For additional information about Work-Based Learning and opportunities
Academies and Specialized Programs
Advanced technical and specialized elective courses are available at the High School Academies for students interested in pursuing coursework in a variety of options related to career pathways.
A high school academy is a center within an existing high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation.
Enrollments in the Academy elective course offerings will provide students with career and academic preparation for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Academy Locations
All FCPS students are eligible to participate in Academy programs. Courses and transportation are available based on base-school location. Use the High School Academy Course Finder to find courses and available transportation!
JROTC students sitting at a table
male student working on construction project
male student working on a car engine
three female students setting up a display of shoes
male dental student working with a young patient
students working on a construction project
female firefighter student
three male students working on a computer
a female student showing off her baking skills
a female student practicing using a hair curler
two female students looking at the inside anatomy of a horse
three medical students and their instructor practicing on a dummie
students practicing sign language
a pharmacy technician student practicing how to check out a customer
two criminal justice student putting up crime scene tape
four photography students working on a project
Academy Programs
- Air Force JROTC
- Automotive
- Carpentry
- Classroom on the Mall
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Cyber/IT
- Firefighting
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Korean
- STEM Engineering
- Teachers for Tomorrow
- Automotive
- Chinese
- Construction
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Cyber/IT
- Electrical
- Global STEM Challenges Program
- HVAC
- Teachers for Tomorrow
- Veterinary Science
- American Sign Language
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Dance
- Fashion Careers
- Game Design and Development
- Korean
- Music and Computer Technology
- Musical Theatre
- Professional Photography
- Social Media Marketing
- Television and Media Marketing
- American Sign Language
- Biotechnology Foundations
- Criminal Justice
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Vietnamese
- Arabic
- Automotive
- Chinese
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Cyber/IT
- Entrepreneurship
- STEM Engineering
- Army JROTC
- Biotechnology Foundations
- Criminal Justice
- Dance
- Early Childhood Careers
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Music and Computer Technology
- Social Media Marketing
- Television Production
For a list of specific courses available at each of the academies, please visit the Academy Course Catalog.
Specialized Programs
In addition to courses offered at the six Academies, specialized programs for students with particular interests are available at community-based locations and at single school sites.
The Classroom-on-the-Mall program is located at Fair Oaks Mall and provides instructional marketing and fashion marketing experiences.
The Auto Dealership Program, now available at 13 high schools, introduces students to operating a licensed auto dealership.
The Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing is located at Plum Center for Lifelong Learning and offers nursing classes to both secondary and postsecondary students.
Spring Village Residential Construction Site offers students an opportunity to construct single-family homes.
Firefighting I and Firefighting II are offered at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Training Academy through a partnership with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. This program is open to high school seniors.
Sponsored by the Claude Moore Foundation, FCPS and INOVA have partnered to bring a Health Informatics course to our Health and Medical Sciences Program. The course will be taught at the Falls Church Academy. Health Informatics is an in-demand field with opportunities for students interested in working in a healthcare environment utilizing computer hardware and/or computer software skills.
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Students are able to enhance their learning experiences through a variety of work-based learning opportunities. Work-Based Learning experiences include:
Career Awareness
- College and Career Fairs
- Guest Speakers
- Information Interviews
- Job Shadows
- Work-Based Tours
Career Exploration
- Career Mentorship
- Externships
- Internships
- Service Learning
Career Preparation
- Apprenticeships
- Clinical Experience
- Entrepreneurships
- School-Based Enterprise
Career Experience Specialists
Each of the FCPS Academies is staffed with a Career Experience Specialist (CES) whose primary role is to connect students and teachers to work-based learning experiences through the coordination of opportunities with division Work-Based Learning Specialists, business, and community partnerships.
