students at a fair in a high school gymnasium

Gap Year - College and Postsecondary Options

Explore gap year opportunities to help students prepare for the transition from high school.

A gap year is a break before or after college/university. Students engage in various educational and developmental activities, such as travel or work.

Looking for inspiration and information about gap year programs or summer opportunities? Attend a Gap Year Fair to meet with experiential educators, gap year experts, and gap year alumni so you can start planning your next adventure.

Meet an FCPS graduate who took a gap year:

Related Pages

High school student

College and Postsecondary Planning

While some students know from an early age what postsecondary path they plan to pursue, others are not so sure. Use these resources to explore a variety of options for life after high school.
Student in wheelchair receiving information.

Parent Advocacy Handbook: Thinking Beyond High School

A goal of FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate is to provide opportunities for emerging adults to learn skills to be successful after high school. Parents can help their student develop these skills by working with teachers and school staff. The Parent Advocacy Handbook explains how to help your student.
students in counseling office with college pennants behind them

College & Career Planning

Preparing for life after high school requires research, exploration, and planning.
Students in a garden

Parent Advocacy Handbook: Middle School (Grades 7-8)

The Parent Advocacy Handbook explains the factors involved in middle school as it may be the first experience a student has with multiple teachers and the team approach to instruction.
High school kids giving a thumbs up.

Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

High school is a time of academic and career choices for teens. They must decide whether to take regular, Honors, Academy, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate courses.

Career and Transition Services Presentation

Presentation on FCPS Career and Transition Services (CTS) by Sarah Blake, Janelle Ellis and Trevor Christensen.