Fairfax County School Board

Published August 31, 2026 at 2:45PM

Entrance to Poe Middle School in Annandale (courtesy FCPS)

Within the next few years, all middle school age students who qualify for advanced academic programs in Fairfax County Public Schools will have the opportunity to take those courses without leaving their neighborhood schools.

Under a plan approved by the school board on a 10-1 vote last Thursday (Aug. 27), FCPS will transition over several years from a model that let many students opt out of their assigned local school to join other students at one with an established advanced academic program, or AAP, center.

Countywide

FCPS starts new school year with full cellphone ban, fewer crossing guards and other changes

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 24, 2026 at 8:30AM

Fairfax County Public Schools starts classes on Aug. 24, 2026, as shown on a sign for Cunningham Park Elementary School in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools students are heading back to the classroom today (Monday), a familiar sight that might inspire nostalgia and stress among even non-parent residents.

However, in recent months, Fairfax County and the school system have adopted a number of changes to policies and services that are taking effect during the new school year, particularly around the use of technology in the classroom.

Countywide

FCPS updates digital literacy lessons, but state law complicates kindergarten device limits

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published August 21, 2026 at 10:00AM

A Fairfax County School bus (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

As Fairfax County Public Schools students prepare for their first day of school next Monday (Aug. 24), the Fairfax County School Board is making its own back-to-school to-do list. Near the top of the agenda: an updated digital literacy curriculum.

A work session on Tuesday (Aug. 18) provided a glimpse of the tasks ahead for the school board this year, and staff’s efforts over the summer to implement high-profile mandates around the curriculum, including updates related to artificial intelligence literacy.

Countywide

FCPS leaders seek compromise to keep middle school after-school program alive

By Scott McCaffrey

Published August 19, 2026 at 10:00AM

Glasgow Middle School students learn cooking skills in an after-school program (via FCPS/YouTube)

A middle ground may be emerging in what has become a tug-of-war between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board over funding after-school programming at all 27 public middle schools.

The potential compromise: Rather than charging participation fees to families, the school system could seek voluntary donations and public-private partnerships to cover some of the enrichment program’s annual $11 million operating costs.

Countywide

Fairfax County School Board approves restrictions on generative AI, digital devices

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 23, 2026 at 3:45PM

A Fairfax County Public Schools bus (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Going forward, Fairfax County Public Schools will prohibit the use of generative artificial intelligence by elementary school students, tablets and laptops in preschool and kindergarten, and student use of personal electronic communication and computing devices during instructional time.

The Fairfax County School Board approved the restrictions — which include a handful of narrow exceptions — at its July 16 meeting, along with several directives for the superintendent to report back to the board about the potential additional limitations on technology.

News

Westfield High School baseball field named in tribute to late coach Rob Hahne

By Scott McCaffrey

Published July 23, 2026 at 1:45PM

Rob Hahne, Jr. (via American Baseball Coaches Association)

The Fairfax County School Board voted last week to rename a Westfield High School athletic facility as the “Rob Hahne Memorial Baseball Field.”

Hahne, who died May 14 at age 57, was a leader in youth sports and served as Westfield’s head baseball coach for a decade.

News

FCPS approves boundary lines, phased enrollment plan for Skyview High School

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 21, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated July 21, 2026 at 11:05AM

Skyview High School in Herndon (file photo)

Fairfax County Public Schools has officially adopted a boundary map for attendance at the new Skyview High School, which will draw in students from Westfield, Chantilly, and South Lakes high schools to alleviate overcrowding at several schools on the western side of the county.

The new school assignments — unanimously approved by the school board during its July 16 regular meeting — are expected to impact 2,544 students, including 1,159 who will be assigned next year to attend Skyview’s campus at 2949 Education Drive, in the Floris area south of Herndon.

Countywide

FCPS adopts two new school year calendars, increasing number of five-day weeks

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 15, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated July 15, 2026 at 9:14PM

The Fairfax County School Board discusses new school year calendars on July 9, 2026 (screenshot via FCPS)

The Fairfax County School Board recently voted to confirm calendars for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years that emphasize full five-day instructional weeks, while preserving a full week of spring break and two full weeks of winter break.

Superintendent Michelle Reid proposed calendars last Thursday (July 9) that maintain the 180 instructional days required by Virginia law and follow extensive parameters passed by the board earlier this summer. The school board adopted the proposal on a 10-1 vote.

News

Residents affected by boundary changes for Skyview High School air concerns before final vote

By Nolan Stout

Published July 15, 2026 at 1:45PM

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid's preliminary recommendation for western high school boundary adjustments to accommodate the new Skyview High School (via FCPS)

Not everyone is happy with the proposed attendance boundaries for the new Skyview High School, as Fairfax County Public Schools looks to finalize its plans this week.

The Fairfax County School Board held a public hearing on the proposed boundaries on Monday (July 13) and plans to vote on them at its meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

Countywide

FCPS extends use of digital social studies materials after budget cuts slow print transition

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 8, 2026 at 10:00AM

Fairfax County Public Schools (file photo)

Fairfax County’s school board recently passed a resolution supporting limitations on screen time and access to devices by grade level, as well as opt-out options for families.

On the same night, members voted to approve a one-year extension of a contract for a hybrid fourth-grade social studies curriculum, covering an electronic book text, the ability to replace print textbooks as needed, and supplemental materials that can be printed.