Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) reported that its Class of 2025 achieved an average SAT score of 1183, surpassing both the Virginia state average of 1112 and the global average of 1029. The division also outperformed in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subtest with a score of 596, and in Mathematics with a score of 587. Participation rates among Fairfax seniors reached 65.7%, compared to the statewide rate of 51.3%. According to FCPS, these results reflect a continued tradition of academic excellence.
The total SAT score for FCPS students increased by five points over last year’s results. There were also gains in both reading and mathematics subtests compared to the previous year.
Educate Fairfax, the school system’s nonprofit education foundation, has opened its grant cycle for 2025. The grants are designed to support innovative projects aligned with the FCPS Strategic Plan and are available to faculty and staff through October 12. Past grants have funded initiatives such as student-run businesses, technology refurbishing programs for veterans, and community gardens aimed at addressing food insecurity.
This week marked the start of girls flag football as an official sport within FCPS high schools, sponsored by the Washington Commanders. Uniform reveal events took place at Westfield High School and Annandale High School, where athletes participated in photo shoots and met with professional players.
Superintendent Michelle Reid hosted two Community Conversations at McNair Upper Elementary School and Annandale Terrace Elementary School. Discussions included topics such as budget planning for Fiscal Year 2027, middle school start times, staffing concerns, and plans for a new western high school.
School visits this week included Justice High School—where more than 70% of students enrolled in its AVID program went on to four-year universities last year—and Falls Church High School, which is nearing completion on renovations scheduled to finish by March.
Rebecca Fenton from Marshall Academy was recognized as one of only 25 public high school skilled trades educators nationwide to receive the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Fenton is noted as FCPS’s only female automotive instructor; her award includes $50,000 for Marshall Academy.
Other activities during the week included observing classroom instruction at Wolftrap Elementary School; attending employee forums focused on planning time and assessment practices; supporting student musicians at Centreville High School’s Wind Ensemble performance; convening the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Committee; participating in education-focused panel discussions with regional leaders; attending sports tournaments across several schools; recognizing staff achievements at community events such as Celebrate Fairfax’s Event of the Year Award given to FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza; and joining local fundraising efforts like South Lakes High School Pantry’s “Do It Your Way” event supporting food-insecure students.
Superintendent Reid concluded her weekly message by encouraging staff to appreciate daily moments while continuing their commitment to student success.
