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. 

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 in 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.

Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee 

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee includes parents, caregivers and/or community members from each of FCPS’ 24 high school pyramids, together with school-based and division administrators, teachers, operational staff, and other community representatives. Their 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 meetings will take place every two weeks, then they will transition to once per month. 

Community Boundary Review Meetings

No meetings are scheduled at this time. 

FCPS Boundary Policy Update: A New Path Forward for Our Schools

School Board Actions on Redistricting

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. 

October 8, 2024:  School Board Work Session

• Presentation
• Video Recording