only a Doll

     I like to believe I’m immune to impulse purchases, though temptation wins more often than I care to admit. A friend calls herself “a sucker for a pretty face.” My weakness is anything—or...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 13, 2026
312. Fairfax Schools Will Close as Redistricting Vote Draws High Turnout

     Fairfax County Public Schools will close all schools on April 21 as voters head to the polls for a special election on mid-decade congressional redistricting.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 12, 2026
313. Falls Church Schools Approve Lean $71.6 Million Budget

     The Falls Church City School Board unanimously approved a $71.6 million operating budget for fiscal 2026-27 after rising costs and lower revenue projections forced more than $620,000 in...

     Schools / Falls Church / March 12, 2026
314. Two Fairfax Schools Earn National Recognition for Counseling Programs

     Poe Middle School and Herndon High School have earned a 2026 national designation recognizing the impact of their counseling programs on students.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 12, 2026
315. Fairfax Students Get Election Day Off as April 21 Classes Are Canceled

     Fairfax County public school students will not have classes Tuesday, April 21, because of Virginia’s statewide election.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 11, 2026
316. Centreville Prom Shop Opens Hundreds of Free Dresses to Area Students

     Students facing financial challenges across the greater Washington region can find free prom attire at Centreville High School from Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 15.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 10, 2026
317. Fairfax Schools Rack Up National Honors and Statewide Wins

     Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated a wave of academic, journalism and student honors during the week of March 9, including national recognition for 17 high schools and dozens of...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 9, 2026
318. Glasgow Band Program Surges as FCPS Arts Students Take Center Stage

     March is bringing renewed attention to arts education across Fairfax County Public Schools, with student achievements, innovative classroom projects and new performing arts grants...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 9, 2026
319. Keene Mill’s Helping Games Turn Team Rivalry Into Thousands of Donations

     At Keene Mill Elementary School, stacks of donated books are helping fuel a spirited competition with a much larger purpose: serving people in need.

     Schools / Springfield / March 9, 2026
320. Childhood Dolls Survive Decades of Fashion Shows and Adventures

     Some childhood dolls were made for play. Others were simply too beautiful—and expensive—to touch.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 5, 2026
321. Fairfax Schools Weigh Crackdown on AI-Generated Intimate Images

     Fairfax County Public Schools is considering new disciplinary rules for students who create or share intimate images, including realistic fabrications generated with artificial intelligence.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 5, 2026
322. Fairfax Students Claim 43% of Virginia’s Presidential Scholar Slots

     Eighty-eight Fairfax County Public Schools students have been named candidates for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars program, accounting for more than 43% of Virginia’s candidates.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 5, 2026
323. 17 Fairfax County High Schools Earn National AP Honors

     Seventeen Fairfax County Public Schools high schools earned spots on the College Board’s 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, with six receiving the program’s highest distinction.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 4, 2026
324. Fairfax Schools Advance 2027 Budget After $800 Million in Cuts

     The Fairfax County School Board adopted its advertised fiscal 2027 budget on Feb. 26, advancing a spending plan focused on student services, employee compensation and strategic investments.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 4, 2026
325. Fairfax Schools Advance Budget as Major Changes Near

     The School Board adopted the school division’s advertised fiscal 2027 budget on Feb. 26, moving forward a proposal focused on student services, employee compensation and strategic...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 4, 2026
326. Braddock Voters Pick a School Board Member as Another Vote Looms

     Braddock District voters are choosing a new representative on the Fairfax County School Board today, Tuesday, as Fairfax County prepares for a separate statewide redistricting referendum...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 3, 2026
327. Fairfax Eighth Graders Get a Jolt of Adult Financial Reality

     A $90,000 salary sounded exciting to Glasgow Middle School eighth grader Zach—until taxes, housing, insurance, savings and other adult expenses began competing for every dollar.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 3, 2026
328. Fairfax Students Turn Local Action Into a Force for Peace

     Against a backdrop of eight major wars and 28 other armed conflicts worldwide, Fairfax County honored 28 young peacebuilders at the 2026 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 3, 2026
329. 28 Fairfax Schools Honor Students Turning Service Into Peace

     Students from 28 Fairfax County public schools have received the 2026 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County for projects that promote understanding, equity, community service and...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
330. Burke Social Worker Helps Students Move Through Crisis and Return to Class

     Megan Jackson helps Burke School students overcome trauma, mental health challenges, and other barriers that can disrupt their education.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 2, 2026
331. Chantilly and McLean High Extend National Press Freedom Streaks

     Chantilly High School and McLean High School are among 26 schools nationwide receiving the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award, extending lengthy winning streaks for both Fairfax...

     Schools / McLean / March 2, 2026
332. Fairfax Students Post Major Writing Gains as Spring Events Begin

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported substantial gains in elementary writing achievement as the division entered March with a full calendar of community meetings, student showcases,...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
333. Fairfax Students Sweep Virginia Aviation Art Contest

     Fairfax County students captured first place in every age group and claimed seven of the nine awards in the 2026 Virginia Aviation Art Competition.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
334. FCPS Bus Plan Leaves Younger Redistricted Students Without a Ride

     Fairfax County’s newly approved school transportation plan will provide buses for eligible high school students who remain at their current schools after redistricting, but elementary...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
335. FCPS Honors Staff Who Turned Everyday Challenges Into Big Wins

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ March 2026 employee recognitions spotlighted educators, transportation workers and support staff whose actions improved student safety, inclusion, learning...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
336. FCPS Writing Scores Surge as Students Take Center Stage

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered March with new evidence of stronger student writing, a newly adopted advertised budget and a packed week of academic, cultural, artistic and...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
337. UNO Tournament Deals Students a Winning Hand for Perfect Attendance

     Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School turned regular attendance into a spirited competition in February, inviting students with perfect attendance during Attendance Spirit Week to compete...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 2, 2026
338. Wintry Mix Pushes Fairfax County Schools to Two-Hour Delay

     Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Tuesday, March 3, as an overnight wintry mix threatens to make roads slippery during the morning commute.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 2, 2026
339. Fairfax Boundary Shift Leaves 1,500 Younger Students Without Buses

     About 1,500 Fairfax County elementary and middle school students may have to change schools or find their own transportation this fall following a divided school board vote.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 27, 2026
340. Fairfax Schools’ $4.1 Billion Budget Restores Key Staff Positions

     The Fairfax County School Board adopted a proposed $4.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget on February 26, prioritizing employee compensation and the restoration of some positions cut during the...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 27, 2026
341. FCPS’ $4.1 Billion Plan Would Restore Key Staff Positions

     A $4.1 billion advertised budget for fiscal year 2027 won approval on Feb. 26, advancing a plan that prioritizes employee pay and begins restoring positions eliminated during the...

     Schools / Springfield / February 27, 2026
342. Mantua Reading Specialist Turns Literacy Challenges Into Progress

     Amanda Bontzos helps Mantua Elementary School’s students tackle some of their greatest literacy challenges while guiding teachers through new instructional practices.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 27, 2026
343. Fairfax Schools Weigh Sharp Limits on Busing After Boundary Shift

     Fairfax County Public Schools could limit transportation for students who remain at their current schools after new boundary assignments take effect, with Superintendent Michelle Reid...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 26, 2026
344. FCPS Marks a Century of Black History With Student-Led Celebration

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month during its second annual divisionwide celebration at Carter G. Woodson High School.

     Schools / Vienna / February 26, 2026
345. Indiana’s Popcorn Obsession Runs Deep—and Comes by the Pound

     For Hoosiers, popcorn is more than a movie-theater snack. It belongs alongside tenderloin sandwiches, watermelons and field-grown tomatoes as one of Indiana’s enduring food traditions.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 26, 2026
346. Fairfax Leaders Target Richmond as $43.8 Million School Gap Looms

     Fairfax County and school leaders are seeking a united front in Richmond as they try to close a $43.8 million gap between the school system’s funding request and the county executive’s...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
347. Fairfax Schools Face Budget Vote as New Safety System Takes Effect

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading into a key budget vote while rolling out a new visitor-screening system and scheduling a series of community meetings with Superintendent...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
348. Fairfax Schools Greenlight Five-Year Plan for Major Overhaul

     The Fairfax County School Board approved a five-year capital improvement plan on February 12 that calls for new schools, major renovations and added classroom capacity across the division.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
349. Fairfax Schools Greenlight Major Construction and Renovation Push

     Fairfax County Public Schools will move ahead with new schools, extensive renovations and capacity upgrades under a five-year capital plan approved by the School Board on February 12.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
350. Fairfax Teens Turn $10,000 Into Camps and Classroom Support

     Two Langley High School seniors are working to narrow educational gaps in Fairfax County after seeing that students at nearby Title I schools lacked access to programs and resources...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
351. FCPS Budget Vote Looms as New School Security System Goes Live

     Fairfax County Public Schools will reach a key point in its budget process Thursday, February 26, when the School Board is scheduled to adopt the advertised budget for fiscal year 2027.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2026
352. Riverside’s Math Class for Parents Draws a Crowd

     Riverside Elementary School is bringing caregivers back to math class through monthly workshops designed to help families understand the methods their children use—and provide better...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 25, 2026
353. Dolores Huerta Rallies Lewis High Students to Claim Their Power

     At 95, labor rights leader and feminist activist Dolores Huerta brought a message of action to John R. Lewis High School in Springfield on Feb. 24, 2026: Young people already have the...

     Schools / Springfield / February 24, 2026
354. Five Falls Church Events Bring Art, Civic Action and a Massive Book Sale

     Falls Church and nearby communities have a busy slate ahead, including a 51-artist exhibition, a youth civic leadership program, a housing discussion, a used-book sale and the Hall of...

     Schools / Falls Church / February 24, 2026
355. Herndon Basketball Players Trade the Court for Story Time

     Herndon High School boys basketball players are stepping into a different kind of leadership role, meeting weekly with younger students at Herndon Elementary School to read, talk and...

     Schools / Herndon / February 24, 2026
356. McLean Students Turn Stage Fright Into Powerful Public Talks

     Thirty Kent Gardens Elementary School students are tackling the fear of public speaking before most of their classmates have even arrived for the day.

     Schools / McLean / February 24, 2026
357. FCPS Students Push AI Boundaries as Budget Vote Looms

     Fairfax County Public Schools highlighted student innovation, employee retention and community partnerships during a busy week that also brought renewed attention to the division’s...

     Schools / McLean / February 23, 2026
358. FCPS Touts 97% Staff Return Rate as Budget Vote Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading into a pivotal budget vote with encouraging news about employee retention, student innovation and community support across the division.

     Schools / Herndon / February 23, 2026
359. McLean Students Reveal the Fear and Turmoil They Left Behind in Iran

     For several McLean students who grew up in Iran, political pressure began in elementary school, where children were expected to chant “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during...

     Schools / McLean / February 23, 2026
360. Teen Turns Brother’s Inspiration Into Inclusive Baseball Clinic

     A Fairfax County teenager turned a deeply personal idea into Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s first adaptive baseball clinic, giving 25 young athletes with...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 22, 2026
361. Worsening Snow Forces Fairfax Schools to Cancel Monday Classes

     Fairfax County Public Schools canceled classes and closed central offices for Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, as accumulating snow created slick roads across the region.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 22, 2026
362. Forest Edge’s “Mr. E” Turns Everyday Moments Into Math

     Every Monday, Damien Ettere challenges Forest Edge Elementary students to find the math hiding in the world around them.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 20, 2026
363. Vienna Culinary Teacher Wins Statewide Honor, Advances to Regionals

     Sean Appleby, a Marshall Academy culinary instructor who once attended the school himself, has been named the 2026 Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education New Teacher of...

     Schools / Vienna / February 20, 2026
364. Fairfax Eyes Major Crossing Guard Shift to Free Officers for Emergencies

     Fairfax County is preparing to rely more heavily on private contractors for school crossing guards, a move intended to keep police officers available for patrols and emergency calls.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 19, 2026
365. Fairfax Schools’ 51 Resource Officers Take on Roles Beyond Security

     Fairfax County marked National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Feb. 15 by recognizing 51 officers assigned to high, secondary and middle schools throughout the county’s...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 19, 2026
366. Fairfax’s Newest High School Gets a Name—and a High-Tech Mission

     Fairfax County’s newest high school is now officially Skyview High School, marking a major step toward its August 2026 opening in Herndon.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 19, 2026
367. McLean Freshman Wins FCPS AI Challenge With Therapy App

     A McLean High School ninth grader took the grand prize in a Fairfax County competition that challenged more than 1,100 students to build artificial intelligence tools addressing...

     Schools / McLean / February 18, 2026
368. New High School Name Leads a Packed Week of Fairfax School News

     Fairfax County’s newest high school has a name. The School Board voted unanimously on February 12 to call it Skyview High School, one of several major developments announced across the...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 18, 2026
369. Skyview High Name Approved as FCPS Packs Calendar With Events

     Fairfax County Public Schools has a name for its newest high school, following a unanimous School Board vote on February 12. The school will be called Skyview High School.

     Schools / McLean / February 18, 2026
370. The Schools That Helped Build a Civil Rights Generation

     Thousands of modest schoolhouses erected across the segregated South gave Black children access to education while helping lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 18, 2026
371. Fairfax Homeowners Face $357 Tax Hike as Schools Fall Short

     Fairfax County’s real estate tax rate would stay unchanged under a proposed $5.98 billion fiscal 2027 budget, but rising assessments would still add an estimated $357 to the typical...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 17, 2026
372. Herndon Students Turn Black History Into a Joyful Second Line

     A sixth-grade chorus class at Herndon Elementary School transformed a small, windowless music room into a celebration of Black history last week, tracing centuries of musical influence...

     Schools / Herndon / February 17, 2026
373. Student Favorite Skyview Wins New Fairfax High School Name

     Fairfax County’s newest high school has a name after an unexpected change of course: Skyview High School.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 17, 2026
374. Skyview High Gets Its Name as FCPS Celebrates a Week of Firsts

     Fairfax County Public Schools reached a major milestone when the School Board unanimously approved Skyview High School as the name of the division’s newest school.

     Schools / McLean / February 16, 2026
375. Skyview High School Named as Fairfax Schools Mark Major Milestones

     Fairfax County’s newest high school will be called Skyview High School following a unanimous School Board vote, clearing another milestone before the school welcomes students for the...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 16, 2026
376. Skyview High School Cleared to Open With Three Cutting-Edge Pathways

     Fairfax County’s newest public high school officially has a name as it prepares to welcome as many as 1,000 students for the 2026-27 school year.

     Schools / Oakton / February 13, 2026
377. Skyview High School Gets Its Name Ahead of 2026 Opening

     Fairfax County’s newest public high school officially has a name. The School Board voted unanimously on Feb. 12, 2026, to call the western Fairfax County campus Skyview High School.

     Schools / Oakton / February 13, 2026
378. Wootton High Shooting Shatters Students’ Sense of Safety

     A 16-year-old student was shot during school hours at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Monday, Feb. 9, unsettling students at Wootton and raising new...

     Schools / McLean / February 13, 2026
379. Chantilly Students Turn Shoeboxes Into Their Dream Classrooms

     Shoeboxes are becoming miniature classrooms at Chantilly Academy, where aspiring educators are designing the learning spaces they hope to lead one day.

     Schools / Virginia / February 12, 2026
380. FCPS Coaches Make History as Olympics and Big Decisions Loom

     Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has made Virginia athletics history by appointing women to lead both its varsity baseball and football programs. The appointments...

     Schools / Virginia / February 11, 2026
381. FCPS Makes Sports History as Major Changes and Events Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating a Virginia first at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, where women have been appointed to lead both the varsity...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 11, 2026
382. GMU Erupts as Ilia Malinin Seizes the Olympic Lead

     George Mason University students packed the Johnson Center in Fairfax on Feb. 10 to cheer on classmate Ilia Malinin as the Vienna figure skater surged into first place in the men’s short...

     Schools / Vienna / February 11, 2026
383. Greenbriar East Students Chase Olympic Glory in the Gym

     The Olympic flame is not real, and the bobsleds are built from gymnastics mats and scooters. But for students at Greenbriar East Elementary School, the competition—and the teamwork it...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 11, 2026
384. Fairfax Sixth Graders Stitch Their Legacy Into School History

     A flower that didn’t turn out exactly as Mera Alemayehu imagined will soon become part of Hunters Woods Elementary School for years to come.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2026
385. Fairfax Students Capture Five Top Regional MATHCOUNTS Awards

     Fairfax County Public Schools teams claimed five of the top eight awards at the Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition, recently held at Robinson Secondary School.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2026
386. Justice High Reopens After Gas Leak Forces Early Dismissal

     Justice High School reopened on time for students and staff Wednesday, Feb. 11, after a gas leak prompted an early dismissal the previous day.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 10, 2026
387. FCPS Week Brings Olympic Pride, Budget Decisions and School Spirit

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered February celebrating two graduates competing for Team USA, advancing plans for twice-exceptional students and preparing for key Fiscal Year 2027...

     Schools / Falls Church / February 9, 2026
388. Kilmer Teacher’s Care Corner Keeps Students Ready to Learn

     Kilmer Middle School math teacher Paige Knisley has created a judgment-free space where students can discreetly obtain personal-care items and remain focused on learning.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 9, 2026
389. Olympians, Budget Hearings and School Visits Fill FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered another cold February week with Olympic excitement, school visits, community meetings and preparations for the fiscal year 2027 budget.

     Schools / Vienna / February 9, 2026
390. Arlington Snowfall Brings Back a Flurry of Old Memories

     A long-awaited snowfall transformed the view from my eighth-floor Arlington condo into something almost magical. The large pine next door looked like an enormous Christmas tree, while...

     Schools / Arlington / February 6, 2026
391. Fairfax Olympians Malinin and Kim Take Center Stage in Italy

     Two Fairfax County athletes are stepping onto the Olympic stage in Italy, with figure skating favorite Ilia Malinin competing Saturday and short-track speedskater Brandon Kim beginning...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 6, 2026
392. Two Fairfax Alumni Take Their Talents to the Olympic Stage

     Two Fairfax County Public Schools graduates are representing Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, competing in figure skating and short track speedskating.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 6, 2026
393. FCPS Keeps Two-Hour Delays as Ice Raises Safety Fears

     FCPS will keep schools on a two-hour delay Thursday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 6, as lingering ice from Winter Storm Fern continues to create hazardous conditions around sidewalks and bus...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 5, 2026
394. McLean’s Lockdown Drill Exposes Unease Over Classroom Safety

     McLean High School held its second lockdown drill of the school year on Feb. 5, giving students and staff another chance to practice emergency procedures as school shootings remain a...

     Schools / McLean / February 5, 2026
395. Fairfax Boundary Reversal Spares 513 Students but Delays Tough Decisions

     Fairfax County’s sweeping school boundary plan shrank dramatically in the final two weeks before its approval, sparing 513 students while postponing several overcrowding decisions.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
396. Fairfax City’s New Schools Chief Brings Music—and Deep Local Roots

     Dustin Wright’s path to the top of Fairfax City’s school system began with a love of music. On Dec. 1, 2025, the longtime city resident officially became superintendent, bringing...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
397. Fairfax School Boundary Overhaul Passes After 40-Year Gap

     The Fairfax County School Board approved its first comprehensive boundary review in nearly four decades on Jan. 22, launching a recurring redistricting process while making immediate...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
398. Fairfax Schools Seek $4.1 Billion While Restoring Cut Positions

     Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing a $4.1 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027, pairing employee compensation increases with the restoration of some special education...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
399. FCPS Delays School Twice as Winter Disruptions Continue

     Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late on Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6. Schools will begin two hours after their regular start times, while central and...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
400. Lingering Snow and Ice Keep Fairfax Schools on Delayed Starts

     Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late on Thursday and Friday as snow and ice continue to obstruct sidewalks and bus stops across the county.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
401. Two-Hour Delays Extend Into Friday as FCPS Watches Road Conditions

     Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late on Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6, as winter weather continues to affect the area. Classes will begin two hours after...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2026
402. Fairfax Schools Delay Wednesday Start as Snow Threatens Icy Commute

     Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Wednesday, Feb. 4, as lingering hazards from Winter Storm Fern and another round of possible snow threaten the morning commute.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2026
403. FCPS Honors Staff Who Stepped Up in Emergencies and Classrooms

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ February 2026 CARES recognitions spotlighted employees who kept buildings operating, expanded opportunities for students, supported families and responded...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2026
404. Frozen Pipes, Snow and Student Needs Spark Extraordinary FCPS Response

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in February 2026 for responding to emergencies, supporting students and families, strengthening instruction and...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2026
405. Justice High Turns a Dinner Party Into Comic Chaos in ‘Clue’

     A routine dinner spiraled into murder, blackmail and frantic suspicion as Justice High School staged Clue: On Stage, pairing an ominous mystery with exaggerated physical comedy.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 3, 2026
406. McLean Students Return After Storm Buries Area in 16-18 Inches

     McLean students returned to class on a two-hour delay Tuesday, Feb. 3, after a powerful winter storm shut down Fairfax County Public Schools for a full week.

     Schools / McLean / February 3, 2026
407. Nine Fairfax Schools Win Honors for Digital Outreach

     Fairfax County Public Schools honored nine schools for outstanding websites, newsletters and social media during the annual School Communicators Conference on Jan. 30.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2026
408. Fairfax School Abortion Allegations Move to Federal Court

     A Fairfax County teacher’s $2 million lawsuit accusing school officials of defamation and retaliation has moved to federal court, escalating a dispute over her claims that an employee...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
409. Fairfax Schools Abortion Allegations Escalate Into $2 Million Federal Case

     A Fairfax County Public Schools teacher who accused another employee of helping minors obtain abortions without parental consent has taken her dispute with the school system to federal...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
410. Fairfax Students Return Tuesday as Snow Cleanup Forces Two-Hour Delay

     Fairfax County Public Schools will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 3, after Winter Storm Fern kept students out of classrooms for more than a week. All schools will begin two hours later than usual...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
411. FCPS Careers Become a Family Tradition Across Fairfax Schools

     For several Fairfax County Public Schools employees, serving students is a family commitment that spans schools, careers and even generations.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
412. Fifth-Grade Teacher Inspires Former Student to Become a Counselor

     When Malik Watkins began working as a school counselor at London Towne Elementary, he reconnected with the fifth-grade teacher who helped inspire his career in education.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / February 2, 2026
413. Icebound Fairfax Schools Mobilize Thousands for Cleanup and Meals

     Fairfax County Public Schools staff worked through the weekend to clear thick ice, distribute thousands of meals and prepare buildings for a safe reopening after an unusually difficult...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
414. Snow Closures Push D.C.-Area Schools Toward Calendar Changes

     A punishing winter storm has kept students out of classrooms across the D.C. area, leaving school districts to defend extended closures and consider adding makeup days to their calendars.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
415. Student-Created Taco Bowl Poised to Hit FCPS Menus Districtwide

     A vegetarian taco bowl developed by South Lakes High School students could soon reach cafeterias across Fairfax County after winning a new culinary competition and earning a spot at a...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 2, 2026
416. Fairfax Schools Shut Again as ‘Snowcrete’ Blocks Monday Return

     Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled classes for Monday, Feb. 2, extending a storm-related shutdown that has already kept students home for a full week.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 1, 2026
417. Fairfax Schools Plan More Sports and Bigger Coaching Stipends

     Fairfax County Public Schools could expand middle and high school athletics under a proposed $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2026
418. Fairfax Teen Artists Earn 299 Awards in New ARTiFAX Program

     Fairfax County Public Schools has launched ARTiFAX, a new recognition program celebrating teen artists in grades 7 through 12 who are enrolled in the division’s visual arts programs.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2026
419. FCPS Seeks Community Help to Reopen Schools After Winter Storm

     Fairfax County Public Schools is asking residents to clear snow and ice from neighborhood sidewalks and bus stops as the division prepares to reopen schools following a major winter storm.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2026
420. Florida’s Panhandle Gets a Four-Inch Snowy Comeuppance

     Snow warnings across the Midwest and central states once inspired a little sympathy—and, from the warmth of Florida, perhaps a touch of smugness. Then Jan. 22, 2025, brought a...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 30, 2026
421. Fairfax Speed Skater Takes Unlikely Route to Olympic Debut

     Brandon Kim first discovered short-track speedskating while watching the 2010 Winter Olympics on television. The Fairfax native was captivated by the athletes’ speed, even though his own...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
422. Four Fairfax Students Rise Above 13,000 YoungArts Applicants

     Four Fairfax County Public Schools students earned recognition in the 2026 National YoungArts Foundation Competition, with two receiving awards with distinction.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
423. Meal Kits, Boundary Changes and Budget Plans Reshape FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools is offering student meal kits during two planned days off while also moving forward with boundary changes affecting nearly 1,700 students and a proposed...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
424. Meal Kits, Boundary Changes and Budget Plans Reshape the FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools is offering student meal kits during two school closure days while families also face major updates involving school boundaries, the proposed fiscal 2027...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
425. More Than 1,000 FCPS Workers Battle Snow and Ice Across 199 Schools

     More than 1,000 Fairfax County Public Schools employees worked through the division’s recent snow days to prepare buildings, remove snow and ice, and restore access across 199 schools...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
426. Review Finds Recruiting Violations at Hayfield and Fairfax High

     An independent review has confirmed that football programs at Hayfield Secondary School and Fairfax High School violated Virginia High School League eligibility rules in 2024, according...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2026
427. Fairfax and Hayfield Football Programs Broke 2024 Eligibility Rules

     Fairfax County Public Schools has concluded that the football programs at Hayfield Secondary School and Fairfax High School violated Virginia High School League rules in 2024, following...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 28, 2026
428. Fairfax and Hayfield Football Programs Broke 2024 Transfer Rules

     Football programs at Hayfield Secondary School and Fairfax High School violated Virginia High School League rules in 2024, according to the results of an independent investigation into...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 28, 2026
429. McLean Principal Unveils Academic, Safety and Building Overhaul

     McLean High School Principal Raven Jones outlined plans to expand academic support, strengthen campus security and address problems in the school’s nearly 70-year-old building during a...

     Schools / McLean / January 28, 2026
430. Deborah March Turns John Lewis’ Legacy Into Student Action

     Deborah March has transformed the renaming of John R. Lewis High School into an active leadership program built around service, justice and student involvement.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2026
431. Fairfax Schools’ $4.1 Billion Budget Puts Staff Pay First

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid is proposing a $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 that directs nearly all new spending toward employee compensation and...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2026
432. Fairfax Students Face Full Week Off as Ice Forces Another Closure

     Fairfax County Public Schools will close Wednesday, Jan. 28, as lingering ice and extreme cold continue to hinder efforts to clear neighborhood roads and sidewalks after Winter Storm Fern.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2026
433. Ice Creates a Million-Dollar Challenge for Fairfax Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools mobilized roughly 200 pieces of equipment after the region’s biggest snowstorm in a decade, but a stubborn layer of ice complicated efforts to reopen...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2026
434. McLean’s Hallway Playlist Is Stuck on Repeat

     McLean introduced hallway music this year as a warning for students: when songs begin playing during passing periods, only two minutes remain before class starts.

     Schools / McLean / January 27, 2026
435. Storm Forces FCPS to Extend Second Quarter Into February

     Fairfax County Public Schools has extended the second quarter through Tuesday, Feb. 3, after the recent storm disrupted the final days of the grading period.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2026
436. Fairfax Schools Approve Sweeping Boundary Changes After 40 Years

     Fairfax County Public Schools will redraw attendance boundaries across the county this fall after the school board approved its first comprehensive redistricting plan in four decades.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
437. Fairfax Students Can Apply for a Voice on the School Board

     Fairfax County Public Schools students in grades 9, 10 and 11 can apply to become the 2026 student representative to the School Board.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
438. FCPS Opens High-Stakes Race for Student Voice on School Board

     Fairfax County Public Schools students in grades 9 through 11 can apply to become the 2026 student representative to the School Board, an advisory role that gives students a voice in...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
439. FCPS Unveils $4.1 Billion Budget as Boundary Changes Move Forward

     Fairfax County Public Schools advanced two major initiatives during a week filled with winter preparations, student achievements and community events: a proposed $4.1 billion budget and...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
440. FCPS Unveils $4.1 Billion Budget as Major Boundary Changes Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered a winter storm weekend after a consequential week that included a proposed $4.1 billion budget, approval of divisionwide boundary adjustments and...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
441. Ice Keeps Fairfax County Schools and Facilities Closed Tuesday

     Fairfax County schools and government facilities will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 27, as crews continue clearing roads following Winter Storm Fern.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 26, 2026
442. StudentVue Blackout Fuels Grade Anxiety at McLean

     Thousands of McLean students regularly use StudentVue to monitor their academic progress, but the portal becomes unavailable for an extended period after each quarter ends. The shutdown...

     Schools / McLean / January 26, 2026
443. $85,000 Security System Costs McLean Student Three Class Periods

     McLean High School’s new OpenGate security system delivered a decisive victory Wednesday, stopping a sophomore from learning for 115 minutes after detecting an alarming concentration of...

     Schools / McLean / January 25, 2026
444. Fairfax Schools’ $4.1 Billion Budget Puts Pay Raises First

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed $4.1 billion budget for fiscal 2027 directs nearly all new spending toward employee compensation while leaving no additional money for new programs.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 25, 2026
445. Winter Storm Fern Shuts Down Fairfax County Schools Monday

     Fairfax County Public Schools will close all schools and central offices Monday, Jan. 26, as Winter Storm Fern brings snow, sleet and hazardous travel conditions to the region.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 25, 2026
446. Fairfax County Shuts Facilities as Crippling Ice and Snow Loom

     Fairfax County facilities and school activities will shut down Saturday evening as a powerful winter storm threatens to bury the region in snow and sleet, coat roads and power lines with...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 24, 2026
447. Boundary Overhaul Will Shift 1,700 Students to New Schools

     About 1,700 students at 46 schools will receive new assignments for the 2026-27 academic year under boundary changes approved Jan. 22.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 23, 2026
448. Fairfax School Boundary Overhaul Will Shift 1,700 Students

     The Fairfax County School Board approved the school division’s first comprehensive boundary review in more than 40 years, adopting changes that will affect an estimated 1,700 students at...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
449. Fairfax School Boundary Shift Will Move 1,700 Students

     The Fairfax County School Board has approved boundary changes affecting about 1,700 students at 46 schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
450. Fairfax School Shake-Up Will Move Nearly 1,700 Students This Fall

     Hundreds of Fairfax County students will attend newly assigned schools this fall after the School Board approved its first comprehensive boundary overhaul in roughly 40 years.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
451. Fairfax Schools Seek $4.1 Billion to Restore Cuts and Boost Pay

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed fiscal 2027 budget would begin reversing some of last year’s cuts while providing compensation increases for employees and continuing several...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
452. Fairfax Schools’ $4.1 Billion Budget Would Restore Cuts, Boost Pay

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed fiscal 2027 budget would begin reversing last year’s cuts while funding negotiated employee raises and several multiyear student programs.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
453. Fairfax Schools’ $4.1 Billion Budget Would Restore Jobs and Ease Class Sizes

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle C. Reid has proposed a $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 that would raise employee compensation, restore positions cut last...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
454. Fairfax Students Told to Bring Devices Home Ahead of Snow

     Fairfax County Public Schools is asking students to bring laptops, chargers, iPads, books and notebooks home on Friday as potentially significant winter weather approaches.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
455. FCPS Unveils $4.1 Billion Budget to Restore Cuts and Raise Pay

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle C. Reid has proposed a $4.1 billion budget for fiscal 2027 that would increase employee compensation, restore positions cut last...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
456. Historic Fairfax School Boundary Overhaul Will Shift 1,700 Students

     Fairfax County’s first divisionwide school boundary review in more than 40 years will reassign an estimated 1,700 students across 46 schools for the 2026-27 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2026
457. Fairfax School Boundary Plan Shrinks, but Families Still Fear Disruption

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ first comprehensive boundary review in 40 years could move 1,697 students this fall, prompting sharply divided reactions from families concerned about...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 22, 2026
458. Boundary Vote and Budget Proposal Headline a Busy Week for FCPS

     Fairfax County’s School Board is set to consider revised school boundary changes and hear Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s proposed fiscal 2026-27 budget during a packed schedule on...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 21, 2026
459. Fairfax Boundary Shake-Up Could Move Nearly 1,700 Students

     Fairfax County is nearing a vote on its first comprehensive school boundary review in decades, with Superintendent Michelle Reid’s recommended plan affecting 1,697 students across...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 21, 2026
460. Fairfax School Board Faces Budget Plan and Boundary Vote

     Fairfax County school leaders will take up two major issues Thursday, January 22, as Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presents her proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the School...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 21, 2026
461. TJHSST Student Is Virginia’s Sole Finalist in Elite Science Contest

     Aashritha Penumudi of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has been selected as one of 40 finalists in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search.

     Schools / Virginia / January 21, 2026
462. Fairfax Schools Scale Back Sweeping Boundary Changes After Outcry

     Fairfax County Public Schools has revised, dropped or delayed several proposed attendance boundary changes following extensive public feedback.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 20, 2026
463. Fairfax Schools’ First Full Boundary Review in Decades Nears Final Vote

     Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching a pivotal vote on its first comprehensive boundary review in roughly 40 years, with a revised plan that could reassign about 1,700 students...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 20, 2026
464. FCPS Celebrates 770 National Merit Honorees as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating 770 students named National Merit Commended Scholars, an 11% increase from the previous year, while preparing for major decisions involving...

     Schools / Oakton / January 20, 2026
465. FCPS Celebrates 770 National Merit Scholars as Budget Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating a major academic milestone while preparing for consequential budget, construction and hiring decisions. The division announced that 770...

     Schools / Oakton / January 20, 2026
466. Plush Patients Bring Real Ultrasound Training to Chantilly Students

     Chantilly Academy veterinary science students recently practiced ultrasounds and eye exams on an unusual group of patients: stuffed dogs, a model horse leg, and life-size animal eyes.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 20, 2026
467. Spanberger Reshapes University Boards With 27 Picks and New Review

     Soon after taking office Saturday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed 27 people to governing boards at three Virginia universities and ordered a review of the state’s contentious...

     Schools / Virginia / January 20, 2026
468. Westfield Girls Wrestling Surges From Eight Athletes to 22

     Westfield High School’s varsity girls wrestling team has nearly tripled in size in one season, growing from eight athletes to 22 as the sport rapidly gains ground across Fairfax County...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 20, 2026
469. 2,300 Get First Look at New Western High School

     More than 2,300 people representing about 800 families registered for a packed Jan. 11 open house at the new western high school.

     Schools / Oakton / January 16, 2026
470. 2,300 Tour Fairfax County’s New High School Before Fall Opening

     More than 2,300 prospective students and family members registered to tour Fairfax County’s new western high school during a packed open house on January 11.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 16, 2026
471. Why Married Women Once Disappeared Behind Their Husbands’ Names

     Old newspaper clippings reveal a custom that now seems almost absurd: Married women were routinely identified by their husbands’ full names.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 16, 2026
472. Boundary Vote Nears as Fairfax Schools Roll Out AI Training

     Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching a final vote on proposed boundary changes while also expanding artificial intelligence training and responding to very high levels of flu...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 15, 2026
473. Fairfax Schools Face Boundary Vote as Flu Cases Surge

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are approaching a consequential boundary vote as the division also responds to high flu activity, expands its use of artificial intelligence and...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 15, 2026
474. Fairfax Schools’ $394.5 Million Repair Backlog Is Still Growing

     Fairfax County Public Schools faces a $394.5 million maintenance backlog that includes persistent mold, overflowing bathrooms and widespread heating and cooling needs—and officials...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 15, 2026
475. FCPS National Merit Commended Ranks Surge 22% With 848 Honorees

     Fairfax County Public Schools has announced that 848 students earned recognition as National Merit Commended Students, a 22% increase from the previous year.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 15, 2026
476. Chantilly’s New AI School Charges $65,000 a Year Without Teachers

     Alpha School opened in Chantilly on Oct. 13, 2025, offering elementary students an unconventional mix of artificial intelligence and hands-on learning.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 13, 2026
477. Fairfax Election Staff Brace for Four More Special Votes

     Fairfax County election officials are preparing for four special elections in less than two months after an already demanding stretch of off-cycle voting.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2026
478. Fairfax Schools Add Wearable Emergency Buttons Across All Buildings

     Fairfax County Public Schools is installing a new emergency management system in every school building to help staff summon assistance faster and more discreetly during an emergency.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2026
479. Fairfax Schools Face $1.1 Billion Construction Crunch

     Fairfax County Public Schools estimates it will need $1.1 billion over the next five years to carry out an ambitious slate of renovations, maintenance projects and new school construction.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2026
480. Plumbing Supervisor Cuts FCPS Work Order Backlog by More Than Half

     Daniel “DJ” Matheney has helped reduce open plumbing work orders across Fairfax County Public Schools by more than 50%, improving response times while limiting emergency repairs and costs.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2026
481. Woodson’s Barrett Pullen Vaults Into Shot Put’s National Top 10

     Barrett Pullen began throwing shot put as a Woodson High School freshman, initially viewing the sport as another activity to enjoy with friends. He has since recorded a throw of 61 feet,...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 13, 2026
482. Boundary Shake-Up Could Move 2,210 Fairfax Students

     Proposed boundary changes could affect about 2,210 students at 52 schools, with a vote on the recommendations scheduled for Jan. 22.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 12, 2026
483. Fairfax Probe Clears Social Worker in Student Abortion Allegations

     An external investigation found no truth to allegations that a Centreville High School social worker arranged and paid for student abortions without parental consent, Fairfax County...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 12, 2026
484. Fairfax Puts School Funding First as Virginia Session Nears

     Fairfax County leaders are making K-12 education funding their top demand for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, warning that the state still is not covering the true cost of...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 12, 2026
485. FCPS Boundary Plan Could Shift 2,210 Students Across 52 Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid unveiled proposed boundary changes affecting about 2,210 students while highlighting a week that also included artificial...

     Schools / Arlington / January 12, 2026
486. McLean’s AP Arms Race Is Pushing Students Too Far

     At McLean, loading a schedule with Advanced Placement courses has become increasingly routine—and the pressure is reaching students earlier. Some freshmen take as many as three AP...

     Schools / McLean / January 12, 2026
487. Vienna Elementary Goes Beyond Screens to Show Kids How AI Works

     Vienna Elementary School is introducing students as young as kindergartners to the foundations of artificial intelligence, using hands-on robots, coding exercises and drones to explain...

     Schools / Vienna / January 10, 2026
488. Church Suppers Served Up Memories—and One Missing Diamond

     For churchgoing families in the 1940s and ’50s, few events could rival the beloved church supper. These gatherings fed crowds, raised money and sometimes produced stories that lasted for...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 9, 2026
489. Deadline Extended for Five Influential School Planning Seats

     County education officials have extended the deadline for five community seats on the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026. The...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2026
490. Fairfax School Board Extends Deadline for Five Key Planning Seats

     The Fairfax County School Board has extended the application deadline for five community seats on its Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026....

     Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2026
491. FCPS Finds Centreville High School Allegations Were Unfounded

     Fairfax County Public Schools has completed its investigation into allegations that Centreville High School personnel helped pay for and arrange abortions for students without parental...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2026
492. Nine Fairfax Students Rank Among Nation’s Top Teen Scientists

     Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students have been selected among the top 300 scholars in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the nation’s leading science and mathematics...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2026
493. Fairfax Boundary Overhaul Would Shift 2,210 Students at 52 Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools is nearing the end of its first district-wide boundary overhaul in four decades, with Superintendent Michelle Reid recommending changes that would affect...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 8, 2026
494. Boundary Changes and New High School Plans Face Key January Votes

     Fairfax County school leaders are preparing for a series of consequential January decisions involving school boundaries, a new western high school and a five-year capital improvement plan.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 7, 2026
495. Fairfax Schools Face Key Boundary, Building Votes in January

     Fairfax County school leaders are preparing for a series of major January decisions involving attendance boundaries, a new western high school and the division’s five-year construction plan.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 7, 2026
496. Sixth Graders Stitch a Lasting Legacy at Hunters Woods

     Sixth graders at Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences are transforming fabric into a pond ecosystem that will remain at the school long after they leave for middle...

     Schools / Virginia / January 7, 2026
497. South Lakes Students Forge Fast Friendships Across Generations

     A club launched by South Lakes High School junior Zahra is bringing students and older adults together through monthly afternoons of conversation, crafts and manicures.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / January 7, 2026
498. Student Robotics Team Wins Regional Title, Advances to Virginia Finals

     A Northern Virginia robotics team featuring three Fairfax County Public Schools students won the Overall Champion title at the VA+DC FIRST LEGO League Challenge Division 2 Regional...

     Schools / Herndon / January 7, 2026
499. Fairfax Students Launch a New Year of Service and Innovation

     Students across Fairfax entered 2026 with projects that connect generations, support vulnerable families and expand access to sports, while more than 1,100 high schoolers prepared to...

     Schools / Fairfax / January 5, 2026
500. FCPS Students Launch 2026 With Service, Resilience and Innovation

     Fairfax County Public Schools began 2026 by highlighting students whose projects are connecting generations, supporting vulnerable families and expanding access to sports.

     Schools / Fairfax / January 5, 2026
501. Langley Students Turn Pre-Med Club Into a $5,000 Success

     What began as two Langley High School sophomores testing an idea outside a Northern Virginia grocery store has grown into a thriving medical club with 30 regular members and $5,000 raised.

     Schools / Virginia / January 5, 2026
502. Senior Golden Retriever Finds Fame Hoarding Household Treasures

     An 11-year-old Golden Retriever named Duke has found a loving home—and an enormous online following—thanks to his habit of carrying off everything from teapots to laundry baskets.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 29, 2025
503. Fairfax Schools Outpace Virginia as All Campuses Earn Accreditation

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed 2025 with every school fully accredited and three-quarters rated Distinguished or On Track under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 22, 2025
504. Fairfax Schools Tout Strong Ratings as New Rules Lower Some Scores

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed its December classes with strong statewide performance results, new career-training investments and recognition for staff and students, even as...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 22, 2025
505. Christmas Gift Snooping Backfires in Two Family Tales

     Two would-be Christmas surprises vanished before they could reach their intended recipients—one exposed by a sharp-eyed preschooler and the other undone by a 10-year-old’s overly clever...

     Schools / Arlington / December 19, 2025
506. Fairfax School Board Seeks March Vote to Fill Braddock Vacancy

     The Fairfax County School Board moved toward a March 3, 2026, special election for its vacant Braddock District seat during a wide-ranging Dec. 18 meeting that also brought decisions on...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 19, 2025
507. March 3 Special Election Sought for Vacant Braddock School Board Seat

     A special election could be held March 3, 2026, to fill the vacant Braddock District seat following action at the Dec. 18 school board meeting.

     Schools / Falls Church / December 19, 2025
508. Quander Road’s Gift Tradition Marks 10 Years of Holiday Giving

     Quander Road School celebrated a decade of holiday generosity in December as students once again chose donated gifts for themselves and their families through Operation Gift Box.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 19, 2025
509. From Tuxedoed Bus Drivers to Championship Glory: FCPS’ 2025 Highlights

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked 2025 with career training, academic milestones, memorable staff stories and a district-first athletic championship.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 18, 2025
510. Hayfield Japanese Students Claim Three National Awards

     Three Hayfield Secondary School students won national honors after delivering polished presentations entirely in Japanese and fielding unscripted questions from judges.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 18, 2025
511. Meridian High Confronts AI’s Growing Reach in Classrooms

     Meridian High School students and teachers say generative artificial intelligence is becoming a valuable study aid—but also a source of inconsistent rules, questionable grading and...

     Schools / Falls Church / December 18, 2025
512. Fairfax Teachers Turn Up the Volume for Education

     Fairfax County teachers traded classrooms for the concert stage Dec. 7, performing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna and raising about $1,000 for Educate Fairfax.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 17, 2025
513. FCPS Budget Decisions Loom as Winter Break Begins

     Fairfax County Public Schools is closing out 2025 with full accreditation, major budget decisions approaching and winter break set to begin Monday, December 22.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 17, 2025
514. FCPS Faces Budget Fight as Winter Break Begins

     Fairfax County Public Schools is closing out 2025 fully accredited, but Superintendent Michelle Reid says maintaining that achievement will require adequate funding as Virginia school...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 17, 2025
515. Western High’s Fall 2026 Opening Hinges on Land-Use Review

     Plans to open Western High School at the former King Abdullah Academy campus could face a crucial delay as Fairfax County officials decide whether the $150 million project requires a...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 17, 2025
516. $200,000 Gift Expands Fairfax Students’ Path to Health Careers

     Fairfax County students preparing for healthcare careers will gain broader access to hands-on training through a new $200,000 donation to Educate Fairfax.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 16, 2025
517. $200,000 Gift Expands Fairfax Students’ Path to Healthcare Careers

     A $200,000 donation will support hands-on healthcare education for Fairfax County Public Schools students pursuing careers in health and medicine.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 16, 2025
518. Herndon High Finds Killer Comedy in a Most Unlikely Family

     Thirteen bodies are hidden in the cellar, but the killers are not shadowy strangers. In Herndon High School’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace, two seemingly gentle elderly women are...

     Schools / Herndon / December 16, 2025
519. Fairfax School Boundary Review Heads Toward January Vote

     Fairfax County’s comprehensive school boundary review is entering its final stages following the advisory committee’s last meeting on December 12 at the Gatehouse Administration Center.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 15, 2025
520. Fairfax Schools Face Boundary Decisions as Budget Pressures Build

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered the final stretch before winter break with all schools fully accredited, a comprehensive boundary review nearing a School Board decision and work...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 15, 2025
521. FCPS Closes Boundary Review as January Decisions Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools ended a key phase of its comprehensive boundary review during a busy week that also included school visits, community meetings, student competitions and...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 15, 2025
522. Advent Calendars Have Become a Holiday Splurge

     Christmas brought an impressive haul during my childhood. My doting parents made sure Santa delivered an electric train, an Easy-Bake Oven and a Littlest Angel doll dressed in clothes...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 13, 2025
523. 10 Winter Break Adventures That Keep Young Readers Learning

     Families can help students strengthen reading, writing and creative-thinking skills during winter break with 10 activities scheduled from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday,...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 11, 2025
524. Five Falls Church Developments Bringing National Honors and New Aid

     A Meridian High School graduate has earned national recognition for fighting hunger, while a Falls Church family was honored for a scholarship program that has provided more than $1.3...

     Schools / Falls Church / December 10, 2025
525. Most Fairfax Schools Earn Strong Marks as Virginia Raises SOL Bar

     Most Fairfax County Public Schools were rated “distinguished” or “on track” during the first year of Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework. Every FCPS school remains fully...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 10, 2025
526. New Virginia Standards Could Drive FCPS Pass Rates Sharply Lower

     Most Fairfax County Public Schools earned “distinguished” or “on track” ratings during the first year of Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework, and every FCPS school...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 10, 2025
527. Fairfax Schools Hold Accreditation Under Tougher Virginia Ratings

     Every Fairfax County public school remains fully accredited under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework, while most earned ratings of “distinguished” or “on track.”

     Schools / Fairfax / December 9, 2025
528. Snow Response, Budget Stakes and Student Wins Shape Busy FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered December with winter weather, concerts, championship celebrations and major discussions about budgets and academic standards.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 8, 2025
529. Snow Response, Student Triumphs Mark a Packed Week Across Fairfax Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered December with winter weather, concerts, community gatherings, championship celebrations and major discussions about budgets and academic standards.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 8, 2025
530. FCPS Appeals Title IX Ruling as $167 Million Hangs in Balance

     Fairfax County Public Schools is pressing ahead with a federal appeal as the division faces the potential loss of up to $167 million over its bathroom and locker room policies for...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 6, 2025
531. Fairfax School Board Reshapes Planning Panel, Approves New Courses

     The Fairfax County School Board approved course changes, adopted its 2026 legislative priorities and reorganized part of its facilities-planning structure during a regular meeting that...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 5, 2025
532. FCPS Athletes Capture Five Class 6 State Championships

     Fairfax County Public Schools athletes closed the fall 2025 season with five Virginia High School League Class 6 championships and five state runner-up finishes.

     Schools / Springfield / December 5, 2025
533. School Board Reshapes Planning Panel and Clears New Courses

     New secondary courses, legislative priorities and a major committee restructuring won approval during a Dec. 4, 2025, School Board meeting that continued past midnight.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 5, 2025
534. When Two Christmas Catalogues Felt Bigger Than 34

     Warnings about toy shortages and calls to shop early seem hard to square with the flood of catalogues already filling my mailbox. I have counted 34 so far, and the season is still young.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / December 5, 2025
535. Vienna Elementary’s New AI Lab Prepares Students for a Changing World

     Vienna Elementary School students are learning how artificial intelligence works before they reach middle school, thanks to a new lab designed to make emerging technology understandable,...

     Schools / Vienna / December 4, 2025
536. FCPS Unveils Graduation Tracker as Key December Deadlines Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools families have several new tools, events and deadlines to track this December, including a graduation-status feature, an internet-safety workshop and a...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 3, 2025
537. New FCPS Tools Put Graduation Tracking and Online Safety in Focus

     Fairfax County Public Schools families have new ways to track graduation progress, build safer digital habits and explore career-focused courses as the division heads toward winter break.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 3, 2025
538. Quander Road Advocate Keeps Supporting Students Years After Graduation

     Raquel Joyner’s work with students at Quander Road School often continues long after they leave the Fairfax County Public Schools campus. She attends college graduations and remains...

     Schools / Fairfax / December 2, 2025
539. Fairfax Schools Boundary Review Enters Its Final Stages

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving closer to possible boundary changes as its advisory committee prepares recommendations for a final proposal and implementation plan.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 1, 2025
540. Fairfax Schools Near Final Stages of Major Boundary Review

     Fairfax County Public Schools moved closer to completing its comprehensive boundary review as an advisory committee considered changes to one scenario and prepared for another.

     Schools / Fairfax / December 1, 2025
541. When a Box of Crayons Could Brighten an Entire Winter

     Coloring was a year-round childhood pastime in the 1950s, but it became especially valuable during winter, when cold weather kept us indoors. At home and in school, we put our Crayola...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / November 28, 2025
542. FCPS Boundary Review Enters Final Stages After Scenario 4 Talks

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ comprehensive boundary review moved closer to completion during a Nov. 24 advisory committee meeting at the Gatehouse Administration Center.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 25, 2025
543. FCPS Serves 250 Thanksgiving Meals in One Evening

     Fairfax County Public Schools served about 250 Thanksgiving-inspired meals Monday during community dinners at Herndon and Justice high schools.

     Schools / Herndon / November 25, 2025
544. Fairfax Schools Join First Wave of ChatGPT for Teachers

     Fairfax County Public Schools will be among the first school divisions in the country to help shape the rollout of ChatGPT for Teachers, Superintendent Michelle Reid announced during the...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 24, 2025
545. Lake Braddock’s Thanksgiving Basket Drive Surges to 425 Donations

     A Thanksgiving effort that began with just 30 baskets has grown dramatically, with Lake Braddock Secondary School collecting 425 baskets for families across Fairfax County in 2025.

     Schools / Herndon / November 24, 2025
546. Federal Reopenings Add New Spark to a Packed DMV Weekend

     Federal museums and attractions are reopening just as the holiday calendar shifts into high gear, giving Northern Virginia and Washington-area residents an unusually broad mix of things...

     Schools / Falls Church / November 21, 2025
547. Fairfax Schools Face Budget Push, Winter Deadlines and Major Changes

     Fairfax County Public Schools is developing its fiscal year 2027 budget while urging families to prepare for winter weather, update technology permissions and track several changes...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 20, 2025
548. FCPS Budget Stakes Rise as Winter Closures and Free Meals Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools is developing its fiscal year 2027 budget as the division prepares to explain how funding levels affect teachers, academics and student programs.

     Schools / Herndon / November 20, 2025
549. Former North Springfield Student Returns With an Astronaut’s Story

     Hundreds of North Springfield Elementary School students discovered that space was closer than they imagined when Dr. George C. Nield revealed he had once attended their school—and later...

     Schools / Springfield / November 20, 2025
550. Fairfax Pocket Park Gets Its First Bench—and a Lasting Tribute

     Fairfax City’s School Street Park now has its first bench, giving visitors a place to rest while honoring deceased members of the Woman’s Club of Fairfax.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 18, 2025
551. Key Center Tech Specialist Breaks Barriers for Students

     Beth Curtis has spent more than 15 years helping students with disabilities gain a stronger voice and fuller access to education at Key Center School.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 18, 2025
552. Key Center Tech Specialist Pushes Accessibility Beyond the Classroom

     Beth Curtis has spent more than 15 years helping students with disabilities gain access to technology, learning materials and school activities at Key Center School.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 18, 2025
553. Multilingual Advocate Helps Fairfax Families Navigate School Services

     Amal Ibrahim Elsayed helps Fairfax County families overcome language and cultural barriers as they navigate schools, special education services and community resources.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 18, 2025
554. Bush Hill Earns National Spotlight for Its Culture of Inclusion

     Bush Hill Elementary School in Alexandria has earned a place on the 2025 ESPN Honor Roll for its inclusive Special Olympics programming, marking another major achievement for a program...

     Schools / Virginia / November 17, 2025
555. Fairfax Schools Face Funding and Boundary Decisions Ahead

     Fairfax County Public Schools offered an early look at its fiscal 2027 challenges while moving closer to recommendations in its comprehensive boundary review during the week ending Nov....

     Schools / Fairfax / November 17, 2025
556. Falls Church Food Trek, Holiday Concert and Soccer Thriller Ahead

     Falls Church residents can support local schools through restaurant purchases, join a community holiday concert and celebrate the return of a soccer championship to the Little City.

     Schools / Falls Church / November 17, 2025
557. Resort Benches Turn $800 Rentals Into Lasting Family Memorials

     A new bench program is giving residents a reason to slow down, admire the scenery and remember the people who shaped their families.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / November 14, 2025
558. Western High School Gets Boundaries and 2026 Opening Plan

     Fairfax County’s new Western High School will operate as a comprehensive high school with traditional attendance boundaries and a special-programming pathway option, the School Board...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 14, 2025
559. Kindness Rocks Bring Colorful Encouragement to Fairfax Villa

     Fairfax Villa Elementary School students transformed dozens of donated rocks into bright messages of encouragement for World Kindness Day on Nov. 13.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 13, 2025
560. FCPS Families Face Key Deadlines as Students Earn Statewide Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to complete federal aid surveys and act on several approaching deadlines as the school division celebrates student achievements,...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 12, 2025
561. FCPS Students Score Major Honors as AI and Boundary Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools highlighted student achievements, upcoming health clinics and several approaching deadlines in its Nov. 12, 2025, community update. The announcements also...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 12, 2025
562. Hayfield’s “American Idiot” Roars With Punk Energy and Raw Emotion

     Hayfield Secondary School brought the music of Green Day to the stage with a forceful production of American Idiot, pairing rock-concert intensity with an emotional examination of...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / November 11, 2025
563. Fairfax Schools Map Out $460 Million Push and AI-Focused Future

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked Veterans Day week with thanks for employees who served in the military and for staff members whose families have shared in that service.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 10, 2025
564. Fairfax Schools Win $460 Million Bond as AI Plans Take Shape

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a consequential week with voter approval of a $460 million bond referendum, the launch of new artificial intelligence plans and a series of student...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 10, 2025
565. Why a 16-Hour Election Day Kept Pulling Me Back

     I first shared these thoughts a year ago, when voters across the country were casting ballots. I’m returning to them now, even though only six states held state elections alongside...

     Schools / Arlington / November 7, 2025
566. 45 FCPS Musicians Win Coveted Spots in All-Virginia Ensembles

     Forty-five students from 18 Fairfax County public high schools and three elementary schools have earned places in three prestigious statewide music groups for 2025.

     Schools / McLean / November 6, 2025
567. Vienna Pushes Back Against Plan to Shift Students From Madison

     Vienna’s Town Council voted Monday, Oct. 27, to oppose a proposed school boundary change that would move some town students from James Madison High School to George C. Marshall High School.

     Schools / Vienna / November 6, 2025
568. Fairfax Schools Warn Sweeping SOL Changes Could Hurt Students

     Fairfax County Public Schools is warning families that planned changes to Virginia’s Standards of Learning assessments could have serious consequences for schools and students, including...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
569. Fairfax Student Nurse Aides Step Into Frontline Senior Care

     A new group of Fairfax County high school students began clinical rounds at The Boulevard Post Acute on Monday, Oct. 13, moving from classroom lessons to hands-on experience caring for...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
570. Fairfax Voters Approve $460 Million School Bond by Wide Margin

     More than 7 in 10 Fairfax County voters approved a $460 million school bond referendum on Nov. 4, giving Fairfax County Public Schools new funding for renovations, construction and other...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
571. Fairfax Voters Back $460 Million School Bond as SOL Changes Loom

     Fairfax County voters overwhelmingly approved a $460 million school bond referendum on November 4, with roughly seven in 10 voters supporting the measure.

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
572. Fairfax Voters Back $460 Million School Upgrade Bond

     More than 7 in 10 Fairfax County voters approved a $460 million school bond referendum on Nov. 4, giving Fairfax County Public Schools funding for renovations, construction and other...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
573. FCPS Honors Staff Who Went the Extra Mile for Students and Families

     Fairfax County Public Schools highlighted employees across the division in its November 2025 FCPS CARES recognitions, celebrating acts ranging from emergency bus coordination and family...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 5, 2025
574. 209 Fairfax Students Secure Prestigious AP Capstone Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized 209 students for completing demanding AP Capstone requirements during the 2024-25 school year. Of those students, 187 earned the AP Capstone...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 4, 2025
575. Arlington Schools Defy Federal Pressure Over Transgender Policy

     A packed Arlington School Board meeting became a heated debate over transgender students’ rights as district leaders vowed to maintain their inclusive policies despite the threat of...

     Schools / Arlington / November 4, 2025
576. One Leader Guides More Than 200 FCPS School Psychologists

     Fairfax County Public Schools is recognizing its school psychologists during National School Psychology Week, held Nov. 3-7, 2025, while highlighting the leadership behind a team of more...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 4, 2025
577. Fairfax Schools Report Attendance Gains as Boundary Review Advances

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported lower student absenteeism, completed its latest round of community boundary meetings and highlighted a busy slate of academic, arts and community...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 3, 2025
578. Fairfax Schools See Attendance Gains as Boundary Decisions Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported progress on chronic absenteeism as the division moved closer to possible boundary changes, promoted a $460 million school bond referendum and...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 3, 2025
579. From Military Service to Fairfax Classrooms and Leadership

     As Veterans Day approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Fairfax County Public Schools is recognizing employees whose military experience continues to shape their work with students, colleagues...

     Schools / Fairfax / November 3, 2025
580. How Parents Can Help Children Find Their Own Path

     National School Psychology Week, observed Nov. 3-7, highlights how families and educators can help children build confidence, explore their interests and navigate challenges. The 2025...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / November 3, 2025
581. When Halloween Costumes Came From Closets, Sheets and Mom

     Halloween costumes once required more imagination than money.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 31, 2025
582. TheatreMania Unites 100-Plus Fairfax Students Onstage and Behind the Scenes

     More than 100 Fairfax County middle school students gathered at Key Middle School on Saturday, Oct. 25, for a full day of acting, design and technical theater workshops.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 30, 2025
583. FCPS Families Face Key Votes, Deadlines and Schedule Changes

     Fairfax County Public Schools families have a packed calendar heading into November, with a school bond referendum, student schedule changes, community meetings and several important...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 29, 2025
584. New FCPS App Arrives as Families Face a Packed November Calendar

     Fairfax County Public Schools families can now use a district-branded mobile app to follow school news, calendars, cafeteria menus, live updates, and notices from individual schools.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 29, 2025
585. Student Innovation Steals the Spotlight at FCPS Showcase

     Hundreds of students, employees and community leaders gathered for the 2025 State of Our Schools event, where emerging student programs shared the stage with major Fairfax County Public...

     Schools / Falls Church / October 29, 2025
586. Student Innovation Takes Center Stage at Fairfax Schools Showcase

     Hundreds of students, staff members and community leaders gathered Oct. 29 for the 2025 State of Our Schools event, where student performances and firsthand accounts highlighted new...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 29, 2025
587. TJHSST Marks 40 Years With Major Alumni Homecoming

     Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology marked its 40th anniversary with one of its largest gatherings of alumni and former staff, bringing hundreds back for a weekend of...

     Schools / Tysons / October 29, 2025
588. TJHSST Marks 40 Years With Major Alumni Reunion and New Hall of Honor

     Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology marked its 40th anniversary with a weekend of events that brought hundreds of alumni and former employees back to campus and...

     Schools / Tysons / October 29, 2025
589. AI Turns Key Center Students’ Imaginary Pets Into Plush Companions

     A Dazzle-Winged Octo-Poodle and other fictional creatures took shape at Key Center School after students used artificial intelligence, communication exercises and hands-on creativity to...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 28, 2025
590. More Than 1,000 Turn Out for Fairfax’s New Western High School

     More than 1,000 families, students and community members visited Fairfax County Public Schools’ new western high school during an open house Saturday, Oct. 25.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 28, 2025
591. FCPS Opens New High School as Boundary Debate Moves Forward

     Fairfax County Public Schools drew more than 1,000 families, students and community members to an open house Saturday for its new western high school, while the division continued...

     Schools / McLean / October 27, 2025
592. New Bucknell Tech Lab Opens Doors to Young Inventors Across Fairfax

     A new hands-on technology lab at Bucknell Elementary School is giving students from across Fairfax County Public Schools an early opportunity to explore engineering, design and potential...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 27, 2025
593. New Western High School Draws 1,000 as FCPS Weighs Its Future

     Fairfax County Public Schools capped a busy week with an estimated 1,000 families, students and community members touring the county’s new western high school, while officials continued...

     Schools / McLean / October 27, 2025
594. Fire Drills Once Felt Tiresome—Then a School Tragedy Changed Everything

     Fire drills were a familiar part of my school years. Several times annually, including during Fire Prevention Week in October, we stopped our work, left our belongings behind and...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 24, 2025
595. Cursive Makes a Comeback as a Real-World Skill at Holmes

     In the final minutes of Cursive Club at Holmes Middle School, students race against a two-minute timer to fill their whiteboards with words formed from the cursive letters they have just...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 23, 2025
596. Fairfax Schools Surge Toward Full Purple Star Status

     Fairfax County Public Schools added 49 first-time Purple Star Schools in 2025, bringing the division’s total to 145—nearly three-quarters of all FCPS schools.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 22, 2025
597. Military Family Honors Surge Across Fairfax Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools reached a major milestone this fall, with nearly three-quarters of its schools now recognized for supporting military-connected students and their families.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 22, 2025
598. Nearly 75% of Fairfax Schools Earn Purple Star Recognition

     Fairfax County Public Schools has expanded its roster of military-friendly campuses to 145 schools, bringing the division close to three-quarters participation in Virginia’s Purple Star...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 22, 2025
599. One Route, 32 Years: Jannell Haskins Keeps FCPS Students Moving

     For nearly 32 years, Jannell Haskins has driven the same Fairfax County Public Schools bus route, safely transporting students from South Lakes High School, Hughes Middle School, Dogwood...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 22, 2025
600. Paola’s 600-Page Cookbook Opens the Door to a Career

     What began as a weekly baking tradition between Paola and her mother has grown into a nearly 600-page cookbook—and helped prepare Paola for work in a professional hotel kitchen.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 22, 2025
601. Fairfax Schools Capture Nearly Half of Nation’s Green Flag Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools earned 44 of the nation’s 108 Green Flag honors in 2025, giving the school system more recognized campuses than any other district in the country.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 21, 2025
602. Fairfax Schools Push Ahead on AI, Boundary Changes and Student Programs

     Fairfax County Public Schools moved forward on several major initiatives during the week of October 21, including artificial intelligence in classrooms, a countywide boundary review and...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 21, 2025
603. Grocery Aisles Are Fun Again—and Full of Temptation

     Grocery shopping is fun again. The unpleasant memories of dressing like a crime scene investigator just to enter a store have faded, and the shelves are once more packed with choices.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 17, 2025
604. FCPS Says Centreville High School Abortion Claims Likely Untrue

     Fairfax County Public Schools said interim findings from an external investigation indicate allegations involving Centreville High School in 2021 are likely untrue.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 16, 2025
605. Free Student Vaccination Clinics Lead Packed FCPS Update

     Fairfax County Public Schools students can receive required immunizations and optional flu shots at upcoming clinics offered with Inspire Health Alliance. Families will have no...

     Schools / Springfield / October 15, 2025
606. Free Student Vaccines, AI Talks and Major FCPS Deadlines Ahead

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face a packed stretch of events and deadlines, including no-cost student immunization clinics, a public discussion about artificial intelligence,...

     Schools / Springfield / October 15, 2025
607. Armstrong Alum Returns to Rebuild His Children’s School

     Jordan Short has returned to Armstrong Elementary School decades after attending as a child—this time to oversee a renovation that will benefit his own children and the wider community.

     Schools / Reston / October 14, 2025
608. FCPS Ombuds Office Offers a Lifeline Through School System Confusion

     Fairfax County Public Schools families, students, employees and community members who are struggling to resolve a question or concern can turn to the division’s Ombuds Office for free,...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 14, 2025
609. Hot Supper Pilot Brings Free Meals and Families Back to School

     Hybla Valley Elementary School added something unexpected to its Back-to-School Night: a hot supper that gave families a chance to sample Fairfax County Public Schools’ changing menu.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 14, 2025
610. Fairfax Schools Push AI Plans as New High School Takes Shape

     Fairfax County Public Schools advanced plans for artificial intelligence in classrooms, a new western high school and a broader measure of student success during a busy week of meetings...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 13, 2025
611. FCPS Pushes Into AI as New Western High School Takes Shape

     Fairfax County Public Schools is advancing plans for artificial intelligence in classrooms while preparing to open a new western high school for the 2026–27 school year.

     Schools / Springfield / October 13, 2025
612. Two Fairfax Principals Turn Empathy Into Action

     Two Fairfax County principals are strengthening their school communities with initiatives designed to give students, staff members, and families greater support and a stronger sense of...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 13, 2025
613. Fairfax School Board Backs Financial Plan, Tees Up Start-Time Talks

     The Fairfax County School Board found Superintendent Michelle C. Reid in compliance with the division’s financial-planning guardrails during its Oct. 9, 2025, regular meeting, while...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 10, 2025
614. Financial Plan Clears Review as Start-Time Decision Looms

     Superintendent Michelle C. Reid cleared a financial planning review at the Oct. 9 meeting, while proposals involving K-12 start times, pre-K-12 goals and an accessible playground moved...

     Schools / Virginia / October 10, 2025
615. High School Marching Bands Enter a New Competitive Era

     High school marching bands have evolved into elaborate productions, with hundreds of performers, specialized staff and budgets reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 10, 2025
616. Stubborn Rockets Turn Failure Into a Flint Hill Science Lesson

     A launch-day setback gave Flint Hill Elementary School students a memorable lesson in science when their homemade rockets initially refused to leave the ground.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 10, 2025
617. Elite Baton Twirler Finds Her Way Back Under Friday Night Lights

     South County High School junior Mary Moore may be quiet and academically focused in the classroom, but at home football games, the 17-year-old becomes one of the school’s most...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 9, 2025
618. Fairfax’s New Western High School Could Save $280 Million

     Fairfax County Public Schools plans to open a new high school in western Fairfax County for the 2026-27 school year after acquiring a nearly 33-acre campus this summer.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 9, 2025
619. Fairfax’s New Western High School Targets 2026 Opening

     Fairfax County Public Schools plans to open a new high school in western Fairfax County for the 2026-27 school year after acquiring a nearly 33-acre campus formerly occupied by King...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 9, 2025
620. 50,000 Local Apples Bring Farm Lessons to Fairfax Classrooms

     A chorus of crunches replaced the usual classroom sounds at Lynbrook Elementary School as fourth graders marked Virginia Farm-to-School Week with local apples and a firsthand lesson in...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 8, 2025
621. Fairfax Students Beat SAT Averages as Major School Updates Arrive

     Fairfax County students in the Class of 2025 outperformed both Virginia and worldwide averages on the SAT, one of several developments announced for local families this week.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 8, 2025
622. Fairfax Students Beat Virginia and Global SAT Averages

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ Class of 2025 earned an average SAT score of 1183, outperforming Virginia’s average of 1112 and the global average of 1029.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 8, 2025
623. Falls Church School Board Hopefuls Back Climate Action, With Caveats

     Five candidates competing for four Falls Church City School Board seats broadly supported stronger climate action in the city’s public schools, though several emphasized costs,...

     Schools / Falls Church / October 7, 2025
624. Fairfax Students Beat SAT Benchmarks as Schools Launch New Programs

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ Class of 2025 outperformed both Virginia and global averages on the SAT while posting higher scores than the previous graduating class.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 6, 2025
625. Falls Church Teacher Earns Coveted White House History Spot

     A Falls Church second-grade teacher was one of just 60 educators nationwide selected for an intensive summer program that included rare after-hours access to the White House.

     Schools / Falls Church / October 6, 2025
626. Lifesaving Response Leads FCPS’ October Employee Honors

     Two emergency responses that may have saved lives earned Officer Dani Khalife one of Fairfax County Public Schools’ top employee recognitions for October 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 6, 2025
627. Officer’s Lifesaving Actions Lead October FCPS Honors

     A school safety officer whose rapid responses may have saved two lives led Fairfax County Public Schools’ employee recognitions for October 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 6, 2025
628. Woodson Coach’s Winning Season Teaches Lessons Beyond Basketball

     Doug Craig’s leadership of the Woodson High School boys varsity basketball team earned statewide recognition after a 2024-25 season that included three championships and a second-place...

     Schools / Virginia / October 6, 2025
629. Fairfax Seniors Outpace Virginia SAT Average by 71 Points

     Fairfax County Public Schools seniors in the Class of 2025 earned an average SAT score of 1183, beating Virginia’s average by 71 points and the global average by 154 points.

     Schools / Fairfax / October 3, 2025
630. The T-Shirts That Outlast Trends and Spark Surprise Reunions

     T-shirts may be simple, but they are hard to beat. They are lightweight, stretchy and, when made from cotton, comfortable in sweltering summer heat. They come in nearly every imaginable...

     Schools / Vienna / October 3, 2025
631. West Potomac Dancers Bring Ballet Within Reach for Girls With Down Syndrome

     Inside Just Dance studio near West Potomac High School, young dancers practice pliés and tendus at the barre with guidance from four teenage mentors.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / October 3, 2025
632. Tysse Eyes School Board Leadership in High-Stakes Reelection Bid

     Falls Church City School Board Vice Chair Kathleen Tysse is seeking another term in the Nov. 4, 2025, citywide election, arguing that her experience could help the division navigate...

     Schools / Falls Church / October 2, 2025
633. FCPS Nears Military-Family Milestone as Boundary Changes Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving closer to divisionwide recognition for supporting military families while preparing to unveil another boundary proposal and considering changes to...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 1, 2025
634. FCPS Weighs Start-Time Shifts as Major Boundary Update Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools opened October with decisions and deadlines affecting families across the division, including possible changes to school start times, a new boundary-review...

     Schools / Fairfax / October 1, 2025
635. Surprise $50,000 Prize Powers Marshall Academy’s Auto Program

     Rebecca Fenton walked into the showroom garage beside her Marshall Academy classroom expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she found administrators, television crews and current and former...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 30, 2025
636. Fairfax Schools Push Toward 100% Purple Star Status

     Fairfax County Public Schools is working to have all of its more than 200 schools earn Purple Star recognition by the 2026-27 school year, expanding support for the division’s more than...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 29, 2025
637. FCPS Expands Future-Ready Learning as Boundary Review Advances

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered the final days of September with new work underway on classroom innovation, student priorities and school boundaries, alongside events celebrating...

     Schools / McLean / September 29, 2025
638. FCPS Expands Future-Ready Push as New Boundary Map Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools launched the third year of its Lighthouse Schools program last week, advancing an effort to test new teaching strategies and technology before sharing...

     Schools / McLean / September 29, 2025
639. Robinson Supervisor’s Leadership Shines After 366-Ton Snow Cleanup

     Liliana Alfaro arrived at Robinson Secondary School this year with a record of leading custodial teams through demanding conditions—including a January snowstorm that left her previous...

     Schools / Falls Church / September 29, 2025
640. Fairfax Schools Prepare to Unveil Scenario 4 Boundary Map

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to release a new draft boundary map for public review at community meetings in October.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 26, 2025
641. Fairfax Sixth Graders Leap Two Years Ahead With Algebra 1

     More than 700 Fairfax County Public Schools sixth graders are taking Algebra 1 this year, a dramatic increase from the roughly 30 elementary students who typically enrolled in the high...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 26, 2025
642. One Green Bike Opened a Whole World of Childhood Freedom

     A green bicycle was both a childhood burden and a ticket to adventure, carrying its young rider through cold school mornings and carefree summer afternoons.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / September 26, 2025
643. Fairfax Schools Fight Federal Threat to $167 Million in Funding

     Fairfax County Public Schools has asked a federal appeals court to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from suspending as much as $167 million over the division’s bathroom and...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 25, 2025
644. FCPS Expands School Security as Gun Violence Concerns Intensify

     Fairfax County Public Schools is strengthening security across its campuses while urging families to help prevent children from accessing firearms at home.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 25, 2025
645. FCPS Launches Always-On Background Checks in Virginia First

     Fairfax County Public Schools has become the first school division in Virginia to use Rap Back, a system that continuously monitors criminal background information.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 24, 2025
646. The Wonder Years Was Closer to Home Than I Ever Imagined

     When I first watched “The Wonder Years,” Kevin Arnold’s adolescence seemed like a beautifully distant fiction. Only later did I discover that the show’s unnamed suburban world had roots...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / September 23, 2025
647. Fairfax Schools Add 17 Electric Buses, Launch 34-School Solar Push

     Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated two major clean-energy advances on Sept. 21: a long-planned solar initiative covering 34 elementary schools and the arrival of 17 additional...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 22, 2025
648. Fairfax Schools Roll Out New Safety Checks and Electric Buses

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered its sixth week of the 2025-26 school year with new safety measures, plans for a recently acquired high school and a packed schedule of community events.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 22, 2025
649. Fairfax Schools Roll Out New Safety Checks and Plan Major Changes

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered its sixth week of the 2025-26 school year with new safety measures, preparations to name a recently acquired high school and a packed calendar of...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 22, 2025
650. Fairfax Schools Unveil 34-School Solar Push, Expand Electric Bus Fleet

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked two major clean-energy milestones on Sept. 21, celebrating plans to install solar panels at 34 elementary schools and the arrival of 17 additional...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 22, 2025
651. Silverman Backs All-Day Phone Ban in Falls Church School Board Bid

     Lori K. Silverman is seeking another term on the Falls Church City School Board, campaigning on tighter student cellphone rules, careful budgeting and continued support for the...

     Schools / Falls Church / September 22, 2025
652. September Still Pulls Me Back Into the Classroom

     Every September, my thoughts return to the classroom and the happy rituals that once marked the beginning of a new school year.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / September 19, 2025
653. Circus Classroom Led Educator to a Lasting Role in Fairfax

     Scott Ralston’s path to Franklin Sherman Elementary School included construction work, Peace Corps service, well-capping in Mongolia, corporate auditing and two years teaching children...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 18, 2025
654. Fairfax Schools Launch Virginia’s First Continuous Background Checks

     Fairfax County Public Schools has become Virginia’s first school division to continuously monitor employees and certain other adults for new criminal records, replacing background checks...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 18, 2025
655. 262 Fairfax Students Earn National Merit Semifinalist Honors

     A total of 262 students from 19 Fairfax County public high schools have been named 2026 National Merit semifinalists, a 40% increase from 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 17, 2025
656. 262 FCPS Students Earn National Merit Semifinalist Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating 262 students from 19 high schools who were named 2026 National Merit semifinalists, a 40% increase from 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 17, 2025
657. Fairfax Schools Fight to Protect $167 Million in Federal Funding

     Fairfax County Public Schools has asked a federal appeals court to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from suspending as much as $167 million in funding during a dispute over...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 16, 2025
658. Fairfax Students Defy Tougher Tests as Scores and Honors Surge

     Fairfax County Public Schools students posted gains in reading, mathematics and science despite the introduction of new curricula and more difficult tests, while the division also...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 15, 2025
659. FCPS Scores Climb as Schools Launch a High-Energy Fall

     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...

     Schools / Springfield / September 15, 2025
660. Classroom CPR Training Helps Three Fairfax Students Save a Dad

     Three Longfellow Middle School eighth graders drew on school CPR lessons during a life-or-death emergency in March, helping save the father of one of the students after he collapsed...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 12, 2025
661. Fairfax National Merit Semifinalists Surge Nearly 40%

     Fairfax County Public Schools has 262 students from 19 high schools among the 2026 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, an increase of almost 40% from 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 11, 2025
662. FCPS Urges Families to Shield Children From Violent School Images

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid urged families to monitor children’s exposure to graphic footage following shootings at Evergreen High School in Colorado and...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 11, 2025
663. Louise Archer’s Legacy Becomes Final Marker in County History Project

     Students, educators, community members and former pupils gathered at Louise Archer Elementary School on Sept. 6 to dedicate a historical marker honoring the longtime teacher and principal.

     Schools / Vienna / September 11, 2025
664. FCPS Families Face Deadlines, Testing Changes and a $460 Million Vote

     Families across Fairfax County Public Schools face several approaching deadlines and schedule changes, from required health records and permission forms to October testing and a $460...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 10, 2025
665. FCPS Sets Deadlines as Bond Vote and Boundary Talks Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important deadlines and events this fall, including required student forms, immunization compliance, standardized testing,...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 10, 2025
666. Fairfax Schools Appeal as $167 Million in Federal Funding Hangs in Balance

     Fairfax County Public Schools appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Sept. 9 after a judge rejected its attempt to block federal funding conditions tied to...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 9, 2025
667. FCPS Unveils Renovated School, New Calendar and Student Supports

     Fairfax County Public Schools opened September with building improvements, new student-support efforts, staff honors and a division-wide calendar designed to make school events easier...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 8, 2025
668. Fairfax Schools Secure Herndon Campus at an Estimated $280M Savings

     Fairfax County Public Schools finalized its $150 million purchase of the former King Abdullah Academy property in Herndon on Friday, Aug. 15, securing a major new campus for western...

     Schools / Herndon / September 5, 2025
669. Fairfax Students Post SOL Gains Despite Tougher Tests

     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.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 5, 2025
670. FCPS Lands Herndon Campus at an Estimated $280 Million Savings

     Fairfax County Public Schools finalized its purchase of the former King Abdullah Academy campus in Herndon on Friday, Aug. 15, acquiring a ready-made educational site for $150 million.

     Schools / Herndon / September 5, 2025
671. Lemonade, Late Nights and the Paychecks Girls Could Find

     Labor Day brought back memories of the limited and lower-paying jobs available to girls in the 1950s—and of the small ventures that gave me my first taste of financial freedom.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / September 5, 2025
672. Robinson Secondary Pulls Off Rare Double Cup Victory

     Robinson Secondary School won the Virginia High School League National Guard Cup for both athletics and academic activities among Class 6 schools during the 2024-25 school year, a rare...

     Schools / Virginia / September 5, 2025
673. Fairfax School Boundary Review Enters Crucial Public Feedback Stage

     Fairfax County Public Schools is advancing its comprehensive boundary review, with hybrid community meetings beginning in September and updated draft boundary scenarios expected by...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 4, 2025
674. Fatal Student Overdose Stuns West Springfield Community

     A student recently died from an overdose outside of school in the West Springfield community, prompting Fairfax County Public Schools to alert families on Sept. 3, 2025, and urge greater...

     Schools / Springfield / September 4, 2025
675. FCPS Boundary Review Enters Crucial Fall Feedback Phase

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving into the next phase of its comprehensive boundary review, with community meetings beginning Sept. 15 and updated draft boundary scenarios expected...

     Schools / Oakton / September 4, 2025
676. FCPS Families Face Safety Drills, Phone Rules and Key September Closures

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to prepare for required safety drills, reinforce classroom cell phone rules and build strong attendance habits as the 2025-26...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 3, 2025
677. FCPS Honors Staff Who Quieted Classrooms, Averted Crises and Lifted Students

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ September 2025 FCPS CARES selections recognize employees whose work ranged from helping children through personal crises to restoring classrooms, resolving...

     Schools / Falls Church / September 3, 2025
678. Lockdown Drills, Phone Rules and Closures Shape FCPS September

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are being asked to prepare for mandatory safety drills, reinforce classroom cellphone restrictions and plan for schedule changes during the opening...

     Schools / Fairfax / September 3, 2025
679. Fairfax Schools Open With Faster Buses and Academic Gains

     Fairfax County Public Schools began the new school year with strong transportation, technology and academic results, Superintendent Michelle Reid reported in her Sept. 2 weekly update.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 2, 2025
680. FCPS Opens School Year With 97% On-Time Buses and Academic Gains

     Fairfax County Public Schools began the 2025-26 school year with 97% of buses arriving on time by the third day, quickly resolved technology issues and new signs of academic progress.

     Schools / Fairfax / September 2, 2025
681. Fairfax Schools Fight Freeze of Up to $167 Million in Federal Funds

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing legal action against the U.S. Department of Education after the agency moved to restrict access to as much as $167 million in federal funding...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 29, 2025
682. Fairfax Schools Sue as $167 Million in Federal Funds Hang in Balance

     Fairfax County Public Schools is taking the U.S. Department of Education to court after the agency moved to restrict access to as much as $167 million in federal funding amid a dispute...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 29, 2025
683. Falls Church Teacher Launches School Board Bid With Phone Crackdown

     Early childhood special education teacher Sharon Mergler launched her campaign for the Falls Church City School Board on Sunday, Aug. 24, calling for stronger family engagement, greater...

     Schools / Falls Church / August 29, 2025
684. Kindergarten Began With a Slammed Door—and a Lifelong Love of School

     My first day of kindergarten brought no tears or desperate clinging. I could hardly wait to enter the big, sunny classroom, and I barely waved goodbye to my mother.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / August 29, 2025
685. Minneapolis Shooting Renews Focus on FCPS School Security

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid expressed condolences to families affected by the Minneapolis school shooting and sought to reassure FCPS employees about...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 28, 2025
686. FCPS Announces Transcript Changes, Boundary Meetings and September Closures

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important deadlines and changes as the 2025-26 school year gets underway, including new permission forms, volunteer requirements,...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 27, 2025
687. FCPS Unveils Transcript Changes, Boundary Updates and New Math Tests

     Fairfax County Public Schools families face several deadlines and changes as the 2025-26 school year gets underway, including required permission forms, a new volunteer system, revised...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 27, 2025
688. Sherwood Seeks Full Term as Falls Church Schools Face AI, Budget Pressures

     Falls Church City School Board member Anne Sherwood launched her re-election campaign Aug. 24, asking voters for a full term as the district enters a new chapter under Superintendent Dr....

     Schools / Falls Church / August 26, 2025
689. Fairfax Schools Open With Staffing High and Bus Vacancies Down

     Fairfax County Public Schools began the new school year with 99.7% of positions considered critical to opening schools filled, the division’s highest rate in three years.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 25, 2025
690. Centreville Festival Gives 2,725 Students a Back-to-School Boost

     Thousands of people packed Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville on Saturday, Aug. 9, as its second annual Back-to-School Festival distributed 2,725 free backpacks filled with...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 22, 2025
691. Fairfax Schools Open With New Phone Rules and Security Upgrades

     Fairfax County Public Schools began the 2025–2026 academic year Monday, Aug. 18, bringing students back under tighter cellphone restrictions and expanded security measures as the...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 22, 2025
692. Fairfax County Schools Kick Off the Year With Celebrations

     Students returned to Fairfax County Public Schools on Aug. 20, launching the 2025-26 school year with traditions, family support and celebrations across the district.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 20, 2025
693. FCPS Families Face a Packed Back-to-School Checklist

     Fairfax County Public Schools opened the new school year with a long list of reminders for families, from completing ParentVUE forms and tracking bus delays to managing school meals and...

     Schools / Falls Church / August 20, 2025
694. Girls Flag Football Is Coming to Every FCPS High School

     Fairfax County Public Schools will pilot girls flag football at every high school beginning in fall 2025 through a partnership with the Washington Commanders.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 20, 2025
695. Award-Winning Teacher Launches Falls Church School Board Bid

     MaryKate “MK” Hughes launched her campaign for the Falls Church City School Board on Aug. 16, presenting her 25 years in public education as a way to bring an educator’s perspective...

     Schools / Falls Church / August 19, 2025
696. Fairfax County Students Return as New School Year Gets Underway

     Students across Fairfax County returned to classrooms on Aug. 18, beginning the 2025-26 school year with greetings from teachers, administrators and classmates.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 18, 2025
697. Fairfax Schools Roll Out New Safety Tools as Classes Begin

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered the 2025-26 school year with new transportation and background-check systems, expanded student programs and a push to strengthen support for...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 18, 2025
698. FCPS Opens New School Year With Big Changes and New Opportunities

     Fairfax County Public Schools will welcome students back Monday, August 18, for the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 17, 2025
699. Fairfax Schools Roll Out a ‘Soft Landing’ for Military Families

     Just days before the 2025-26 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools welcomed new and returning military-connected families with its first barbecue designed to help them build...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 15, 2025
700. FCPS Pushes Back as $160 Million in Federal Funding Hangs in Balance

     Fairfax County Public Schools is asking federal civil rights officials to halt action over the division’s bathroom and locker room policies while courts clarify the legal dispute.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 15, 2025
701. Graham Road Teachers Brave the Heat to Welcome Students Home

     Graham Road Elementary School staff took their back-to-school preparations into nearby neighborhoods, visiting students and families at their doorsteps before the new school year began.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / August 15, 2025
702. Ten-Cent Tickets Made Kiddieland the Ultimate Summer Escape

     After dinner on warm summer nights, the young crowd traded Rainbow Beach for Uncle John’s Kiddieland, a small amusement park at the edge of town. A local family operated the attraction...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / August 15, 2025
703. FCPS Families Face New Rules as First Day Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools families had five days left to prepare for the 2025-26 school year as of Wednesday, August 13. Classes begin Monday, August 18, with changes involving...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 13, 2025
704. Nearly 1,000 New Fairfax Teachers Launch Their First Year Together

     Nearly 1,000 new Fairfax County Public Schools teachers gathered at Hayfield Secondary School on Wednesday, Aug. 6, for a high-energy introduction to the school division and the year ahead.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 12, 2025
705. Spring Hill Principal Returns for a Remarkable 34th First Day

     Principal Amy Briggs is preparing for her 34th first day at Spring Hill Elementary School, continuing a connection that began when she entered the school as a kindergartener.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / August 12, 2025
706. Westfield Graduate Discovers the Hidden Workforce Behind Fairfax Schools

     When I graduated from Westfield High School in 2023, I had never heard of the Gatehouse Administration Center. Two years later, it became the place where I reported to work each morning...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 12, 2025
707. Westfield Graduate Discovers the Hidden Workforce Behind FCPS

     Two years after graduating from Westfield High School, I began reporting each morning to a Fairfax County Public Schools building I had never known existed.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 12, 2025
708. FCPS Unveils Bus-Tracking Pilot as New School Year Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to test a tablet-based school bus system designed to improve safety, navigation and student tracking as the division gets ready for the new...

     Schools / Tysons / August 11, 2025
709. Inside FCPS: 20 Student Interns Get a Close-Up Look at School Operations

     Twenty Fairfax County Public Schools students and recent graduates spent six weeks working alongside central office employees before closing the 2025 summer internship program with a...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 8, 2025
710. Summer Thrills Once Came Without Screens—or Safety Gear

     Summer vacation once seemed to stretch on for years, leaving children plenty of time to invent their own entertainment—and occasionally acquire a lasting scar.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / August 8, 2025
711. Fairfax School Boundary Review Enters Critical Five-Month Stretch

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving deeper into its comprehensive boundary review, with transportation findings, revised scenarios and a new round of community meetings expected this...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 7, 2025
712. Fairfax School Boundary Review Enters Crucial Five-Month Stretch

     Fairfax County Public Schools is advancing its comprehensive boundary review, with transportation findings expected in September and refined scenarios scheduled for public review this fall.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 7, 2025
713. Anderson Takes Helm as Fairfax Schools Face Major Boundary Overhaul

     Sandy Anderson has been elected chair of the Fairfax County School Board roughly a year and a half into her four-year term, putting her at the helm as the division confronts teacher...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 6, 2025
714. Fairfax Nonprofit Outfits 500 Students for the School Year

     A Fairfax nonprofit is working to provide new backpacks and essential supplies to 500 local students whose families are struggling with limited incomes.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 6, 2025
715. Fairfax Schools Add Election Day Closure as Classes Near

     Fairfax County students return to class Monday, August 18, for the 2025-26 school year, but families already have a new calendar change to track: all schools will close Tuesday,...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 6, 2025
716. FCPS Families Face a September Election-Day School Closure

     Fairfax County Public Schools will begin the 2025-26 school year on Monday, Aug. 18, with families being urged to complete registration, health records and other preparations before...

     Schools / Fairfax / August 6, 2025
717. Special Election Forces Fairfax Schools to Close September 9

     All Fairfax County Public Schools will close Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, when voters head to the polls for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 6, 2025
718. Fairfax Schools Pack Summer With Graduation, Arts and Academic Support

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading toward the new school year after a busy stretch of summer graduations, academic programs, arts camps, teacher preparation and community events.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 4, 2025
719. FCPS Summer Push Brings 104 Graduates and New Classroom Programs

     Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching the new academic year after a busy summer marked by graduation, academic support, teacher recruitment, arts programs and expanded services...

     Schools / Falls Church / August 4, 2025
720. New Falls Church Schools Chief Confronts AI, Phones and Rapid Growth

     Dr. Terry J. Dade is taking charge of Falls Church City Public Schools as the division prepares for the 2025-26 school year, bringing a promise to protect its record of academic success...

     Schools / Falls Church / August 4, 2025
721. Weapon Screening Expands to Every FCPS Middle and High School

     Fairfax County Public Schools will introduce its weapon screening system at all middle and high schools in fall 2025, expanding a safety initiative piloted at high schools during the spring.

     Schools / Fairfax / August 4, 2025
722. The “Beach” That Ruled One Midwestern Teen’s Summers

     When I moved to Arlington in 1976, I was puzzled by everyone talking about trips to “the beach.” It took an entire season to understand that they meant the edge of an actual ocean.

     Schools / Arlington / August 1, 2025
723. Three Fairfax Students Win National Merit College Scholarships

     Three Fairfax County Public Schools students have earned 2025 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, joining more than 800 National Merit finalists selected for an additional round...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 31, 2025
724. Fairfax Students Face a New School Meal Checkout Routine

     Fairfax County Public Schools families preparing for the 2025-26 school year have several tasks to complete before classes begin, including a significant change in the cafeteria:...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 28, 2025
725. A Motorcycle Kick-Start Ended With a Dinner-Table Collapse

     A shiny white motorcycle cruising Arlington has revived memories of a family riding tradition that began in 1949—and of one painful mishap that ended with a pitcher of ice water.

     Schools / Arlington / July 25, 2025
726. Fairfax Families Face Key Deadlines as First Day of School Nears

     Fairfax County families have several deadlines approaching as they prepare for the 2025-26 school year, including requests for testing support, applications for free meals and required...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 24, 2025
727. Fairfax Families Face Key Deadlines Before the First Day of School

     Fairfax County families have several deadlines and back-to-school tasks approaching before classes begin Monday, August 18, for the 2025-26 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 24, 2025
728. Falls Church Showcase Turns One Patio Into a Local Business Hub

     Harvey’s brought seven Falls Church businesses and nonprofits together on July 17 for an outdoor showcase centered on community ties, local services and collaboration.

     Schools / Falls Church / July 23, 2025
729. Oak Hill’s Money Camp Returns With Taxes, Jobs and ‘Banananas’

     Oak Hill Elementary School’s Money Camp returned after a five-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and school renovations, giving students a hands-on lesson in earning, spending...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 22, 2025
730. FCPS Summer Push Brings Big Wins and a New-School-Year Sprint

     Fairfax County Public Schools is using the summer months to celebrate student achievements, prepare leaders for the coming school year and continue serving thousands of students through...

     Schools / McLean / July 21, 2025
731. Young FCPS Inventors Take AI Pollination Project to Capitol Hill

     Two Willow Springs Elementary School students brought their award-winning vision for AI-powered crop pollination to national leaders as Fairfax County Public Schools continued a busy...

     Schools / McLean / July 21, 2025
732. Backyard Sprinklers Turned Scorching Summer Days Into Adventure

     On breathless summer days in southern Indiana, when the river basin heat made the earth feel as if it were on fire, one neighborhood mother could transform the afternoon simply by...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 18, 2025
733. Fairfax Safety Patrollers Go the Extra Mile to Protect Classmates

     Two Fairfax County Public Schools graduates earned AAA Safety Patroller of the Year honors after taking on major responsibilities to keep students safe during bus travel.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 18, 2025
734. Students Race to Stage a Full Musical in Just Three Weeks

     The Little Theater at Lake Braddock Secondary School is staying busy over summer break as 25 students prepare a full-length musical on a schedule resembling a professional production.

     Schools / Oakton / July 18, 2025
735. Kings Glen Students Turn Pizza Boxes Into Solar-Powered Ovens

     Kings Glen Elementary School students transformed pizza boxes, aluminum foil and plastic wrap into working solar ovens during the school’s CodeUP Summer Program.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 17, 2025
736. Big Changes Await Fairfax Students as New School Year Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools students return Monday, Aug. 18, with changes affecting elementary early-release days, high school cellphone use, bus technology, grading, cafeteria menus...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 16, 2025
737. Fairfax Baseball Standouts Land Coveted Picks in MLB Draft

     Two Fairfax County natives moved closer to professional baseball careers when their names were called in the 2025 MLB draft.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 16, 2025
738. Fairfax Board Shields Older Students From Forced School Moves

     Fairfax County students already enrolled in middle or high school will generally be able to remain at their current school when boundary changes take effect, under a revised phase-in...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 15, 2025
739. FCPS Expands Safety Checks as Summer Learning Reaches Thousands

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to enroll employees, volunteers and independent contractors in a continuous background-check monitoring system while summer classes,...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 14, 2025
740. FCPS Expands Summer Learning as Major Changes Move Forward

     Fairfax County Public Schools is keeping thousands of students engaged this summer while advancing a new continuous background-check system, reviewing school boundaries and reporting...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 14, 2025
741. Fairfax School Board Elects New Leadership After Delayed Meeting

     The Fairfax County School Board elected new leaders for the 2025-26 school year during a July 10 organizational meeting that started late because unforeseen circumstances affected the...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 11, 2025
742. Fairfax School Board Taps New Leadership for 2025-26

     The Fairfax County School Board elected Sandy Anderson as chair and Robyn Lady as vice chair for the 2025-26 school year during its July 10 regular meeting.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 11, 2025
743. Herndon Parent’s Grassroots Advocacy Earns Countywide Equity Award

     Herndon parent and community advocate Blanca Carbajal received the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award at the FCPS Equity Symposium in June.

     Schools / Herndon / July 11, 2025
744. Quorum Delay Gives Way to New Leadership at July 10 School Meeting

     A delayed July 10 meeting ended with new leadership for the 2025-26 school year as Springfield District member Sandy Anderson was elected chair and Dranesville District member Robyn Lady...

     Schools / Springfield / July 11, 2025
745. Sandy Anderson Takes Top Fairfax Schools Post

     Sandy Anderson was elected chair and Robyn Lady vice chair for the 2025-26 school year during a July 10 meeting of Fairfax County’s elected school leaders.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 11, 2025
746. The Playground Thrills Today’s Kids May Never Know

     Childhood playgrounds once felt like the closest thing to heaven. Even with a swing set and sandbox in my backyard, I preferred the public playground, where the swings soared higher and...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 11, 2025
747. Trump Administration Expands DEI Crackdown to George Mason

     The Trump administration opened a civil rights investigation Thursday into George Mason University’s hiring practices, extending its campaign against diversity policies to Virginia’s...

     Schools / Virginia / July 10, 2025
748. FCPS Unveils Major Grading and Cellphone Changes for Fall

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing families for major changes when classes resume Aug. 18, including new grading practices, tighter limits on personal devices and a revised...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 9, 2025
749. FCPS Unveils New Grading, Phone and Early-Release Rules

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing several major changes for the 2025-26 school year, including revised grading practices, tighter high school cellphone restrictions and a shift...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 9, 2025
750. Sparklers, Snakes and a Little Fourth of July Danger

     Long before organized fireworks displays became the centerpiece of the Fourth of July, the holiday offered children a rare thrill: permission to play with fire.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 4, 2025
751. Arlington School-Zone Cameras Stay Active for Summer Classes

     Four Arlington school-zone speed cameras will remain operational during the Arlington Public Schools Summer School Program, which runs from July 7 through Aug. 1, 2025.

     Schools / Arlington / July 2, 2025
752. Fairfax Student Representative Targets Discipline and Grading Gaps

     Faith Mekonen has begun a one-year term representing students on the Fairfax County School Board, with plans to focus on discipline disparities, student participation in policy...

     Schools / Fairfax / July 1, 2025
753. Nearly 950 Applicants Vie for FCPS’ First Summer Internships

     Fairfax County Public Schools welcomed its first group of summer interns July 1, launching a highly competitive paid program for current students and recent graduates.

     Schools / Fairfax / July 1, 2025
754. Student Representative Takes Aim at Grading and Discipline Gaps

     Faith Mekonen has begun a one-year term advocating for students in county education decisions, with grading rules, discipline disparities and student participation among her top priorities.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / July 1, 2025
755. FCPS Athletes Pile Up Spring Titles Across Virginia

     Fairfax County Public Schools athletes closed the 2025 spring season with a sweeping collection of state honors, including five team championships and 17 individual or relay titles in...

     Schools / Herndon / June 30, 2025
756. Clover Chains and Backyard Parades Ruled Summer Days

     On hot, windless summer days, neighborhood children found ways to stay busy for hours without screens. Against a soundtrack of cooing doves and buzzing locusts, clover chains and...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 29, 2025
757. Fairfax School Board Clears Demolition Plan for Former Clifton Elementary

     The Fairfax County School Board declared the former Clifton Elementary School building uninhabitable and directed the superintendent to prepare for its demolition during a June 26, 2025,...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 27, 2025
758. Former Clifton Elementary Declared Uninhabitable, Faces Demolition

     The former Clifton Elementary School building was declared uninhabitable on June 26, 2025, clearing the way for demolition and site cleanup at 7010 Clifton Road.

     Schools / Herndon / June 27, 2025
759. Fairfax Student Representative Targets Grading and Discipline Gaps

     Faith Mekonen, a rising senior at South County High School, will bring student concerns about grading, discipline and cellphone rules directly to the Fairfax County School Board during...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 26, 2025
760. Faith Mekonen Sets Grading and Discipline Priorities for Student Role

     Faith Mekonen, a rising senior at South County High School, will represent students in county education policy discussions during the 2025-26 school year.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 26, 2025
761. FCPS Closes School Year With Big Numbers and New Summer Support

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered its first official week of summer amid intense heat, with Superintendent Michelle Reid urging employees and families to take precautions while...

     Schools / Herndon / June 25, 2025
762. Colin Powell’s Fairfax Legacy Takes Its Place in History

     A new historical marker at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville will introduce generations of students to the longtime Fairfax County resident’s groundbreaking national service...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 24, 2025
763. Fairfax School Boundary Review Draws More Than 5,800 Comments

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving into the next stage of its comprehensive boundary review after thousands of residents weighed in on three draft scenarios. No boundary changes...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 24, 2025
764. School Boundary Review Surges Past 5,800 Public Comments

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ comprehensive boundary review is advancing after a spring engagement process generated thousands of comments and more than 100,000 votes on community feedback.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 24, 2025
765. Falls Church School Board Unanimously Backs Editor for Statewide Honor

     The Falls Church City School Board voted unanimously June 10 to nominate the editor and publisher of a local independent newspaper for the Virginia School Boards Association’s statewide...

     Schools / Falls Church / June 23, 2025
766. My Entire 1966 Wedding Cost Just $359.71

     Wedding season always takes me back to the modest ceremonies I attended in the 1960s and ’70s. Compared with today’s elaborate celebrations, they were Ford Pintos beside Cadillacs and...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 20, 2025
767. FCPS Taps Two New Leaders for Schools and Major Facilities

     Fairfax County Public Schools announced two leadership appointments June 18, bringing in experienced administrators to oversee Region 1 schools and the division’s facilities and capital...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 18, 2025
768. Four Fairfax High Seniors Win Top Honors at Graduation

     Four Fairfax High School graduates received special recognition during the school’s June 5 graduation ceremony, with awards celebrating service, citizenship, scholarship and leadership.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 18, 2025
769. FCPS Caps Graduation Season With Academic Gains and Student Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed out the 2024-25 school year with its final graduations, recognition for standout employees and students, and new data showing gains in advanced...

     Schools / Falls Church / June 16, 2025
770. FCPS Closes the School Year With Rising Achievement and Major Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools ended the 2024-25 school year with its final graduations, national recognition for young inventors, employee awards and new signs of academic progress.

     Schools / Falls Church / June 16, 2025
771. Fairfax Schools Advance $460 Million Bond Plan for November Ballot

     The Fairfax County School Board approved a resolution on June 12 asking the Board of Supervisors to place a $460 million school bond referendum before voters in the November 2025 general...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 13, 2025
772. Fairfax Schools Push $460 Million Bond Plan Toward November Ballot

     Fairfax County voters could decide in November whether to authorize $460 million in bonds for school construction and improvement projects.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 13, 2025
773. McLean Principal Tapped to Lead Instruction Across Fairfax Schools

     Dr. Ellen Reilly, principal of McLean High School since 2012, has been appointed Fairfax County Public Schools’ new assistant superintendent for Instructional Services.

     Schools / McLean / June 13, 2025
774. The 10-Cent Ice Cream Treats That Made Summer Magical

     School essays about summer vacation once felt painfully dull when the season’s biggest adventures were visiting relatives in Ohio, buying sweet corn for a dollar a dozen or racing a...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 13, 2025
775. Fairfax Schools Honor 12 Standout Employees at Awards Celebration

     Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools employees received top honors June 11 during a celebration at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 12, 2025
776. Fairfax Schools Shift to Summer With Free Meals and New Phone Rules

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed out the academic year on June 11 with summer learning opportunities, free meals, student honors and important updates for the 2025-26 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 11, 2025
777. FCPS Ends School Year With Tighter Phone Rules and Summer Support

     Fairfax County Public Schools ended the academic year by thanking families and community members for supporting students while directing them to summer meals, educational activities and...

     Schools / McLean / June 11, 2025
778. South County Students Give Vietnam Veterans a Long-Awaited Welcome

     Seventh graders from South County Middle School welcomed two Honor Flights at the World War II Memorial on June 3, offering veterans handmade gifts, personal messages and a reception...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 11, 2025
779. Tony Perkins Reveals the High School Class That Changed His Life

     Tony Perkins was a shy student during his first two years at Mount Vernon High School. By senior year, he was helping host the school’s variety show—a transformation he credits to one class.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 10, 2025
780. Eden Center Helped Me Embrace My Biracial Identity

     A memoir tucked inside my grandparents’ dusty armoire changed how I understood my own identity. In “The Unwanted,” Kien Nguyen recounts growing up in wartime Vietnam as the son of an...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 9, 2025
781. Fairfax Schools Mark Graduations, Awards and Major Expansion Plans

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed in on the end of the academic year with graduations, student honors, new college opportunities and community events, even as the division prepared...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 9, 2025
782. 10 Fairfax Students Win National Merit College Scholarships

     Ten Fairfax County Public Schools students representing five high schools have secured college-sponsored 2025 Merit Scholarship awards.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 6, 2025
783. A Croquet Set Turned One Backyard Into a Battleground

     When I was 9, my father came home with a croquet set for me—an unexpected gift from a man who usually left such things to my mother.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / June 6, 2025
784. Eid Shift, New Speed Cameras and Deadlines Hit Fairfax Schools

     A change in the timing of Eid al-Adha, the expansion of school-zone speed cameras and approaching testing deadlines are among the updates Fairfax County Public Schools families need as...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 4, 2025
785. Eid Shift, New Speed Cameras and Deadlines Reshape FCPS Summer

     Fairfax County Public Schools has adjusted its calendar after a lunar sighting moved the observance of Eid al-Adha one day earlier than anticipated. The holiday will begin at sundown...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 4, 2025
786. Two First-Year FCPS Best Buddies Chapters Win Top Honors

     Best Buddies chapters at Glasgow Middle School and Bonnie Brae Elementary School have been named Virginia and Washington, D.C.’s Outstanding Chapters of the Year in their respective...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 4, 2025
787. Fairfax Students Sweep 27 Categories at 2025 Cappies Gala

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned honors in 27 categories at the 2025 Cappies Gala, celebrating achievements onstage, behind the scenes and in theater criticism.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2025
788. FCPS Honors Educators and Staff Who Went Far Beyond the Job

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in its June 2025 FCPS CARES selections, highlighting educators, counselors, transportation workers, technicians and...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 3, 2025
789. After 50 Years With FCPS, This Educator Is Still Learning

     Sharon Saferstein arrived late for her Fairfax County Public Schools job interview in August 1972 after Hurricane Agnes caused widespread flooding and destruction. When she finally...

     Schools / Fairfax / June 2, 2025
790. Graduations, Scholarships and Record Runs Mark a Milestone Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered June with graduation ceremonies, a major school renovation, scholarship awards and a record-filled middle school track championship.

     Schools / Fairfax / June 2, 2025
791. Eid Date Shift Forces Late FCPS Calendar Changes

     Fairfax County Public Schools is modifying its calendar after updated lunar sightings moved the anticipated start of Eid al-Adha one day earlier.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 30, 2025
792. Fairfax Families Get a Summer Road Map for Learning, Health and Fun

     Fairfax County Public Schools has assembled a summer resource guide to help students stay active, curious and prepared for the next school year. The guide brings together learning...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 30, 2025
793. Herndon Senior Relearns to Walk, Then Dances Into Lead Role

     Less than a year after suffering life-threatening burns in a hiking accident, Herndon High School senior James Culatta took the stage as the dancing lead in the school’s spring 2025...

     Schools / Herndon / May 30, 2025
794. Homemade Pies Set a Standard Restaurants Still Can’t Match

     In the sweltering Southern Indiana summers of the 1950s, one mother managed to serve a hot meal and homemade dessert to her family of five every evening—usually by 5 or 5:30 p.m. She did...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 30, 2025
795. Fairfax Schools Seek Four Residents to Shape Long-Term Facility Plans

     The Fairfax County School Board is seeking community members to fill four seats on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, which helps guide long-term planning for school facilities.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 29, 2025
796. FCPS Seeks Four Community Advisers for Major Facilities Planning

     Applications are open for four community seats on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, which helps guide long-term planning for Fairfax County Public Schools buildings and other...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 29, 2025
797. Fairfax Schools Approve Budget After $121 Million in Cuts

     The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget after cutting $121 million from the school system’s needs-based proposal.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 28, 2025
798. FCPS Budget Passes After $121 Million in Reductions

     FCPS leaders unanimously approved the school division’s fiscal 2025-26 budget after making $121 million in reductions to a needs-based spending proposal developed with community...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 28, 2025
799. After 50 Years, This Special Education Teacher Still Sees an Impact

     Sara Kennedy could have retired years ago. Instead, the Union Mill Elementary School special education teacher continues returning to the classroom, guided by three questions: Does she...

     Schools / Vienna / May 27, 2025
800. Fairfax Schools Pair Major Wins With a Difficult $3.9 Billion Budget

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a week of student honors, classroom projects and community celebrations while confronting what district leaders called the most challenging budget...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 27, 2025
801. FCPS Celebrates Student Wins While Navigating a $149.6 Million Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a busy week of student achievements, community meetings and classroom visits while confronting a difficult budget season and preparing for changes to...

     Schools / McLean / May 27, 2025
802. Student-Built Retro Arcade Offers an Escape From Testing Stress

     Music from an ’80s playlist spills into the hallway outside an Edison Academy classroom. Inside, colorful LED lights shine over students and staff playing decades-old video games,...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 27, 2025
803. Fairfax Schools Approve $121 Million in Painful Budget Cuts

     The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget on May 22, adopting $121 million in reductions that will increase class sizes and cut funding for several...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 23, 2025
804. Fairfax Schools Approve Historic Pay Deal Amid $121 Million Gap

     The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a fiscal 2026 budget on May 22 that raises employee compensation while making significant cuts to close a $121 million shortfall.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 23, 2025
805. Fairfax Schools Approve Raises While Cutting $121 Million

     The school board unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget on May 22, pairing employee raises with larger classes and significant reductions to staffing, programs and classroom...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 23, 2025
806. Fairfax Schools Pair Historic Pay Deal With $121 Million in Cuts

     Local education leaders unanimously approved the fiscal 2026 budget on May 22, securing substantial employee raises and a landmark collective bargaining agreement while making difficult...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 23, 2025
807. Memorial Day Ritual Turns Grief Into a Family Tradition

     Before Memorial Day became the anchor of a long weekend, it was known as Decoration Day. Shoppers on Main Street dropped coins into veterans’ buckets and received red crepe-paper poppies...

     Schools / Arlington / May 23, 2025
808. Chickens Take Over Whitman Courtyard—and Transform School Life

     A month-long science lesson at Whitman Middle School has grown into a year-round program, with a flock of chickens now helping students learn, focus and find calm during the school day.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 22, 2025
809. Quander Road Senior Turns Hands-On Talent Into HVAC Career

     Jared Terceros-Grundy is graduating from Quander Road School in Alexandria with advanced HVAC credentials, a championship basketball season behind him and plans to begin a career in the...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 22, 2025
810. 24 Fairfax Schools Win Virginia’s Highest Music Honor

     Twenty-four Fairfax County Public Schools earned the 2025 Virginia Music Educators Association Blue Ribbon Award for musical excellence.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 21, 2025
811. Five Fairfax Seniors Win Corporate-Backed Merit Scholarships

     Five Fairfax County Public Schools seniors have secured corporate-sponsored scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 21, 2025
812. FCPS Leader Pushes Accessibility Into Classrooms and Technology

     Nicole Warwick’s path from Fairfax County Public Schools student to senior manager of Vision and Hearing Services has placed her at the center of efforts to improve education for...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 20, 2025
813. FCPS Sets Budget Vote as Boundary and Early-Release Changes Loom

     Fairfax County public school families face several important decisions and deadlines as the academic year winds down, including a final vote on the fiscal 2026 budget, proposed boundary...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 20, 2025
814. FCPS Sets Early-Release Shift as Budget and Boundary Votes Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for major decisions on its fiscal 2026 budget and school boundaries while confirming that limited early-release days will continue at...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 20, 2025
815. Chickens Transform Whitman’s Courtyard Into a Living Classroom

     A science lesson at Whitman Middle School has grown into a permanent campus attraction, with a flock of Novogen Brown chickens helping students learn, focus and find calm during the...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 19, 2025
816. Fairfax Elementary Schools Shift Early Release Days to Wednesdays

     Fairfax County Public Schools will move its limited early release schedule from Mondays to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year, addressing conflicts caused by Monday holidays and...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2025
817. Fairfax Students Capture Top Honors at Global Science Fair

     Eleven Fairfax County Public Schools students earned category or special awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Columbus, Ohio, during the week before May 19, 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2025
818. FCPS Celebrates Major Milestones as Boundary Review Push Expands

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered a busy stretch in May with a renovated elementary school, statewide and national honors, historic student achievements and a new round of community...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2025
819. FCPS Celebrates Milestones as Boundary Review Meetings Expand

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered a busy stretch in May with major student and staff achievements, a completed elementary school renovation and a new round of community meetings on...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 19, 2025
820. After 52 Years at Bailey’s, Joyce Sisk Is Finally Crossing Home

     Joyce Sisk began working at Bailey’s Elementary School in 1972, following her sons across the street from their home to become a cafeteria hostess. At the end of the 2024-25 school year,...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 16, 2025
821. Arlington Grads Deliver a Ceremony Worth Celebrating

     I was dreading my Arlington granddaughter’s high school graduation. I expected long speeches capable of putting even a sugar-fueled five-year-old to sleep. Offering advice to teenagers...

     Schools / Arlington / May 16, 2025
822. Carson Counselors Urge Teens and Teachers to Protect Their Well-Being

     Rachel Carson Middle School counselors are encouraging teens and school employees to build support systems, set boundaries and make time for restorative activities during Mental Health...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 16, 2025
823. Pride, Pierogi and Performances Pack a Busy May Weekend

     WorldPride’s arrival, a Victorian-era celebration, live music, comedy, art, theater and the debut home match of a new professional sports team fill the Washington region’s calendar...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 15, 2025
824. School Bus Fines Begin as FCPS Budget Vote Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools has begun issuing citations to drivers caught illegally passing stopped school buses, while the School Board prepares for key budget decisions and families...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 14, 2025
825. Fairfax Schools Earn National Music Education Honor for 12th Time

     Fairfax County Public Schools has again been named one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, marking the school division’s 12th time receiving the recognition.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 13, 2025
826. Falls Church Schools Win Rare National Honor for Student Service

     Falls Church City Public Schools is one of only six districts nationwide to receive Youth Service America’s 2025 Gold Ribbon School District in Service-Learning award.

     Schools / Falls Church / May 13, 2025
827. Chantilly Student Turns Roadside Breakdown Into a Rescue

     A Chantilly High School senior used skills learned in the classroom to diagnose and repair a stranger’s car after it broke down, saving the driver from a long wait for a tow.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 12, 2025
828. Fairfax Schools Eye Boundary Changes, Testing and New Student Supports

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for major decisions on school boundaries, next year’s budget, student inclusion and state testing while celebrating achievements across...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 12, 2025
829. FCPS Unveils Boundary Plans as Schools Mark Major Milestones

     Fairfax County Public Schools moved forward on several major initiatives during the week of May 12, including proposed boundary changes, an amended fiscal 2026 budget and plans to expand...

     Schools / Oakton / May 12, 2025
830. Justice High Finds Love’s Strange Magic in “Almost, Maine”

     Love became funny, fragile and wonderfully strange in Justice High School’s production of Almost, Maine. Expressive performances, sharp comic timing and a dreamlike design brought warmth...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 12, 2025
831. Fairfax Board Tightens High School Cellphone Rules for 2025-26

     Fairfax County high school students will face tighter cellphone restrictions during the 2025-26 school year under updated Student Rights and Responsibilities rules approved by the School...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 9, 2025
832. Fairfax School Board Tightens High School Cellphone Rules

     Fairfax County high school students will face tighter cellphone restrictions during the 2025-26 school year under changes approved by the School Board.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 9, 2025
833. Fairfax School Board Tightens Student Cellphone Rules for 2025-26

     Fairfax County students in grades nine through 12 will face tighter cellphone restrictions during the 2025-26 school year under regulations approved by the School Board on May 8.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 9, 2025
834. FCPS Tightens High School Cellphone Rules for 2025-26

     Fairfax County students in grades nine through 12 will face tighter cellphone restrictions during the 2025-26 school year under regulations approved by the School Board on May 8.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 9, 2025
835. Southern Kids Turned Lizards Into Living Earrings

     Growing up in the North, we knew how to turn the outdoors into a playground—and sometimes a jewelry box. We whistled with spinning maple seeds, tasted nectar from honeysuckle blossoms...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 9, 2025
836. Two FCPS Storytellers Earn Honors for Building Trust

     Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated two communications professionals whose work helps guide schools through crises and captures everyday moments across the division.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 9, 2025
837. Alexandria Students Fight Plan Giving Principal Final Say on News

     Alexandria City High School journalists are pushing back against a proposed policy that could give their principal the final word over stories published in the student newspaper, Theogony.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 8, 2025
838. Fairfax Spelling Champion Takes Her Skills to the National Stage

     Rocky Run Middle School eighth grader Nikita Ramakrishnan is heading to the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning the 2025 Fairfax County Spelling Bee in March.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 8, 2025
839. 32 Scholars Honored as Fairfax Hispanic Leaders Celebrate Achievement

     The Hispanic Leadership Alliance, an employee group within Fairfax County Public Schools, honored 32 high school seniors, adult learners and community leaders with scholarships on May 7,...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2025
840. Alexandria Students Fight Proposal Giving Principal Final Say

     Alexandria City High School student journalists are pushing back against a proposed policy that could give the principal final authority over what their newspaper, Theogony, publishes.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 7, 2025
841. Fairfax Students Claim 28 National Merit Scholarships

     Twenty-eight Fairfax County Public Schools students have each won a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, joining approximately 2,500 finalists selected nationwide for the awards in 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2025
842. FCPS Budget Decisions Loom as Summer Internships Open

     Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching key fiscal year 2026 budget decisions while celebrating teachers and staff and launching a paid summer internship program for students.

     Schools / Herndon / May 7, 2025
843. FCPS Budget Decisions Loom as Summer Opportunities Take Shape

     Fairfax County Public Schools is heading into a pivotal stretch of budget hearings, boundary-review meetings and end-of-year programs while celebrating teachers and staff across the...

     Schools / Herndon / May 7, 2025
844. FCPS Honors Educators Who Stepped Up When Students Needed Them Most

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ May 2025 CARES recognitions spotlight employees whose support extended far beyond their regular duties, from sheltering children during a family emergency...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2025
845. FCPS Honors Staff Who Stepped Up in Classrooms and Crises

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ May 2025 CARES recognitions spotlighted employees whose work ranged from helping students graduate to responding to medical emergencies, power outages and...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 7, 2025
846. Mother’s Day Weekend Brings Music, Theater and Art Across the Region

     Mother’s Day weekend arrives with a packed lineup across Northern Virginia and Washington, including brunch and tea, live jazz, family dancing, major stage productions and new gallery...

     Schools / Tysons / May 7, 2025
847. Fairfax Middle School Esports Debut Wins Over Parents

     Fairfax County Public Schools launched its first middle school esports season this spring, giving students at Key Middle School, Robinson Secondary School, and Hughes Middle School a new...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2025
848. Falls Church Schools Tap Terry Dade as Next Superintendent

     Terry J. Dade will become the next superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools following a unanimous School Board vote.

     Schools / Falls Church / May 6, 2025
849. FCPS Draft Maps Aim to Bring Crowded Schools Below 105% Capacity

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ boundary review committee examined draft attendance maps on May 5 designed to reduce enrollment at substantially overcrowded schools to no more than 105%...

     Schools / Falls Church / May 6, 2025
850. Five Nurses Quietly Shape Student Health Across Fairfax Schools

     Five registered nurses work largely behind the scenes to support the health and safety of students throughout Fairfax County Public Schools.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 6, 2025
851. West Potomac Students Find Their Voice in a Music Studio Classroom

     Luke Pierce’s Music and Computer Technology classroom at West Potomac Academy is filled with soundboards and headphones, but students say its most important feature is the freedom to...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 6, 2025
852. Falls Church Schools Set to Name 10th Superintendent

     Falls Church City Public Schools will announce and welcome the district’s 10th superintendent during a special School Board meeting on Monday, May 5.

     Schools / Falls Church / May 5, 2025
853. FCPS Celebrates Standout Staff and Students as Budget Pressure Builds

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week by highlighting the educators, support employees and students shaping the division, even as a potential $150...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 5, 2025
854. FCPS Celebrates Standout Students as $150 Million Budget Gap Looms

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a packed week of student performances, employee discussions and staff recognition as Superintendent Michelle Reid warned that a $150 million funding...

     Schools / Fairfax / May 5, 2025
855. Hybla Valley Joins 25-Year Track Tradition for the First Time

     A 25-year-old program linking young athletes with their future high school is expanding this spring as Hybla Valley Elementary School students prepare to compete for the first time.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 5, 2025
856. Students Turn Old Cafeteria Into Timberwolf Lodge

     Mountain View High School students unveiled the Timberwolf Lodge in April, revealing their transformation of an old cafeteria into a welcoming space for gathering and creative work.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 5, 2025
857. Two FCPS Teachers Stand Out for Leadership Beyond the Classroom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is highlighting two award-winning educators during National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, observed May 5–9, 2025.

     Schools / Fairfax / May 5, 2025
858. A Maypole Dance Turned One Sixth-Grader Into a Fashion Pioneer

     For years, I would have insisted that May Day celebrations played no part in my childhood. Then a friend I had known since age four reminded me of a night at Adams Coliseum, where we had...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 2, 2025
859. Hidden 1939 School Wall Becomes Centerpiece of Vienna Renovation

     A wall concealed behind brick for decades has reemerged as a powerful link to the segregated schoolhouse that once served Black children across the Vienna area.

     Schools / Vienna / May 2, 2025
860. Hidden Wall Brings Vienna School’s Segregated Past Into View

     A wall concealed behind brick for decades now anchors the renovated lobby of Louise Archer Elementary School, reconnecting the Vienna campus with its beginnings as a three-room school...

     Schools / Vienna / May 2, 2025
861. Westfield Senior Takes the Baton for Ambitious Spring Musical

     Westfield High School senior Sean Salas stepped out of the percussion section and into the conductor’s role when the school’s theater program decided to bring a live orchestra to its...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / May 2, 2025
862. $150 Million FCPS Budget Gap Puts Programs at a Crossroads

     Fairfax County Public Schools could face significant cuts under a proposed county budget that leaves the school division underfunded by $150 million.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 30, 2025
863. 800 Young Singers Mark 50 Years of a Fairfax Musical Tradition

     More than 800 sixth graders filled a Fairfax County auditorium with music as the All-County Choral Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 30, 2025
864. Fairfax Schools Warn of $150 Million Budget Gap as Key Deadlines Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools could face significant cuts as the Board of Supervisors prepares to finalize the county budget beginning Tuesday, May 6. The advertised budget leaves the...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 30, 2025
865. Irving Gives Departing Military Students a Lasting Token

     Irving Middle School is giving military-connected students a special reminder of their time on campus as they prepare for another move: a challenge coin designed and produced at the school.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 29, 2025
866. FCPS Celebrates Big Wins as a $150 Million Budget Gap Looms

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered the final days of April celebrating environmental projects, student achievements, renovated classrooms and community partnerships while confronting...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2025
867. FCPS Zeroes In on Elementary Split Feeders in Boundary Review

     Fairfax County Public Schools is focusing on elementary-level split feeders as it considers targeted boundary changes intended to minimize disruption for students.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2025
868. Student Triumphs Mount as $150 Million School Gap Threatens Programs

     Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated environmental projects, student achievements, renovated facilities and community events during the week of April 28, even as a projected $150...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 28, 2025
869. TJ Class of 2029 Draws 550 Offers From a Record-Wide Pool

     Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology offered admission to 550 students for its Class of 2029, marking the fifth consecutive year that every Fairfax County public...

     Schools / Falls Church / April 28, 2025
870. A Black Thumb Couldn’t Stop a Lifelong Love of Flowers

     Flowers shaped some of my happiest childhood memories, even though I never developed a talent for growing them.

     Schools / Arlington / April 25, 2025
871. Fairfax Schools Approve Solar Power Deal for 15 Elementary Campuses

     The Fairfax County School Board approved a solar power contract covering 15 elementary schools during its April 24, 2025, regular meeting. Members also adopted new social studies...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 25, 2025
872. Military Life Shapes Fairfax Teacher’s Classroom of Belonging

     Bucknell Elementary School teacher Neika Smith knows how difficult it can be for military children to repeatedly leave behind familiar schools, friends and support systems.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 25, 2025
873. Solar Power Deal Approved for 15 Elementary Schools

     A contract to provide solar power to 15 elementary schools and new social studies instructional materials won approval during the April 24, 2025, regular board meeting.

     Schools / Springfield / April 25, 2025
874. Chantilly Students Turn Salon Skills Into Day Prom Makeovers

     Chantilly Academy cosmetology students put their classroom training to work by helping peers prepare for Day Prom, continuing a service tradition now in its second year.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2025
875. FCPS Faces $150 Million Budget Gap as Major Changes Loom

     Fairfax County Public Schools is confronting a projected $150 million funding shortfall while moving ahead with changes to advanced math placement, new school-safety technology and a...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2025
876. Measles Warning, Budget Gap and Summer Plans Top Fairfax School News

     Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to review measles vaccinations as cases rise nationwide, while the school division confronts a projected $150 million funding gap...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2025
877. Northern Virginia’s Weekend Bursts With Books, Art and Theater

     Northern Virginia and the Washington area head into the final weekend of April with a crowded calendar of festivals, performances, exhibitions and outdoor activities. Highlights include...

     Schools / Falls Church / April 24, 2025
878. Teen Stabbed in West Potomac Hallway as Students Looked On

     A 16-year-old student was seriously injured in a stabbing inside West Potomac High School in Mount Vernon after three students became involved in a physical fight, Fairfax County police...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 24, 2025
879. Five Fairfax Students Win National Merit Corporate Scholarships

     Five Fairfax County Public Schools students have secured corporate-sponsored scholarships in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 23, 2025
880. Student Recovering, Suspect Held After West Potomac Violence

     A student was recovering and a suspect was in custody following an act of violence at West Potomac High School on April 23, 2025, according to Fairfax County Public Schools...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 23, 2025
881. Fairfax Schools Warn $150 Million Gap Could Reach Classrooms

     Fairfax County Public Schools says the county’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget leaves the division $150 million short, creating the possibility of larger classes, fewer services and changes...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2025
882. Her Son’s Autism Journey Inspired a New Life in the Classroom

     When Nuril Kingsley began searching for better support for her autistic son, she did not know the journey would eventually lead her into a classroom of her own.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2025
883. Veteran FCPS Bus Driver Honored for Courage Under Pressure

     For 17 years, Tashima Bradshaw has helped Fairfax County students travel safely to and from school, stepping in wherever she is needed and responding calmly when a routine ride becomes...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 22, 2025
884. Brookfield Office Assistant Turns Late Arrivals Into Caring Connections

     Amy Yoham is often among the first people families encounter at Brookfield Elementary School. Since joining the school in 2020, the office assistant has earned praise for helping...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 21, 2025
885. Chantilly Student’s Roadside Rescue Leads FCPS Spring Highlights

     A Chantilly High School student used skills from the school’s Auto Technology program to rescue a stranded driver, one of several student and staff achievements highlighted across...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2025
886. Clearview Students Take Science Lessons Into the Wild

     Clearview students are trading screens for soil, water and fresh air as outdoor learning becomes a regular part of the school week.

     Schools / Virginia / April 21, 2025
887. FCPS Faces $150 Million Budget Gap as Students Rack Up Wins

     A Chantilly High School student’s roadside act of kindness is showing how classroom skills can make an immediate difference in the community.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 21, 2025
888. Students Turn Nearly 30 Tons of Lunch Scraps Into Compost

     Marshall Road Elementary School students have transformed nearly 30 tons of lunch waste into compost since January 2023, turning a once-messy experiment into an everyday routine.

     Schools / Virginia / April 17, 2025
889. Frost Middle Unveils Major Expansion as FCPS Faces $150 Million Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked the completion of a sweeping renovation at Frost Middle School while students, families and staff continued raising concerns about the division’s...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 15, 2025
890. Frost Renovation Opens as FCPS Faces $150 Million Budget Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked the completion of a major Frost Middle School renovation while confronting a proposed county budget that leaves the division $150 million short of...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 15, 2025
891. Spring Break Becomes Catch-Up Time at More Than 30 Fairfax Schools

     Spring break began April 14 for most Fairfax County Public Schools students, but small groups at more than 30 schools returned to class for extra academic support.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 15, 2025
892. 13 Honorees Drive a New Push for Inclusion in Fairfax Schools

     Thirteen individuals and teams received First Class Awards in March for improving inclusion, accessibility and educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 14, 2025
893. FCPS Boundary Review Moves Public Input to May and June

     Fairfax County Public Schools is shifting community engagement on its boundary review to May and June, giving families and other residents time to examine initial draft scenarios before...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 14, 2025
894. $150 Million FCPS Budget Gap Could Hit Classrooms and Pay

     Fairfax County Public Schools could face larger classes, fewer student services and renewed salary negotiations if county leaders do not close a $150 million funding gap, Superintendent...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 11, 2025
895. 23 Fairfax Teachers Secure Prestigious National Certification

     Twenty-three Fairfax County Public Schools teachers have earned or renewed certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 11, 2025
896. Budget Review Advances as 23 Teachers Earn Certification Honors

     A fiscal 2025 budget review advanced alongside a major celebration of teacher achievement during the April 10, 2025, regular education meeting, where officials recognized 23 educators...

     Schools / Herndon / April 11, 2025
897. Fairfax School Board Approves Budget Review, Delays Social Studies Vote

     The Fairfax County School Board approved its fiscal 2025 third-quarter budget review and a sole-source contract with Teach for America during an April 10 regular meeting, but deferred...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 11, 2025
898. Pig Latin Was the Secret Code Adults Could Never Crack

     Many childhood ambitions fade with time. One of mine was becoming bilingual, with French as the goal. I fell in love with la belle langue during three years of high school study and took...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 11, 2025
899. Fairfax High Schools Begin Random Weapons Detection Screenings

     Fairfax County Public Schools will begin conducting weapons screenings at randomly selected high schools and secondary schools in April 2025, including nontraditional campuses.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 10, 2025
900. Surprise Weapons Screenings Coming to Every FCPS High School

     Fairfax County Public Schools will begin testing a weapons screening system at high schools this spring as part of a districtwide safety pilot.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 10, 2025
901. Bus Camera Warnings Begin as FCPS Faces a $150 Million Budget Gap

     Fairfax County Public Schools began warning drivers on April 9 about illegally passing stopped school buses, launching a 30-day education period before citations start May 12.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 9, 2025
902. Tysons Weekend Packs Ballet, Broadway and a Gatsby Centennial

     A busy weekend across Northern Virginia and Washington brings ballet to Tysons, Broadway favorites to Fairfax, major theatrical productions throughout the region and a 100th-anniversary...

     Schools / Tysons / April 9, 2025
903. 182 FCPS Musicians Earn Spots in Elite All-Virginia Ensembles

     A rigorous statewide audition process has earned 182 Fairfax County Public Schools students places in the 2025 All-Virginia Band, Chorus and Orchestra.

     Schools / McLean / April 8, 2025
904. FCPS Pushes Toward Purple Star Status Across 200-Plus Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools is working to secure Purple Star recognition for every school in the division by the 2026-27 school year, expanding support for more than 13,500...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2025
905. Four FCPS Assistant Principals Honored for Leadership That Reaches Beyond Classrooms

     Four Fairfax County Public Schools assistant principals are being recognized during National Assistant Principals Week, observed April 7–11, for their work supporting students,...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 8, 2025
906. FCPS Celebrates National Honors as $150 Million Budget Gap Looms

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered April with national student honors, new funding for college access and attendance programs, and a packed schedule of arts, athletics and community...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 7, 2025
907. FCPS Honors April Standouts Who Went Far Beyond the Classroom

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in April 2025 for exceptional service to students, families and colleagues. The nominations highlighted educators,...

     Schools / Herndon / April 7, 2025
908. Four FCPS Projects Capture Grand Prizes at Virginia Science Fair

     Four Fairfax County Public Schools projects earned grand prizes at the 2025 Virginia Science and Engineering Fair, advancing their student creators to an international competition.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 7, 2025
909. Lewis High’s Student Soccer League Ties Playing Time to Grades

     A student-run soccer league at John R. Lewis High School in Springfield has grown from 15 players into a year-round program involving about 150 students — roughly 10% of the school’s...

     Schools / Springfield / April 7, 2025
910. Fairfax Student Writers Capture 196 Regional Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 196 honors in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards, including 24 Gold Keys that automatically advanced to national consideration.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 4, 2025
911. Obituaries Open a Door to Remarkable Lives

     I read almost anything, from toothpaste packaging to museum displays. But one category holds a special fascination for me: obituaries.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 4, 2025
912. Alexandria Scholar-Athletes Earn March Honors Across 10 Sports

     Eleven Alexandria-area student-athletes were recognized as March Athletes of the Month during the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club’s March 19 meeting at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / April 3, 2025
913. Fairfax Basketball Stars Dominate Class 6 All-State Honors

     Fairfax County student-athletes secured prominent places on the 2024-25 Virginia High School League Class 6 All-State Basketball Teams, led by South Lakes High School’s Jordan Scott as...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 3, 2025
914. Falls Church Weekend Packs in Home Tours, Live Music and Theater

     Falls Church and the surrounding region will welcome April with a packed weekend of home tours, concerts, circus performances, theater and art exhibitions. One of the biggest local draws...

     Schools / Falls Church / April 3, 2025
915. Fairfax Schools Face $150 Million Budget Gap as Key Deadlines Near

     Fairfax County Public Schools is warning that its programs could face cuts under a proposed county budget that leaves the school division $150 million short of its requested funding.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 2, 2025
916. FCPS Faces $150 Million Budget Gap as May Vote Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is warning that its programs could face cuts under a county budget proposal that falls $150 million short of the school division’s requested funding.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 2, 2025
917. Fairfax County Students Capture 31 National Scholastic Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 31 national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, securing recognition for work spanning visual art, photography, jewelry and writing.

     Schools / Fairfax / April 1, 2025
918. Fairfax Schools Face $150 Million Gap as Students Earn Top Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed March with national award recognition, student performances, community meetings and new academic initiatives — but also a warning that a proposed...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 1, 2025
919. Falls Church Kicks Off a Busy April With Fitness, Jobs and a Cup Clash

     Falls Church is opening April with a monthlong community fitness challenge, a student job fair and Virginia Dream FC’s biggest test yet in the U.S. Open Cup.

     Schools / Falls Church / April 1, 2025
920. FCPS Celebrations Meet a Stark $150 Million Budget Warning

     Fairfax County Public Schools closed March with student achievements, classroom visits, performances and athletic events — alongside warnings about a $150 million budget gap and major...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 1, 2025
921. Rachel Carson Counseling Program Earns National Model Status

     Rachel Carson Middle School’s counseling program has earned the 2025 Recognized ASCA Model Program designation for demonstrating benefits for all students through comprehensive...

     Schools / Fairfax / April 1, 2025
922. Beyond Books: How FCPS Libraries Keep Students Learning

     April’s School Library Month highlights how Fairfax County Public Schools libraries give students far more than a place to check out books.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 28, 2025
923. Comic Books Once Bought Adventure—and Playground Status

     Long before reading became a digital habit, comic books offered mayhem, mischief and adventure for just 10 cents. As someone who will even read the same cereal box morning after morning,...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 28, 2025
924. Fairfax Rally Turns Trans Visibility Into a Call for Solidarity

     Local LGBTQ advocates gathered outside Luther Jackson Middle School in Merrifield on Thursday evening, celebrating the upcoming Transgender Day of Visibility while urging the community...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 28, 2025
925. FCPS Boundary Panel Tests Major School Assignment Scenarios

     Fairfax County Public Schools’ Boundary Review Advisory Committee examined school assignment data and tested hypothetical enrollment changes during its March 26 meeting at the Gatehouse...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 27, 2025
926. FCPS Energy Cuts Deliver More Than $100 Million in Savings

     Fairfax County Public Schools has saved more than $100 million in cumulative energy costs since 2013 after sharply reducing energy use across its buildings.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 27, 2025
927. FCPS Energy Overhaul Delivers More Than $100 Million in Savings

     Fairfax County Public Schools has saved more than $100 million in cumulative energy costs since 2013 after sharply reducing consumption across more than 28 million square feet of...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 27, 2025
928. Pandemic Boredom Turns Chocolate Box Into Student’s First Patent

     What began as a fifth grader’s homemade pandemic pastime has turned Kasra Karimi into a patent holder before finishing middle school.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 27, 2025
929. Fairfax Board Approves Later Start-Time Pilot for Mason Middle Schools

     Fairfax County’s Mason District will serve as a testing ground for later middle school start times after the School Board unanimously approved a pilot program on March 27.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 26, 2025
930. Fairfax Schools Prepare Major Start-Time Survey as Honors Pile Up

     Fairfax County Public Schools will ask families, employees and older students to weigh in on potentially changing school start times across the division, with a continuing goal of...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 26, 2025
931. FCPS Eyes Later Start Times as Major Family Survey Nears

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to ask families, employees and students whether school start times should change across the division.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 26, 2025
932. Herndon Students Turn Friendsgiving Favorite Into Winning School Lunch

     A Friendsgiving-inspired meal created by four Herndon High School seniors is headed for Fairfax County school cafeterias after winning a regional student cooking competition.

     Schools / Herndon / March 25, 2025
933. Musk and Youngkin Target Fairfax Schools Over Gender Identity Debate

     Fairfax County Public Schools is facing national political pressure over the possibility of introducing gender identity instruction at the elementary school level.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 25, 2025
934. Nine Fairfax Student Projects Advance to International Science Fair

     Nine Fairfax County Public Schools projects earned Grand Prize awards at the 70th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, making their student researchers eligible...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 25, 2025
935. FCPS Charts Literacy Gains and Plans Major Robotics Expansion

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported encouraging early-literacy results and announced plans to bring robotics teams to every school as Superintendent Michelle Reid highlighted a busy...

     Schools / Oakton / March 24, 2025
936. FCPS Robotics Expansion Caps a Week of Student Milestones

     Fairfax County Public Schools plans to bring robotics teams to every school through a four-year expansion beginning with 46 new schools in the coming year, Superintendent Michelle Reid...

     Schools / Oakton / March 24, 2025
937. Head Start Advocate Earns National Recognition After 40 Years

     Alyce Pope’s connection to Head Start began more than 40 years ago, when her child attended the Higher Horizons program. She later became a classroom assistant and administrative...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 24, 2025
938. Justice High Teacher Wins Global Educator of the Year Honor

     Kirsten Salonga, a biology and environmental science teacher at Justice High School, has received the 2025 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year award.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 24, 2025
939. New Autism Therapy Centers Set to Open in Chantilly and Tysons

     Little Leaves Behavioral Services plans to open autism therapy centers in Chantilly and Tysons this summer, bringing two new programs for young children to Fairfax County.

     Schools / Tysons / March 24, 2025
940. Rusted 1949 Ford Roars Back to Life for Edison’s “Grease”

     A weather-beaten collection of 1949 Ford Coupe parts has been transformed into Greased Lightnin’ for the Edison Theatre Company’s spring production of “Grease — School Edition.”

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 24, 2025
941. A Secret Wedding Defied the Rules—and Lasted 41 Years

     Charlie and LaVaughn Edwards married quietly on March 22, 1930, beginning a 41-year partnership shaped by love, hard work and sharply different personalities.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 21, 2025
942. Fairfax Teachers Bring Robots and Drones Into STEM Classrooms

     Two Fairfax County Public Schools educators have earned Air Force recognition for bringing advanced robotics and drone technology into hands-on classroom lessons.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 21, 2025
943. Lake Braddock Seniors Complete Stunning Four-Year Title Sweep

     Lake Braddock Secondary School’s senior gymnasts ended their high school careers as champions in every season, helping the Bruins capture a fourth consecutive Virginia state title.

     Schools / Virginia / March 21, 2025
944. Fairfax Student Turns Curtains Into Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Fashion

     Fairfax High School senior Annaliese Gonzalez unveiled an Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress during a Women’s History Month celebration March 11 at Fairfax City Hall.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 20, 2025
945. FCPS Graduate Comes Home With a Reinvented, Animal-Free Circus

     The last time Brandon Glass entered EagleBank Arena, he was graduating from high school. Later this month, the Springfield native will return to the Fairfax venue with Ringling Bros. and...

     Schools / Springfield / March 20, 2025
946. Fairfax School Bus Cameras Will Soon Trigger $250 Fines

     Fairfax County is deploying stop-arm cameras on school buses after its fleet recorded 1,453 illegal passing violations in a single day.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 19, 2025
947. FCPS Celebrates Champions as Major School Changes Approach

     Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating standout student achievements while preparing families for curriculum reviews, budget hearings and several upcoming calendar changes.

     Schools / Herndon / March 19, 2025
948. FCPS Students Score State Titles and National Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools students earned major athletic, culinary and scientific honors during the 2024-25 school year, while the division announced community meetings, curriculum...

     Schools / Herndon / March 19, 2025
949. $50,000 Grant Fuels Bilingual Culinary Training in Arlington

     A risotto lesson at Kitchen of Purpose comes with exacting standards. After students prepared the dish with chicken broth and Parmesan, culinary manager and instructor Chef Martha...

     Schools / Arlington / March 18, 2025
950. Fairfax Board Pushes Ahead on Overcrowded Schools Despite Deep Split

     Fairfax County school officials will continue studying boundary changes for two severely overcrowded elementary schools, despite concerns that students could be reassigned again during a...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 18, 2025
951. FCPS Winter Athletes Capture 41 Virginia Class 6 Championships

     Fairfax County Public Schools athletes closed the 2024-25 winter season with a sweeping collection of Virginia High School League Class 6 honors. Five teams and 36 individual or relay...

     Schools / Springfield / March 18, 2025
952. Kilmer Students Get Written Up—and Kindness Keeps Spreading

     At Kilmer Middle School, getting written up can be cause for celebration. Through March 18, staff had issued more than 1,400 “Positive Referrals” during the school year, recognizing...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 18, 2025
953. Sangster Art Teacher Inspires More Than 400 Young Artists a Week

     Angela Ah Ryoung Sung’s influence reaches far beyond the colorful art room at Sangster Elementary School. The 2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher finalist teaches more than...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 18, 2025
954. Whitman Cuts Chronic Absenteeism in Half With Monthly Challenges

     Whitman Middle School has cut its chronic absenteeism rate in half, using monthly challenges and community support to encourage students to attend regularly.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 18, 2025
955. Brown’s Hardware Farewell Leads a Busy Falls Church Bulletin

     The closing of Brown’s Hardware has prompted an emotional farewell, a community celebration and an official day of appreciation as Falls Church prepares to lose the 142-year-old store.

     Schools / Falls Church / March 17, 2025
956. FCPS Celebrates Big Wins as New State Rules Raise Concerns

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a packed week of student achievements, community events and policy discussions, from Pi Day experiments and culinary awards to a state basketball...

     Schools / Herndon / March 17, 2025
957. FCPS Week Brings State Titles, Student Honors and Accountability Shifts

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a packed week of academic celebrations, student victories and community events, while preparing for significant changes to Virginia’s school...

     Schools / Herndon / March 17, 2025
958. Herndon Students’ Winning Gnocchi Stew Is Headed to School Cafeterias

     A student-created gnocchi stew that judges said blurred the line between restaurant and home cooking will soon reach school lunchrooms across Fairfax County.

     Schools / Herndon / March 17, 2025
959. New Orleans Parade Delivers a Flying Feast for St. Patrick’s Day

     A St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Orleans produced an unusual bounty for one attendee: 11 cabbages, 20 carrots, 25 oranges, eight onions, a bell pepper and a single potato.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 17, 2025
960. Fairfax Supervisors Split on Tobacco Sales Buffer Near Schools

     Fairfax County supervisors are divided over a proposal that would prevent new businesses from selling cigarettes, vapes and certain other products within 1,000 feet of schools and...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 14, 2025
961. TJHSST Senior Wins $40,000 for Drug-Resistant Fungus Research

     Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology student Ray Zhang placed 10th in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, earning $40,000 for research aimed at improving...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 13, 2025
962. Bus Cameras and Student Menu Tests Lead FCPS Updates

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing to enforce school bus stop-arm violations while gathering student feedback on future cafeteria menus, advancing its fiscal 2026 budget and...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 12, 2025
963. Bus Cameras, Menu Changes and a $240 Million Teacher Pay Push

     Fairfax County Public Schools is moving ahead with school bus enforcement cameras, gathering student input on cafeteria meals and proposing more than $240 million in compensation...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 12, 2025
964. Fairfax Budget Cuts Put Middle School Programs at Risk

     Thousands of Fairfax County middle school students could lose after-school and summer programming under a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget designed to close a projected $292.7 million...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 11, 2025
965. Fairfax High Gives Shakespeare’s Romance a Bold Mediterranean Makeover

     Fairfax High School brought Shakespeare’s tangled web of romance, deception and wounded pride into the modern era with an energetic production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”

     Schools / Fairfax / March 11, 2025
966. Fairfax School Bus Cameras Will Trigger $250 Fines This Spring

     Fairfax County will begin using cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, launching a long-delayed safety program with warnings on April 9 and $250 citations...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 11, 2025
967. Wolf Trap Grants Bring Three New Arts Projects to FCPS Classrooms

     Three Fairfax County Public Schools teachers have secured Wolf Trap grants for projects that will immerse students in blues storytelling, collaborative composition and cross-cultural dance.

     Schools / Falls Church / March 11, 2025
968. Fairfax High Schools Could Face Tougher All-Day Phone Rules

     Fairfax County high school students could soon lose access to their cellphones during passing periods and most of lunch under a stricter policy recommended by school staff.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 10, 2025
969. Irving Eighth Grader Cubes His Way to a U.S. Record

     Irving Middle School eighth grader Sai Charan Kintali solved 50 puzzle cubes in 6 minutes and 50 seconds, earning recognition from the America Book of Records—and sharpening skills he...

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 10, 2025
970. Record-Setting Cubes and Playoff Drama Fill a Big FCPS Week

     Fairfax County Public Schools entered the week of March 10 with Pi Day celebrations approaching, students earning peace awards and schools preparing for a packed stretch of academics,...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 10, 2025
971. Fairfax Students Put 24 New School Meal Options to the Test

     Fairfax County students sampled and scored 24 potential school menu items in February, giving them a direct role in shaping breakfast and lunch offerings for the 2025-26 school year.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 7, 2025
972. Hide-and-Seek Ruled Summer Nights Until the Chiggers Struck

     Summer evenings once meant rushing through supper and racing outside to play. Children from blocks around gathered for Hide-and-Seek, the night’s undisputed first choice.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 7, 2025
973. Student Taste Test Could Transform Fairfax Cafeteria Menus

     Fairfax County students sampled 24 possible cafeteria offerings in February, casting votes that could influence breakfast and lunch menus throughout the district during the 2025-26...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 7, 2025
974. Former FCPS Contractor Admits to Seven Sex-Crime Charges

     A former after-school contractor who worked in Fairfax County Public Schools pleaded guilty Tuesday, March 4, to seven charges involving minors.

     Schools / Falls Church / March 6, 2025
975. Hundreds of Free Prom Dresses Arrive at Centreville High

     Prom season is getting an affordable boost as Centreville High School opens its annual Prom Dress Shop, offering hundreds of donated dresses and accessories at no cost to students facing...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 6, 2025
976. Hundreds of Free Prom Dresses Await Local Students in Centreville

     Students facing financial challenges can choose from hundreds of free prom dresses and accessories when the annual Prom Dress Shop opens Friday, March 7, at Centreville High School.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 6, 2025
977. Fairfax Honors 27 Student Peacemakers for Courageous Local Work

     Students and organizations representing 25 Fairfax County public high schools and two private schools received the 2025 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County on Sunday, March 2.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 5, 2025
978. Fairfax Schools Unveil Science Fair, Pre-K and Breakfast Updates

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for its 70th Annual Regional Science Fair while expanding early-learning opportunities and introducing six student-selected breakfast items.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 5, 2025
979. Science Fair, Pre-K Access and New Breakfasts Lead FCPS Updates

     Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for its 70th Annual Regional Science Fair while opening applications for early childhood programs and introducing six student-selected...

     Schools / Falls Church / March 5, 2025
980. Fairfax Schools Face $149.6 Million Budget Gap Amid Pay Push

     Fairfax County leaders are confronting a $149.62 million gap between the school system’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget and the revenue currently available to fund it.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 4, 2025
981. Power-Outage Lunch Crew Leads March FCPS Employee Honors

     Fairfax County Public Schools recognized dozens of employees and teams through its March 2025 FCPS CARES program, highlighting acts that ranged from feeding more than 1,600 students...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 4, 2025
982. Woodson Students Say Black History Is Still Being Written

     Two Woodson High students used the school’s Black History celebration to explore identity, belonging and the role young people have in shaping history.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 4, 2025
983. Fairfax Students Turn Peace Into Action Across 27 Schools

     Students from 27 Fairfax County public schools have received the 2025 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, recognizing efforts that range from humanitarian relief and gun-violence...

     Schools / Fairfax / March 3, 2025
984. FCPS Social Workers Turn Connection Into Better Attendance

     Fairfax County Public Schools social workers are helping students overcome social, emotional, and behavioral barriers that can interfere with learning. Their efforts range from mentoring...

     Schools / Herndon / March 3, 2025
985. FCPS Students Put Future Cafeteria Meals to the Taste Test

     Hundreds of Fairfax County Public Schools students sampled more than two dozen possible cafeteria additions at the district’s second annual Student Food Show on Thursday, Feb. 27.

     Schools / Fairfax / March 3, 2025
986. FCPS Week Brings Inclusive Classrooms, State Titles and Policy Changes

     Fairfax County Public Schools marked a busy late-winter week with classroom visits, community meetings, arts and athletics celebrations, recognition for transportation employees, and new...

     Schools / Falls Church / March 3, 2025
987. FCPS Week Spans 130,000 Bus Riders, State Title and New Graduation Rules

     Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid’s week took her from elementary classrooms and advisory meetings to a state gymnastics championship and a Read Across America...

     Schools / Falls Church / March 3, 2025
988. Poe Coffee Cart Builds Skills and Confidence With Every Delivery

     Twice a week, about 15 Poe Middle School students turn beverage orders into hands-on lessons in communication, money management, motor skills, and workplace responsibility.

     Schools / Northern Virginia / March 3, 2025
989. Fairfax County Graduate RaMell Ross Gets a Second Shot at Oscar Glory

     RaMell Ross, a Lake Braddock Secondary School graduate whose path took him from basketball standout to acclaimed filmmaker, will have another chance to win an Academy Award on Sunday,...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 28, 2025
990. Fairfax Students Soar to Aviation Art Contest Sweep

     Fairfax County students captured every first-place award in the 2025 Virginia Aviation Art Contest, leading a strong local showing that will send eight young artists to the national...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 27, 2025
991. Early Reading Gains Lead a Busy Season for Fairfax Schools

     Fairfax County Public Schools reported measurable gains among its youngest readers as the division prepares for summer programs, budget decisions and several upcoming student and family...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 26, 2025
992. Fairfax Schools Face $121 Million Gap With No Easy Fix

     Fairfax County leaders emerged from hours of budget talks on Feb. 25 without a clear solution to a growing school funding crisis.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 26, 2025
993. FCPS Opens Summer Programs as Reading Scores Climb

     Fairfax County Public Schools is opening registration for summer camps and credit-bearing courses while reporting gains in early literacy following the introduction of a science-based...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 26, 2025
994. Free Metrobus Rides Could Expand to More Fairfax Students

     Fairfax County is considering extending free Metrobus access to students at five more secondary schools after the program generated roughly 450,000 rides at its existing locations.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 26, 2025
995. McLean Student Artists Take Over Local Gallery in March

     Young artists from McLean-area schools will move into the spotlight in March as two exhibitions fill the McLean Project for the Arts gallery with student work.

     Schools / McLean / February 26, 2025
996. Falls Church Schools Names Facilities Chief, Opens Accessible Playground Path

     Falls Church City Public Schools named Kevin Mehm its new director of facilities, effective March 17, 2025.

     Schools / Falls Church / February 25, 2025
997. Virginia Schools Could Gain More Control Over Classroom Phone Rules

     Virginia school boards could soon have greater authority to shape their own rules for cell phones and smart devices after legislation cleared the General Assembly on Friday.

     Schools / Fairfax / February 25, 2025
998. FCPS Touts Literacy Gains as Boundary Review and Hiring Efforts Advance

     Fairfax County Public Schools highlighted rising reading performance, new career credentials and continued boundary-review work during a busy week that also included school visits,...

     Schools / Fairfax / February 24, 2025
999. Federal Workers Eye FCPS Jobs as Schools Tout Academic Gains

     Fairfax County Public Schools opened its doors to federal workers and contractors considering a move into public education, one of several major developments Superintendent Michelle Reid...

     Schools / Springfield / February 24, 2025
1000. Fairfax Schools Seek $268 Million More as $4 Billion Budget Advances

      The Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted a $4 billion advertised budget for fiscal 2026 on Feb. 20, advancing a plan that would give every Fairfax County Public Schools...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 21, 2025
1001. Fairfax Schools’ $4 Billion Budget Seeks 7% Employee Raises

      Board members unanimously adopted Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget on Feb. 20, advancing a plan that seeks an additional $268.3 million from the...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 21, 2025
1002. FCPS Board Unanimously Backs Advertised FY 2026 Budget

      The Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted its advertised fiscal 2026 budget during its Feb. 20, 2025, regular meeting, advancing a spending plan focused on higher academic...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 21, 2025
1003. FCPS Board Unanimously Moves FY 2026 Budget Forward

      FCPS leaders unanimously adopted the advertised fiscal 2026 budget during their Feb. 20, 2025, regular meeting, advancing a plan focused on stronger academic standards, competitive...

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 21, 2025
1004. School Board Unanimously Backs FCPS’ Proposed FY 2026 Budget

      The School Board unanimously adopted the FCPS FY 2026 advertised budget during its Feb. 20, 2025, regular meeting, advancing a spending plan focused on higher academic standards,...

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 21, 2025
1005. Unanimous Vote Advances the Division’s Advertised 2026 Budget

      The board unanimously adopted the school division’s advertised fiscal 2026 budget, advancing a spending plan centered on higher academic standards, competitive employee compensation and...

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 21, 2025
1006. Fairfax Schools Brace for $168 Million Federal Aid Threat

      Fairfax County Public Schools could face a major funding crisis as county leaders consider a budget proposal that delivers less than half the additional money requested by the school...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 20, 2025
1007. FCPS Eyes Algebra Gains, New Start Times and Expanded Student Support

      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.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 19, 2025
1008. New Math Plans, Later Start Talks and Fresh Lunches Land at FCPS

      Fairfax County Public Schools outlined a wide range of student and family updates on February 19, including proposed spending to expand advanced math participation, a review of middle...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 19, 2025
1009. 700 Students Explore High-Demand Careers at Future Ready Conference

      Nearly 700 Northern Virginia students gathered at the Inova Center for Personalized Health on February 18 for the fifth annual Instruction 2 Industry Future Ready Conference.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 18, 2025
1010. Fairfax Schools Weigh Giving More Students a Seat at the Table

      Fairfax County School Board members are considering whether one student representative is enough to convey the views of more than 180,000 students.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 18, 2025
1011. FCPS Students Claim 809 Art Awards as Boundary Review Moves Ahead

      Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 809 honors in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art Awards, leading a busy week that also brought the final community meeting of the first phase...

      Schools / McLean / February 18, 2025
1012. Frederick Douglass’ Legacy Inspires a Fairfax Teacher’s Mission

      Tonja Walden brings a remarkable family connection into her second-grade classroom at Newington Forest Elementary School: She is a great-great-great-niece of Frederick Douglass.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 18, 2025
1013. Mountain View Honors Three Graduates Who Defied the Odds

      Three Mountain View students received top honors during the school’s winter graduation, earning recognition for citizenship, perseverance and academic excellence.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 18, 2025
1014. Oakton Juniors Push AI Oral Cancer App Toward Public Release

      Four 16-year-old juniors at Oakton High School are working to bring an artificial intelligence-powered oral cancer screening tool to the public, potentially as soon as summer 2025.

      Schools / Oakton / February 18, 2025
1015. Federal Funding Threat Deepens Fairfax Schools’ Budget Crisis

      Fairfax County Public Schools is confronting another financial risk during an already difficult budget season: the possible loss or disruption of $168.1 million in federal aid.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 14, 2025
1016. Federal Probe Puts Fairfax Schools’ Transgender Policies Under Scrutiny

      Fairfax County Public Schools is among five Northern Virginia school divisions facing a federal civil rights investigation over policies that allow transgender students to use names,...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 14, 2025
1017. Youngkin Faces Renewed Showdown Over School Construction Tax

      Virginia lawmakers have again approved legislation that would let every locality impose a 1% sales tax to fund school construction, setting up another clash with Gov. Glenn Youngkin...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 14, 2025
1018. Fairfax Schools Face Funding Fallout From Transgender Athlete Ban

      Fairfax County Public Schools is confronting a legal and financial dilemma after the Virginia High School League moved to bar transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 13, 2025
1019. Fairfax Students Win 809 Art Awards as Flu Cases Surge

      Fairfax County Public Schools students earned hundreds of regional art honors as the school division also warned families about high flu activity, upcoming academic reviews and several...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 13, 2025
1020. FCPS Students Claim 809 Art Awards as Flu Cases Climb

      Fairfax County Public Schools students earned hundreds of regional art honors as the division warned families about high influenza activity and announced updates involving employment,...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 13, 2025
1021. Snow Shuts Fairfax Schools, Delays Trash and Disrupts Roads

      Fairfax County Public Schools will close all schools and offices Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, as a winter storm brings heavy snow, hazardous roads and the threat of significant icing to the...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 11, 2025
1022. Two FCPS Teachers Face Criminal Charges as Safety Scrutiny Grows

      Fairfax County Public Schools has removed two teachers from their duties amid separate criminal investigations, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid announced Feb. 11, 2025.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 11, 2025
1023. Edison Academy Counselor Helps Students Turn Interests Into Careers

      Cassandra Deedy’s work at Edison Academy stretches well beyond helping students select courses. The longtime counselor connects teenagers with specialized career programs while providing...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1024. Fairfax Schools Cut 70,000 Pounds of Plastic as Budget Decisions Loom

      Fairfax County Public Schools has eliminated more than 70,000 pounds of plastic waste since replacing plastic utensils with wooden alternatives in March 2024, one of several developments...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1025. Fairfax Schools Will Close Early as Up to 8 Inches of Snow Loom

      Fairfax County Public Schools will dismiss students three hours early Tuesday, Feb. 11, as a winter storm threatens to disrupt the evening commute and create hazardous road conditions.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1026. Fairfax Students Sweep 809 Regional Art Awards

      Fairfax County Public Schools students in grades 7 through 12 earned 809 honors in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art Awards, including 210 Gold Keys, 235 Silver Keys and 364 Honorable...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1027. FCPS Cuts 70,000 Pounds of Plastic as Budget Decisions Loom

      Fairfax County Public Schools has eliminated more than 70,000 pounds of plastic waste since replacing plastic utensils with wooden alternatives in March 2024, Superintendent Michelle...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1028. Federal Funding Freeze Leaves Bailey’s Crossroads Preschool in Limbo

      A Bailey’s Crossroads early childhood education center is struggling to plan for its future after a federal funding freeze delayed payments, even as judges ordered the Trump...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 10, 2025
1029. Waynewood Students Send Handmade Hope Beyond Their Classroom

      Waynewood Elementary School students turned paper, crayons and caring words into Valentine’s Day encouragement for people facing serious health challenges.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 10, 2025
1030. Fairfax Schools Approve Sweeping Five-Year Construction Plan

      The Fairfax County School Board adopted a five-year capital improvement program on Feb. 6, advancing plans for two new elementary schools, renovations at 22 existing schools and the...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 7, 2025
1031. Fairfax Schools Face 41-Year Renovation Cycle Despite $230M Bond

      The Fairfax County School Board approved a five-year capital plan on Feb. 6 that calls for two new elementary schools and renovations at 22 existing campuses as the division confronts a...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 7, 2025
1032. Five-Year School Construction Plan Adds Two Elementary Schools

      A five-year capital improvement program adopted Feb. 6 calls for two new elementary schools, renovations at 22 existing campuses and the relocation of modular buildings.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / February 7, 2025
1033. Arlington Students Give 1,200 Donated Clothes a Second Chance

      Arlington students turned Washington-Liberty High School’s cafeteria into a free clothing shop on Sunday, Feb. 2, pairing community service with a push to reduce waste.

      Schools / Arlington / February 5, 2025
1034. Dunn Loring School Clears Key Hurdle Despite Safety and Cost Fears

      Fairfax County Public Schools can now pursue a four-story elementary school for nearly 1,000 students at the Dunn Loring Administrative Center, though the project still faces community...

      Schools / Dunn Loring / February 5, 2025
1035. Fairfax Schools Weigh 7% Raises as Budget Deadlines Near

      The Fairfax County School Board is advancing its proposed fiscal 2026 budget, which would direct more than 85% of spending toward instruction and provide a 7% salary increase for all...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 5, 2025
1036. FCPS Budget Plan Offers 7% Raises as Key Deadlines Near

      Fairfax County Public Schools is advancing a proposed fiscal 2026 budget that includes a 7% salary increase for every employee, while families and students face several approaching...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 5, 2025
1037. Icy Weather Forces Two-Hour Delay for Fairfax County Schools

      Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Thursday, Feb. 6, as snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten to create hazardous morning conditions.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 5, 2025
1038. Fairfax Schools Reaffirm Student Rights After Immigration Shift

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid said the district will continue following the law after federal officials lifted restrictions on immigration enforcement in or...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2025
1039. FCPS Honors Employees Who Stepped Up for Students and Families

      Fairfax County Public Schools recognized employees across the division in February 2025 for acts of compassion, creativity and service that supported students, families and colleagues.

      Schools / McLean / February 4, 2025
1040. Glasgow’s 60-Plus Mentors Help Students Find Their Footing

      Seventh grader Anderson returned to Glasgow Middle School after placements at two alternative schools and quickly found support from someone he already trusted: history teacher and...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 4, 2025
1041. $80 Million Dunn Loring School Faces Pushback Over Empty Seats

      The McLean Citizens Association is urging Fairfax County officials to delay a proposed Dunn Loring elementary school, arguing that declining enrollment at nearby campuses makes the $80...

      Schools / Dunn Loring / February 3, 2025
1042. Fairfax Counselors Earn Praise for Building Student Support Networks

      National School Counseling Week, observed Feb. 3-7, recognizes counselors who help students navigate academics, career planning and personal challenges through classroom lessons, group...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2025
1043. Fairfax Schools Celebrate Major Wins From Oscars to Girls Wrestling

      Fairfax County Public Schools opened February with a packed week of student achievements, community meetings, school visits, athletic events and discussions about the future of education.

      Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2025
1044. Falls Church STEM Program Takes the International Stage

      Two Falls Church City educators presented the school system’s hands-on sustainability program to more than 400 attendees from 26 countries at an international conference in Miami.

      Schools / Falls Church / February 3, 2025
1045. Families Find Lasting Bonds Across Fairfax County Schools

      For several Fairfax County Public Schools employees, working for the district has become a family affair. Spouses, siblings, close friends and their children have built lives together...

      Schools / Fairfax / February 3, 2025
1046. Ace Jackson Brings a Homegrown Comedy Push Back to Falls Church

      Ace Jackson is bringing his comedy career back to familiar ground with an A&A Comedy Night at Clare & Don’s in Falls Church.

      Schools / Falls Church / February 1, 2025
1047. Fairfax County Could Put Preschool Facilities on Fall Ballot

      Fairfax County leaders are considering asking voters this fall to approve bond funding for early childhood education facilities, reviving an idea that was withdrawn in both 2022 and 2024.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 31, 2025
1048. Fairfax Schools Seek Advisers for Two Key Facilities Planning Seats

      Fairfax County residents have until February 21, 2025, to apply for two openings on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, which helps shape long-term plans for school facilities.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 31, 2025
1049. Fairfax Schools Seek Two Residents to Shape Long-Term Facility Plans

      The Fairfax County School Board is accepting applications from Braddock and Franconia district residents interested in helping guide long-term planning for school facilities.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 31, 2025
1050. Nine Fairfax Schools Win Honors for Standout Communication

      Fairfax County Public Schools honored nine schools for outstanding websites, newsletters and social media content during its third annual School Communicators Conference on January 29.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 31, 2025
1051. Federal Funding Freeze Put 68,000 Fairfax Students’ Meals at Risk

      A proposed federal spending freeze could have disrupted free and reduced-price meals for nearly 68,000 Fairfax County Public Schools students, Superintendent Michelle Reid warned.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2025
1052. Reagan Airport Crash Claims Nine Members of FCPS Community

      Three Fairfax County Public Schools students and six FCPS parents were killed in the Jan. 29 accident at Reagan National Airport, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid announced Thursday.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2025
1053. Three FCPS Students and Six Parents Lost in National Airport Crash

      Three Fairfax County Public Schools students and six FCPS parents were among those killed in the midair collision outside Reagan National Airport, Superintendent Michelle Reid announced...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 30, 2025
1054. Fairfax Schools Propose 7% Staff Raise as Budget Priorities Take Shape

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the School Board on Jan. 23, outlining investments in employee pay,...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2025
1055. FCPS Budget Plan Calls for 7% Staff Raises

      Fairfax County Public Schools’ proposed fiscal 2026 budget would provide a 7% salary increase for all employees while directing additional resources toward student support, inclusive...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 29, 2025
1056. Fairfax County Steps Up as Monarch Butterfly Population Plunges

      Fairfax County leaders have joined a nationwide campaign to protect monarch butterflies after their population declined by 90% since the 1990s.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 28, 2025
1057. Fairfax Schools Seek $268 Million as Teacher Raises Hang in Balance

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid is asking the county for an additional $268.3 million in fiscal year 2026, largely to fund a 7% raise for teachers and staff.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2025
1058. Fairfax Schools Seek $4 Billion as Costs and Staffing Pressures Rise

      Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing a $4 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2026, nearly $300 million more than the current year, as the division confronts rising costs,...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2025
1059. FCPS Advances $4 Billion Budget After a Week of Winter Disruptions

      Fairfax County Public Schools employees kept classrooms, transportation, facilities and meal services operating through a week of wintry weather, drawing praise from Superintendent...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2025
1060. FCPS Unveils $4 Billion Budget as Schools Celebrate Major Gains

      Fairfax County Public Schools entered the final week of January after winter weather tested employees across the division. Custodians, maintenance and grounds crews, warehouse and...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 27, 2025
1061. Fairfax Schools Vow to Protect Families Amid Immigration Concerns

      Fairfax County Public Schools is reassuring families and employees that it will protect access to education and student privacy as recent national immigration policy decisions raise...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 25, 2025
1062. Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Honors 10 Standout Student-Athletes

      Ten Alexandria student-athletes earned recognition for their academic and athletic accomplishments during the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club meeting Jan. 15 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / January 24, 2025
1063. Fairfax Schools’ $4 Billion Budget Calls for 7% Staff Raises

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle C. Reid has proposed a $4 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, including a 7% salary increase for all employees and additional...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 24, 2025
1064. Fairfax Schools’ $4 Billion Budget Plan Prioritizes 7% Staff Raises

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid proposed a $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget during the School Board’s Jan. 23 meeting, with most of the increase directed toward a...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 24, 2025
1065. Fairfax Schools’ $4 Billion Plan Includes 7% Staff Raises

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle C. Reid has proposed a $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget that would give all employees a 7% salary increase while directing additional...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 24, 2025
1066. FCPS Seeks $4 Billion Budget With 7% Staff Raises

      Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle C. Reid presented a proposed $4 billion fiscal 2026 budget on January 23, 2025, calling for a major compensation increase while...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 24, 2025
1067. FCPS Boundary Review Panel Seeks More Data Before Scenarios Take Shape

      Fairfax County Public Schools’ boundary review advisory committee requested additional information as members began examining community feedback that could shape the district’s...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 23, 2025
1068. TJHSST Scientist Reaches Finals for $250,000 National Prize

      Ray Zhang, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was named one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search on Jan. 23.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / January 23, 2025
1069. Anonymous Alumna Gives Madeira School a Historic $60 Million Gift

      An anonymous alumna has donated $60 million to The Madeira School in McLean, a landmark gift that school leaders say will support generations of students.

      Schools / McLean / January 22, 2025
1070. McLean Graduate Turns High School Passion Into Mental Health Career

      Katherine Kelly’s commitment to mental health began at McLean High School. Six years later, she has earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work and...

      Schools / McLean / January 22, 2025
1071. New SOL Reports Give Fairfax Families Years of Student Rankings

      Fairfax County families will receive new assessment summaries this month showing how students ranked statewide on Standards of Learning tests taken from the 2015-16 through 2023-24...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 22, 2025
1072. New SOL Reports Put Virginia Students’ Rankings in Focus

      Fairfax County families whose children took Standards of Learning tests between the 2015-16 and 2023-24 school years are receiving new reports showing how each student ranked against...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 22, 2025
1073. Virginia Bill Targets ‘Homeless’ Label in Athlete Recruiting

      Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at stopping school officials from misusing the “homeless” designation to recruit high school athletes.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 22, 2025
1074. Extreme Cold Pushes Fairfax Schools to Open Two Hours Late

      Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Wednesday as dangerously cold temperatures threaten to refreeze lingering snow and ice.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 21, 2025
1075. Langley’s “Beauty and the Beast” Cast Brings a Cursed Castle to Life

      A fading scarlet rose set the clock ticking as an unlikely romance took root in Langley High School’s captivating production of Beauty and the Beast.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / January 21, 2025
1076. FCPS Reports Literacy Gains as Major School Changes Take Shape

      Fairfax County Public Schools highlighted rising phonics performance, proposed construction and renovation projects, new state accountability rules and a packed week of student...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 20, 2025
1077. FCPS Week Brings National Teacher Honor and Sharp Phonics Gains

      Fairfax County Public Schools marked a busy January week with national recognition for a South Lakes High School teacher, new evidence of gains in phonics performance and continued...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 20, 2025
1078. Snow Threat Shuts Parkway Stretch and Cancels School Activities

      Another round of winter weather is expected to disrupt travel and activities across the D.C. region today, with 1 to 3 inches of snow forecast for Fairfax County and other parts of...

      Schools / McLean / January 19, 2025
1079. Annandale Basketball Players Help Young Readers Make Big Gains

      Every Wednesday afternoon during the winter, Annandale High School’s boys and girls basketball teams leave the court behind and walk to Braddock Elementary School. There, the athletes...

      Schools / Herndon / January 17, 2025
1080. Fairfax Schools Face $14.4 Billion Facilities Reckoning

      Fairfax County Public Schools says it needs $2.6 billion during the next decade just to complete renovations and construction projects already in the pipeline, even as enrollment is...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 17, 2025
1081. Fairfax Schools Plan 22 Renovations as Maintenance Backlog Grows

      Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing two new elementary schools and renovations at 22 existing schools as aging infrastructure, rising construction costs and deferred maintenance...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 17, 2025
1082. Fairfax Schools Plan Major Expansion as Repair Backlog Grows

      Fairfax County Public Schools has proposed a five-year construction plan that calls for two new elementary schools, renovations at 22 existing schools and expanded use of energy-saving...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 17, 2025
1083. Dunn Loring School Plan Clears Key Hurdle After Contentious Review

      Fairfax County Public Schools has secured Planning Commission support to replace the former Dunn Loring Elementary School with a four-story building designed for 900 students and 100...

      Schools / Dunn Loring / January 16, 2025
1084. Enrollment Surge Drives Falls Church Schools’ $4.67 Million Budget Increase

      Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan has proposed a $4.67 million budget increase for fiscal 2026 as the division prepares for 159 additional students and seeks...

      Schools / Falls Church / January 16, 2025
1085. Fairfax Schools Face Budget Vote, Policy Survey and Key Deadlines

      Fairfax County Public Schools families face a busy stretch of budget decisions, policy feedback, program deadlines and calendar changes through early February.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 16, 2025
1086. FCPS Budget, Cellphone Rules and Language Lottery Deadlines Loom

      Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important dates in the coming weeks, including the release of a proposed budget, a survey on cellphone rules and deadlines for...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 16, 2025
1087. Record $60 Million Gift Reshapes Madeira School’s Future

      The Madeira School in McLean has received a record-setting $60 million donation from an anonymous alumna, giving the private all-girls’ school a major financial foundation for its...

      Schools / McLean / January 16, 2025
1088. South Lakes Math Teacher Earns Nation’s Highest STEM Teaching Honor

      South Lakes High School math teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 educators and mentors nationwide honored by President Joe Biden on Jan. 16, 2025, for excellence in mathematics, science...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 16, 2025
1089. FCPS Traffic Safety Pilot Raises Fears of Overloading Principals

      Fairfax County Public Schools plans to test a new system for identifying traffic and pedestrian hazards across its 200 schools, but some school board members worry the approach will...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 15, 2025
1090. Holmes Band Director Marches Into Commanders’ Playoff Excitement

      Luis Perez has spent nearly three decades teaching music at Holmes Middle School—and almost as long trumpeting every Washington Commanders touchdown from the stands.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / January 15, 2025
1091. Virginia Bill Could Bring Multilingual Testing to Public Schools

      Virginia students with limited English proficiency could soon take annual state assessments in languages other than English under legislation that advanced from a House Education...

      Schools / Arlington / January 15, 2025
1092. Fairfax Teachers Win Historic Contract, but Raises Face Budget Test

      Fairfax County public school teachers have secured their first collective bargaining agreement in nearly 50 years, but the contract’s promised pay increases still depend on funding from...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 14, 2025
1093. Falls Church Turns MLK Day Into a Call for Unity and Action

      Falls Church will draw on its deep civil rights history for a day of remembrance, reflection and community action honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

      Schools / Falls Church / January 14, 2025
1094. Mason Crest’s Tiger Team Helps New Students Find Their Footing

      At Mason Crest Elementary School in Annandale, students are taking the lead in helping new classmates feel welcome from their first day.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2025
1095. Snowstorm Mobilizes Fairfax Schools as Major Decisions Loom

      A major winter storm disrupted Fairfax County schools during the first week back in January, prompting a wide-ranging effort to clear campuses, prepare buses and distribute thousands of...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 13, 2025
1096. Snowstorm Tests FCPS as Crews Clear Buses and Deliver 2,426 Meal Kits

      Fairfax County Public Schools began its first week back amid one of the region’s heaviest snowfalls in recent years, prompting three days of closures and a divisionwide effort to prepare...

      Schools / Oakton / January 13, 2025
1097. Fairfax Educators Secure Major Raises in Landmark Union Deals

      Two landmark collective bargaining agreements with the Fairfax Education Unions were unanimously ratified Jan. 9, bringing new pay, leave and workplace provisions to county school employees.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 10, 2025
1098. Fairfax Schools Approve Historic Union Deals With Major Pay Raises

      The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved two collective bargaining agreements with the Fairfax Education Unions on Jan. 9, establishing the first such contracts for the...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 10, 2025
1099. FCPS Board Overhauls Secondary Grading Policy

      The Fairfax County School Board approved a sweeping update to its secondary grading policy on Jan. 9, along with new requirements covering student work habits, online learning systems...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 10, 2025
1100. FCPS Overhauls Secondary Grading and Reporting Rules

      A major rewrite of FCPS secondary grading policy won approval Jan. 9, 2025, bringing rules for grades, assessments, homework and pass-fail courses under one policy.

      Schools / Northern Virginia / January 10, 2025
1101. Thomas Jefferson Alum Returns as School’s First Student-Turned-Principal

      Michael Mukai, a member of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s inaugural class, is returning to his alma mater as the first former student to become its principal.

      Schools / Springfield / January 10, 2025
1102. TJ Alum Makes History as Magnet School’s Next Principal

      Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will soon be led by one of its own graduates for the first time.

      Schools / Springfield / January 10, 2025
1103. 693 FCPS Students Earn National Merit Recognition

      Fairfax County Public Schools announced that 693 students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars, a 10% increase from 2023.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2025
1104. Eight Fairfax Students Earn National Honors for Breakthrough Research

      Eight Fairfax County Public Schools students were named scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, placing them among 300 students selected from nearly 2,500 entrants nationwide.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2025
1105. Fairfax Schools Distribute Thousands of Meals as Snow Days Mount

      Thousands of meals and snacks were distributed across Fairfax County this week as repeated snow days extended winter break and raised concerns that some students could go without food.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2025
1106. Fairfax Schools Reopen Friday After Four Snow Days

      Fairfax County Public Schools will reopen Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, on a two-hour delay after four consecutive snow days extended the district’s two-week winter break.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2025
1107. FCPS Reopens Friday With Two-Hour Delay After Closures

      Fairfax County Public Schools and offices will reopen Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, with a two-hour delay as crews continue addressing secondary-road conditions.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 9, 2025
1108. Thousands of Student Meals Delivered Despite Snow Closures

      Fairfax County school staff distributed more than 7,000 meals and 2,300 snacks during a week of snow closures, helping students maintain access to daily nutrition while schools were closed.

      Schools / Falls Church / January 9, 2025
1109. TJ’s First Classmate Returns to Lead the Elite STEM School

      Michael Mukai, a member of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s first STEM magnet class, will return nearly 40 years later as the school’s new principal.

      Schools / Falls Church / January 9, 2025
1110. Fairfax Schools Extend Snow Shutdown as 45,000 Bus Stops Stay Buried

      Fairfax County Public Schools will remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, as lingering snow and ice continue to make travel difficult across the county.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 8, 2025
1111. Snow-Covered Bus Stops Force Fairfax Schools to Close Thursday

      Fairfax County Public Schools will remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, as snow and ice continue to make sidewalks and bus stops unsafe. School offices and central offices will open to...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 8, 2025
1112. Snow-Covered Roads Keep Fairfax Schools Closed January 8

      Fairfax County public schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 8, 2025, as uncleared neighborhood roads, blocked bus stops and untreated sidewalks continue to create safety concerns...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 8, 2025
1113. Fairfax Schools Close for Third Day as Refreezing Threat Looms

      Fairfax County Public Schools will remain closed Wednesday as crews continue cleaning up 6 to 10 inches of snow left by Monday’s storm.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 7, 2025
1114. Tysons Casino Fight Commands Fairfax Lawmakers’ Annual Hearing

      A renewed battle over a proposed Tysons casino dominated a 3.5-hour public hearing held Jan. 4 by Fairfax County’s delegation to the Virginia General Assembly, alongside demands for more...

      Schools / Tysons / January 7, 2025
1115. FCPS Opens 2025 With a Snow Day and New Student Test Reports

      Fairfax County Public Schools will mark its first official snow day of the school year Tuesday, January 7, with traditional time off rather than virtual instruction. The division has...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 6, 2025
1116. Snow Forces Fairfax Schools to Cancel Classes for a Second Day

      Fairfax County Public Schools canceled classes and all activities on school grounds for Tuesday, Jan. 7, giving students a second additional day of winter break as another round of snow...

      Schools / Fairfax / January 6, 2025
1117. Fairfax Schools Shut Down as Powerful Snowstorm Targets Region

      Fairfax County Public Schools canceled Monday classes and closed all buildings and offices as Northern Virginia prepared for its most significant snowstorm in years.

      Schools / Fairfax / January 5, 2025