Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that each and every FCPS student has equitable access to excellence and opportunities in alignment with the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan. As part of this commitment, we are undergoing a comprehensive boundary review for the first time in nearly four decades. This review will assess the boundaries across our district to better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, student health and wellness, and evolving community needs. 

On September 12, 2024, the School Board awarded a contract to Thru Consulting to manage the school boundary review for FCPS. This work will be conducted over a 16-month period, ending January 31, 2026. 

Why Is FCPS Conducting a Boundary Review?

The Fairfax County School Board voted to update FCPS Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024. FCPS has not had a comprehensive review of boundaries since 1986 — nearly 40 years. Fairfax County and our school population have grown significantly since then. By reviewing boundaries, we seek to:

• Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities.
• Balance available capacity to make the best use of our school facilities.
• Establish consistent “attendance zones” by removing isolated attendance areas and reducing split feeder patterns. This would increase the likelihood that students from the same neighborhood would be assigned to the same schools which are also the closest option. 
• Minimize travel time for students.

Benefits of Potential Boundary Adjustments

According to educational research reviewed by the FCPS Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI), boundary adjustment decisions may be linked to better student achievement through instructional quality, budget optimization, and enhanced student well-being. These outcomes will help to ensure that each and every student reaches their greatest potential. 

Learn more about potential benefits of boundary adjustments.

Community Engagement

Robust community engagement across FCPS is a critical part of the boundary review process. It is required by FCPS Boundary Policy 8130 and the Code of Virginia.

The first step is to develop the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee. This committee will include a diverse group of parents/caregivers, school-based administrators, teachers, operational staff, and community members. The application is now open.

Your unique perspectives and insights will be invaluable as we work together to ensure this process is transparent, includes significant community participation and feedback, and always keeps students at the center of every decision.

Committee members will be expected to attend regular in-person meetings, review relevant materials, and actively participate in discussions. Your commitment will help us make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our community.

Please note that participation in the Boundary Review Advisory Committee will be a time-intensive commitment. If you are interested in joining, please complete this application by Friday, October 18. While we value every application, we may not be able to accommodate everyone who applies. It is important to have representation from every FCPS region. We also want to include various community and employee groups. Together, all things are possible.

Stay tuned for information on additional opportunities for all families, staff, students, and community members to lend their voice to the boundary review process. Activities may include community meetings, focus groups, and surveys.