This glossary is meant to provide accessible explanations of popular terms related to the comprehensive boundary review. For additional, and in some cases, more thorough definitions, please refer to the FCPS Boundary Policy 8130, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Glossary or the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Book Glossary.

Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Center

A school that has been identified to educate students who qualify for full-time Level IV Advanced Academic Services to receive a challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas; English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students in this program receive instruction together by grade level for their core classes.

Attendance Area 

See School Boundary entry.

Attendance Island 

A geographic area assigned to a particular school even though the area is not directly connected to the school’s boundary.

Attendance Zone

See School Boundary entry.

Boundary Policy 8130

In July 2024, the Fairfax County School Board approved the updated Boundary Policy 8130 to define the policy “for the assignment of students to schools and programs; to close or open or consolidate schools and programs where appropriate; and to outline the considerations for such determinations.” The policy mandates that FCPS school boundaries be reviewed every five years. Regularly reviewing and updating school district boundaries is a best practice. With that in mind, FCPS is undergoing a comprehensive boundary review for the first time in nearly four decades.

Although boundaries will be examined every five years, that does not mean there will be changes every five years. Extensive community engagement and opportunities for the community to provide feedback will take place before any boundaries are adjusted. 

Breakout Group 

A small group of individuals (ideally four to 10 people) formed during in-person and virtual Comprehensive Boundary Review meetings. A facilitator leads each group, as they participate in a guided discussion about potential boundary changes. 

Capacity Deficit

A school with more students than the school can accommodate based on the school’s current programs. These schools are often referred to as "overcrowded." 

Capacity Enhancement

An addition, renovation, or constructing of modular classrooms that adds square footage to a school.

Capacity Surplus

A term used when referring to a school where the number of students is less than 85% of program capacity.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 

A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a working budget document that shows timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations and additions, and new schools. Learn more about FCPS’ CIP.

Community Engagement

A collaborative process that involves community members working with organizations to address issues that affect them. It's based on the idea that everyone who is impacted by an issue should have a say in how it's addressed.

Comprehensive School Boundary Review

An in-depth assessment of the boundaries across a school division to better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, student health and wellness, and evolving community needs.

Facilitator

An FCPS staff or community member that is responsible for guiding unbiased conversations during breakout sessions for in-person and virtual comprehensive boundary meetings. 

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

FPAC provides accurate, timely, and relevant advice to the Fairfax County School Board concerning the development of strategic, comprehensive, and long-term plans for educational and educational support facilities within Fairfax County for FCPS students. FPAC is intended to enhance community outreach and input into the facilities planning process. 

Feeder School

A school whose students, upon progression, are assigned to a specific school. For example, once students complete an elementary school, they would be assigned to a particular middle school.

High School Pyramid

Group of schools located geographically within each high school boundary. At the top of each pyramid is one high school or secondary school, followed by one or more middle schools, then multiple elementary schools. Each lower school level of the pyramid generally feeds into the one above.

Modular

Modulars are buildings constructed off site in a factory and transported to school grounds to provide additional classroom space for students. Modulars sit on a permanent foundation, but they may be relocated. They are typically ready for use 30-60% faster than on-site, permanent construction. Modulars may have multiple classrooms, plumbing, interior corridors, and restroom facilities. Modulars are included in the calculation of school design and program capacity.

Phasing of Adjustments

Changing a school boundary in gradual stages, generally by a grade or set of grades at a time. FCPS Policy 8130: Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings governs and provides the details of phasing adjustments the School Board may adopt. 

Regions 

An administrative geographic boundary that contains multiple high school pyramids and alternative schools and centers. FCPS has six region offices that provide support to schools within their particular boundary. View FCPS region and pyramid maps. 

School Boundary

A geographical boundary that determines which school a student attends based on their residential address. 

Split Feeder

A particular school from which students progress to two or more higher-level schools. For example, when elementary school students from the same school are assigned to attend two or more middle schools, that elementary school is a split feeder. 

Student Yield Ratio

A ratio that is derived from dividing the number of students by the number of housing units (by type) in a specified area. When used for student enrollment projections, this ratio helps to determine the number of students anticipated from new housing. For example, if a housing development with 20 housing units produced five elementary school students, the student yield ratio would be 0.25. 

Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee

A committee of 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. 

By reviewing boundaries, the committee seeks to:

• Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities.
• Balance available capacity to make the best use of our school facilities.
• Establish consistent “attendance zones (school boundaries)” by addressing isolated attendance areas (islands) and reducing split feeder patterns.
• Minimize travel time for students.

Parents/caregivers and community members on the committee were selected by assigning a number to applicants who confirmed their ability to attend meetings in person through January 2026. Numbers were chosen via a random number generator and then matched with the names on the list of confirmed applicants. 

Temporary Classroom

A trailer installed at a school site, without connection to public plumbing utilities. These are placed to provide additional classroom space. Unlike a modular, this type of classroom is not included in the calculation of school design capacity or program capacity but is included in instructional space if it is being used as such.

Thru Consulting

The management consulting firm that was awarded a contract by Fairfax County Public Schools to review school boundaries divisionwide.