ACE has a variety of classes that meet 100% of the time in-person within Fairfax County or are held 100% of the time online, so you could take a class from your home provided you have access to the internet.  We also offer blended or hybrid classes, which are a combination of online sessions and in-person sessions within the same class.    For any class with an online component, either those classes that meet 100% online or those that meet only some of the time online, a link to access the class will be provided.

ACE also offers self-paced online classes that are held 100% online, and do not have a set start and end day or time of day.  For these classes, you will receive an email within 2-4 business days after you register that will provide access to the course content.  The link provided in the email grants access to the class content allowing you to study at your own pace.  The link for these self-paced classes expire after a specific period, which is typically 2-6 months after initially receiving the link.

Yes, classes for kids and teens, such as Driver Education Classes, SAT/ACT Preparation Classes, and summer enrichment camps are available for students under the age of 18.  Registration for these classes is available online. 

Please note that these registrations require that the parent/guardian provide a completed emergency contact form to be held onsite for any in-person classes. 

Most of our programs are designed for adults, 18 years and older, unless otherwise specified.  In some instances, exceptions may be approved.  Please email [email protected] for information about an underage waiver.  Requests require two weeks advance notice.

ACE continuously develops new class offerings; and as such, the printed catalog lists available classes at the time of publication.   The ACE brochure, which highlights course offerings, is mailed to Fairfax County residents multiple times a year.  We encourage you to go to the ACE website often to see everything that is offered.  Class information posted online is the most current information on all our class offerings. 

Yes.  ACE is committed to non-discrimination in our programs, services, and activities.  Please contact the Student Services office at least two weeks in advance.  Please read more about accommodations for students.  ACE will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodations; however, failure to request an accommodation within the specified time frame may limit our ability to fulfill this request.

Summer Learning has alternative options to support ADA accommodations.  Please send an email with your request to [email protected].

You can log into our online registration system to update your contact information, or you can call our Registration Office at 703-658-1201, Monday-Friday from 9am-noon and 1pm-5pm.

It depends on how you registered for a class.  If you registered online, then you can see all the classes for which you registered.  If you registered over the phone, in-person, via a mailed-in registration, or your FCPS school registered you, then you cannot see a complete history online. 

For all classes being offered, we comply with the FCPS policies and procedures around COVID mitigation and strategies.  For specifics on this, please click here.  For questions on withdrawing from a class due to COVID related illness, please refer to our withdrawal and refund policies.  Please note that Summer Learning has its own withdrawal and refund policies.

No, not at this time. We encourage you to register online.

Visit our Teach for ACE page to learn more about how we recruit teachers.

Parents or guardians who know that their child will be late for, or miss, a class need to notify FCPS ACE in advance by emailing [email protected]. Parents or guardians who need to pick up their child before the end of the scheduled class need to email [email protected].

To use the buttons to generate an email, you need to have a defaulted email program set up on your device.  Please check to see that you have.  If you do have a defaulted email program set up on your device and you are still having problems, please send an email directly to [email protected] or call 703-658-1201.

Students who are at least 12 years old may be permitted to sign themselves in and out of an FCPS ACE K-12 class. To do this, the registering adult must notify FCPS ACE in writing that they want their student to have this ability. Without this written documentation, students will not be allowed to sign themselves into and out of class without an adult present. Notification can be emailed to [email protected].

Non-FCPS students registering for K-12 enrichment classes must submit additional documentation along with their completed registration form and payment. Please see FCPS Student Registration for required documentation and additional information on this requirement.  Please note that FCPS summer learning classes are restricted to FCPS students only.

There are two types of Online Anytime classes. For both of these types of classes, you will receive a link to the class within 2 to 4 business days after you register.

NOTE: You will need regular access to a computer with speakers and internet connection for these classes.

Instructor-guided Online Anytime Classes

In an Instructor-guided online anytime class

• There is a defined monthly start date.
  • This gives you have some enrollment flexibility with these classes.
• Lessons are released Biweekly.
• When you are enrolled in the class, work is based on your schedule once the lesson is released.
  • You and the instructor will interact using an online class discussion board.
• These classes are typically six-week long with an additional two weeks to prepare for the final exam.

Self-Paced Online Anytime Classes

These classes have “Self-Paced” in the course title. In a self-paced online anytime class

• There are no defined dates and times for each session.
• You can access the course when it is convenient for you (even midnight if you cannot sleep!)
• You have a limited number of weeks or months to complete the class.
  • Check your receipt for details on how long you will have access to the course using the code provided

For self-paced classes, you will get an email within a few business days of registration with the access code for the class.

ACE is continuously looking to hire ACE instructors. Visit our teaching for FCPS ACE page to learn more about these opportunities.

ACE also, from time to time, looks to hire office staff or building coordinators. These are posted in FCPS's Operational Job Openings or Other Career Opportunities for more details. If you do not see an opportunity, check back again later as new opportunities are posted periodically.

Yes. Log into our online registration system here.  Once logged in, you can add courses to your shopping cart then choose the “Print Registration” button. This creates a ready-to-print registration form with your courses already entered.  Include your payment in the form of a check or money order with the printed registration form and send it to: FCPS-ACE, Dept. A, 6815 Edsall Road, Springfield, VA 22151. 

Additionally you can print out our paper registration form, fill it out, and mail it along with your check to:

FCPS-ACE, Dept. A.
6815 Edsall Road
Springfield, VA 22151

Please note that your registration is not complete until we receive your mailed forms and payment.  Please allow 2 weeks for processing.

Yes, you may register a family member or friend by using the online registration system and selecting the option to “Add a Member” option to your account.

To take advantage of online registration, you must pay with a Visa or MasterCard. You can enroll in a class by mail, with a check, credit card, or money order.

Due to COVID considerations, we are not able to accept cash at this time.

No.

Unless you formally withdraw from a class, you are required to pay for the full price for the class regardless of any missed sessions.

For classes that cost in excess of $1,000 and that take place over a period of at least 3 months, payment plans MAY be available.  Students must comply with specific financial criteria to qualify.  For specific information about this please email [email protected].

Possibly.  If you are interested in an apprenticeship class, we have a limited amount of partial scholarships available. You can complete the application or reach out to [email protected] with questions.

Yes, discounts may be available for class FCPS ACE tuition, with some class restrictions. Please note these following requirements and restrictions:

• Only Fairfax County residents 65 years of age or older may opt for a 25 percent tuition discount.
• The birth date/year must be provided with your registration to be eligible.
• Discount must be claimed at time of registration.
• Lab, material, and textbook fees are still required to be paid in full.
• The discount may be used for one class at a time for a total of four classes per year.
• No senior adult discounts are allowed for Adult ESOL or for other selected classes as noted.
• Parenting Education classes have separate policies regarding discounts.

Any discounts will be determined at time of registration and a discount code will be provided to you to use when you register online.

No.

All materials are included in the cost of the class and will be sent upon confirmation of payment.

If a class is canceled, there is no action needed on your part to request a refund.  The refund will take 4-6 weeks for processing. If your tuition was paid using a credit card, we will attempt to reimburse the same card.  If there is an issue with the credit card transaction, or if your tuition was paid by check, then a check will be mailed to the address we have listed in our system.

If the class was not canceled, there are time limits in which a withdrawal and refund will be approved.  For specifics on these time limits please visit our Adult and Community Education (ACE) Refund Process Page for details.  If approved, the refund will take 4-6 weeks for processing.  If your tuition was paid using a credit card, we will attempt to reimburse the same card.  If there is an issue with the credit card transaction, or if your tuition was paid by check, then a check will be mailed to the address we have listed in our system.

No.

• Only one discount can be used when purchasing a class.
• With some classes, no discounts are permitted. 
  • If discounts are not permitted for a class, there will be a statement that indicates that no discounts are permitted.

ONLINE:  Search, register, and pay at https://aceclasses.fcps.edu  Please email [email protected] if you encounter difficulties and someone will respond to you within one business day. 

PHONE:  Call the Registration Office at 703-658-1201, Monday-Friday from 9am-Noon and 1pm-5pm, to speak with a member of our Registration team. 

MAIL:  Please mail your completed registration form along with your payment to:

FCPS-ACE Registration
6815 Edsall Road
Springfield, VA 22151

Please note:  Due to COVID considerations, the Registration Office is not able to accept walk-in registrations or cash payments at this time.

Any adult over the age 18 may attend most ACE classes.  You do not need to be a resident of Fairfax County and no additional fees are collected for out-of-county students.

Parents can enroll their children in ACE K12 classes.  These children do not need to be enrolled at an FCPS school to attend one of our K12 classes.

Driver Education classes have special enrollment requirements.  Class specifics include: 

• Partners-for-Safe-Teen-Driving is for students from Fairfax County and other counties.
• Behind-the-Wheel classes held during the school year are limited to FCPS students.  Behind-the-Wheel classes held during the summer are open to any eligible student.  Students need to have their learner’s permit and their classroom course completion card (pink card) to be eligible to enroll.
• DMV Learner’s Permit Tests are limited to students who are residents of Fairfax County only.
• Adult Learner’s Permit Testing are for adults over the age of 18.
• Classroom instruction is open to any Fairfax County residents, age 18 and under.

Summer Learning has special requirements for registration.

In some instances, we permit enrollments up to the day that a class starts.  Registrations after the start of class are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

If you registered on the day of the class, for classes meeting in-person, you must bring your registration confirmation to class.  Instructors are not authorized to accept registrations in class.  Attendance is NOT allowed without prior registration.  For same-day registration of online classes, there may be a delay in receiving the link in time to attend the first session of class.  Self-paced classes have no predefined start date.  For these classes you will receive a specialized link several business days after you register.

Individuals registering online receive a registration confirmation immediately. Individuals choosing other registration methods will not receive confirmation unless specifically requested.  If you have registered and have not received a receipt in your email, please check your SPAM or Junk Folders.

This is generally not permitted.  However, in some instances you may be able to register for a class after the start date. This requires special permission from the staff Specialist responsible for the class.  To request this, select the Contact Us tab and send your request in an email.  Make sure to provide complete details, including the name of the class, and your contact information.  The Specialist will receive your request and reach out to you about your request. 

Some classes require registrations earlier.  In these instances, registrations will be closed and will not enable registrations on the same day as the start of the class. 

If you are registering for a class that permits registration on the first day of a class, please use the online registration system to enroll in the class. 

To check on the availability of space and the status of the class, call our Registration Office at 703-658-1201, Monday-Friday, during the hours of 9am-Noon, and 1PM-5PM.

You may not register with the instructor on the first night or day of class.

It means that you have an outstanding bill associated with a prior or current ACE class.  You will not be able to register for additional ACE classes and will not be able to take any test (if applicable), provided certificates of completion or course transcripts while on restricted financial status.  This restriction on testing and certificates of completion or course transcripts does NOT apply to Summer Learning or FCPS Academic School Year classes.

This is generally not permitted.  However, in some instances you may be able to register for a class after the start date. This requires special permission from the staff Specialist responsible for the class. To request this, select the Contact Us tab and send in an email.  Make sure to provide complete details, including the name of the class, and your contact information.  The Specialist will receive your request and reach out to you about your request.  Alternatively, for Adult and Community classes, you may call the ACE Switchboard at 703-658-2727 and select the option related to the associated program; and you will be forwarded to that Specialist’s extension.  If they do not answer, please leave a detailed voicemail so that the Specialist can reach out to you. 

There are a few different ways to search for a class using our online system.

Search Method 1

Search for a class by entering a keyword into the “Search by Keyword or Phrase” feature.

Keyword search example (click the “Go” button to execute your search)

Note: The loading circle at the top of the screen indicates page is still loading, do not refresh. 

In this example, the keyword computer find current courses with that word in the title and in the description.

To select any individual course, click on the course name shown in underline on the screen. Once you select a specific course you should be able to see the individual sessions, or classes, being offered (either currently happening or scheduled to happen in the future).

Search Method 2

You can browse what is offered by clicking on one of the categories listed along the left-hand side of the screen.

This will take you to a page with additional drill-down into the type of offerings. You can then select from one of the subjects that appear.

Current class options will then be displayed.

Note: You will be able to change your subject selection by selecting a different header as shown below without backing out of this page.

Search Method 3

To further narrow down your search results, you can use the advanced search feature.

On this screen you can select the specific information you are looking for and then click the search button or the reset button to reset your results.

To register for a class online, you need to select the actual class offering, log into the online system, and pay for the class.

Step 1

Select the desired course by clicking on the Course Name and not the Course Number:

Step 2

A detailed description and other important information about the course offering you selected will be displayed towards the top of the screen. Towards the bottom of the screen will be a listing of all the current individual classes, along with information on the specific class location, schedule, section number, and instructor. To register for an individual class, click the register button on the right side of the screen or call the registration phone number to register for the class during regular office hours.

Note: When the class is full, you will see “No seats available” under the registration status column on the right-hand side of the screen and you will not be able to select the class.

Step 3

After you click on the Register button, you will be taken to the page to access your online account. If you do not have an online account, you need to create an account.

Note: If you already have an account, but cannot remember your password or User ID, click on the Forgot your password or Forgot your User ID links at the bottom.

If you click the Forgot your password link, the following screen appears. Fill out the requested information then click the Submit button. You will be asked to answer your User Validation question to get into the online system.

If you click the Forgot your User ID link, the following screen appears. You will need to enter the e-mail address you used to create your ACE online account, then click the Submit button.

If the e-mail you enter matches our records, an e-mail with your User ID will be sent to the e-mail you have provided. If you do not receive an e-mail, check your spam folder, or click on the contact us link to contact ACE for assistance.

If you do not have an existing account and need to create an account, make sure to fill out all the information on the screen.

Note: Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Step 4

After you have successfully logged into your online account, you will need to reconfirm which individual class you are registering yourself for by clicking the select button.

Note: To add someone else to the class other than yourself, you will need to add them to your account. To do this once a class is selected, click on the Add Student button. Parents can do this to add their children to their account, employers can add their employees to their account, and agencies can add their clients to their account.

Fill out the student’s information then click the Save & Continue button. Please make sure to include an email for this person that can be used to contact this individual. This is especially important if the class is meeting online at any point so that the link for the online session of the class can be created for this individual.

Step 5

Once the person that will be taking the class has been confirmed (either you or a student you added), click the Complete Registration button.

Step 6

Fill out the payment information. Online registrations require payment at the time of registration; Visa or Mastercard only.

Then read the refund policy and click the checkbox next to the Read and Agree to the Refund Policy and  click the Verify Transaction button to complete registration.

Step 7

Click the Pay and Confirm Registration button.

Step 8

On the final payment screen, enter your card information and click the Pay Now button to process your payment.

An automatically generated receipt will be emailed to the email account on file. You will also be able to print a copy of your receipt before logging out of the online system.

• If you used the online system to self-register for a class or classes, you can view your class history.
• If you registered by mail or called the Registration Office to enroll, those enrollments will not be visible in the online system.  

To view your online registration history, you will need to log into your online account. Once in your account, you will need to click on the My Schedule tab. All online registrations will be displayed.

Several options are available:

• You can register right away and pay for it yourself and get reimbursed by your employer/company.
• Your employer/company can register you online right away and pay with a credit card.
• With advanced coordination and agreement, we will accept a registration with a Purchase Order promissory note in lieu of payment at the time of registration and will invoice your employer after the registration is processed.  To accept this promissory note, your employer must agree to our terms and conditions.  To inquire about this, send an email to [email protected]. 

An email registration receipt is sent to the student’s email address on file.  If you want a separate notification, please include that with your enrollment request.

The contractual agreement to pay is between ACE and you, the agency; and as such, the agency is responsible to pay 100% of the contracted payment amount in instances where your client is not formally withdrawn from the class.  Please refer to our withdrawal and reimbursement policies for more specifics.

In addition to the classes we offer, ACE can create a customized class specifically designed for your office or company.  These include classes for trades & industry, health & medical, as well as business & computer or language.  When doing so, these classes are closed to the public so only your people will attend.  Agencies and companies interested in this should email [email protected] and a staff member will reach out to you to discuss your training needs.

The contractual agreement to pay is between ACE and you, the employer; and as such, the employer is responsible to pay 100% of the contracted payment amount.  The employer should check their own human resources policies and procedures about requirements for continued employment and paying back training costs.

If your employee leaves your employment before the class starts, you can either exchange the employee you were intending to send to the class with another employee or you can cancel the registration without penalty.  Please send an email to [email protected] identifying the class, the person enrolled currently in that class, and specifics about what you want to do (withdraw or change who is going to attend the class).  Please refer to our withdrawal and reimbursement policies for more specifics.

Yes.  Students must be formally unenrolled in a class to avoid the financial obligation to pay.  Please see our Withdrawal/Transfer/Refund Policy for specifics.

Yes, this can be done, and registrations are processed immediately.  Online registrations require a credit/debit card at the time of registration.  Setting up an account is easy to do, saving time and effort to ensure that you get your people directly into the classes you want. Once you set up the online account (via the Sign In/Create Account tab), and have identified the class you want, select “Add Student”, complete the online form, and then you can register your people for the class(es) of your choosing, pay by company credit card, and get instant proof of registration.

FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

FERPA requires any adult student to sign a release before FCPS ACE can share your ACE class records of attendance or grades with a third party. This requirement is placed on FCPS ACE regardless of the student’s US citizenship status. An example of a third party would be:

• a caseworker
• an employer
• a parent or spouse

If you wish to have FCPS ACE share your FCPS ACE grades and progress with anybody other than you directly we must have written authorization to do so. Visit the ACE Counselor page for the FCPS ACE FERPA form.

If a textbook is listed for a class, it is required to be purchased through ACE unless it is marked “optional,” in which case the textbook is required for the class, but you do not need to purchase it from ACE.  For many classes, students are expected to purchase the textbook on their own and specific ISBN numbers are provided within the description for the class. 

In some instances, such as language classes, the same text is used for several different class levels.

In many instances, ACE will provide the ISBN number for the book you need to purchase.  If purchasing the textbook on your own, our course description may provide specific directions such as a specific publisher, as well as various retailers such as Amazon.  In these instances, it will be up to you to decide where you should purchase the book. 

For most online classes, textbooks are typically e-books for which you will receive a link to all the necessary class materials, including textbooks, shortly before the start of the class.  For classes meeting in-person, e-books or physical textbooks may be provided.  In the case of e-books, you will receive a link shortly before the start of the class.  For physical textbooks, the books will be distributed the first session of the class. 

It depends on the specific class.  Please review the class description for details.

If purchasing it from ACE, you will either receive an email shortly before the first day of class with a link to the e-textbook, or the book will be provided during the first in-person session of the class (in the case where it is a physical book). 

Please note that registering on the same day of the class may result in textbooks or instructional materials not being available on that first day of class.  We recommend that you try to register as soon as possible to avoid this.  However, if you do register on the first day of class, we will strive to get you your textbook and instructional supplies as soon as possible.

First, you should register in advance for the class.  For self-paced classes, a link will be emailed to the email address we have on file for you 2- 4 business days after your registration date.  For classes that are not self-paced, there will be a specific start date and time for the class.  Prior to this date, a link will be emailed to the email address we have on file for you between 1-2 business days prior to the date of the class.  Typically for classes with a blended meeting pattern (i.e., some sessions in person and some sessions online), the class will typically meet for the first session in-person.  During this initial session, the ACE instructor will go over the specifics about the link to access the online portion of the class.

Second, you need to have access to a computer with a computer camera and microphone and the internet.   

Third, the computer you use should have Windows 10 or higher, or Mac OS X v 10.9 operating system.  We recommend that the computer screen have a resolution of 1280 x 720 or higher (1920 x 1080 pixels recommended).  We also recommend that your internet browser be Chrome (latest versions), Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.  Finally, we recommend that the computer you use has a minimum of 8 GB RAM, a computer camera and microphone.  If joining a class when using a tablet, be sure to download the free Google Meet app before class.

After registration, but before the class actually starts, a link will be emailed to you using the email account we have for you on file.  If you do not receive the link, first check your SPAM.  For Adult and Community classes, if you have not received the email, call the ACE Switchboard at 703-658-2727 to be connected to the staff Specialist responsible for this class so that they can have it resent to you.  If you are sent to voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your contact information.  Alternatively, you can go to Contact Us, select the button for the program associated with your class; and send a detailed email.  Either way, staff will follow up with you to ensure that you receive your class link.

Classes held over the internet will have one of these as the location for the class.  The distinction deals with the platform specifics related to specific classes.

Online Anytime classes can be either Instructor Led or Self-Paced classes.

Instructor Led Online classes:  For instructor led online classes, you will receive support though a discussion area that is monitored by the instructor.  You will be able to post questions and comments into this discussion area, and the instructor will respond to your postings.

Self-Paced Online classes:  With a self-paced class, you can register for the class at any time and access the class materials according to your own schedule.  You will be provided a link, and you will have a specific period of time to complete the class. 

Yes.  Please register early for computer classes as the number of students in an in-person class is limited to the number of computers in the classroom.  Computer classes held online will require the student to have access to a computer and the internet to attend the class.

Please go to our Contact Us page, select the button associated with the type of class in which you want information, and send an email requesting specifics on the class you are interested in taking. You will receive a response within 2 business days. 

All ACE instructors are subject matter experts in the subject they are teaching and have worked in their field for many years.  For specific questions about a specific instructor, please go to our Contact Us page, select the button associated with the type of class in which you want information; and send an email. You will receive a response within 2 business days.    

Summer Learning instructors are all FCPS teachers.

ACE has several different certificate programs.  Many certificate programs have a certification fee, and students are allotted 1-2 years to complete all classes in the program.  These certificate programs currently include:

• The Property Maintenance Technician (PMT) Certificate Program.  This is part of the Trades & Industry classes. 
• Veterinary Assistant and Medical Assistant Certificate Programs.  These two programs include a series of classes.  Additional certificate programs with one comprehensive class are also available. Email [email protected] for program details. 
• Business Education and IT Certificate Programs have no previous academic requirements, flexible class times and small class sizes.  Current programs include:
  • Business Programs
    • Nonprofit Organization Development
    • Small Business Management
    • Child Care Provider
    • Office Assistant
    • Accounting Assistant
    • Bookkeeping Assistant
    • Administrative Assistant
    • Human Resources Management
  • Information Technology
    • Computer Support Technician
    • Web Designer/Developer

Not all classes are offered each season, however, efforts are made to ensure that required classes are offered at least once each year.  If you do not see a class offered that is required for your certificate program, please go to the “Contact Us” page; and send an email to the program in which your certificate program belongs.  Alternatively, you can call 703-658-2727 and select the option to be transferred to a staff member who is responsible for that type of programming.  If no one picks up your call, please leave a detailed message with contact information and someone will return your call soon.

Quarterly grade reports and classroom hours attended will be sent to the address and/or email address on file within 2 weeks of the last day of class. Instructors will provide interim reports upon request.

Many of our ACE career and enrichment classes require a specific level of English proficiency.  Requirements may differ by individual program.  To speak with someone about the specific language requirements for the ACE class you want to take, such as Apprenticeship, Trades/Industry, Health/Medical, Business/Computer, Driver Education, or K12 Enrichment programming and Test Prep, please call the ACE Switchboard at 703-658-2727; and select the option to be transferred to the program in which you are interested.  

Adult ESOL offers classes at a range of beginning to advanced proficiency levels, and new students are required to complete an intake process to determine the appropriate starting level class.  To speak with someone about these different proficiency levels, please call the Adult ESOL office at 703-658-2777, or go to the “Contact Us” page; and send an email to the Adult ESOL program. 

Please go to the “Contact Us” page, and send an email to the Business & Computer program.  Alternatively, you can call 703-658-2727 and select the Business & Computer program option to be transferred to a staff member who is responsible for this programming.  If no one picks up your call, please leave a detailed message with contact information; and someone will return your call soon.

Please go to the “Contact Us” page and send an email to the Health & Medical program.  Alternatively, you can call 703-658-2727 and select the Health & Medical program option to be transferred to a staff member who is responsible for this programming.  If no one picks up your call, please leave a detailed message with contact information; and someone will return your call soon.

BLS (HM01697) is recommended for Healthcare providers, i.e., nurses, doctors, pharmacists, phlebotomists, dental assistants, etc. 

Heartsaver CPR AED, with or without First Aid (HM01625 or HM01695), is recommended for medical administrative/clerical employees, community members including personal trainers, Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders, babysitters, etc. 

Private classes are available.  Please email [email protected] for details.

Your experience with a language determines the best class for you.

Adult ESOL classes require a formal placement assessment prior to being enrolled in an Adult ESOL class.  Please contact the Adult ESOL office at [email protected] for information on placement assessment. 

View detailed descriptions of our Adult ESOL program and offerings. 

Alternatively, go to the “Contact Us” page and send an email to the Adult ESOL program. 

The course description gives the prerequisites for each level of multi-level courses.  If you are not sure if your background matches the prerequisites, contact the staff Specialist responsible for that program via the Contact Us page.

Alternatively, if you want an Adult and Community class, you may call the ACE Switchboard at 703-658-2727 to be connected to the staff Specialist responsible for the type of class you have a question about.  If you are sent to voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your contact information. 

Yes.  Please bring the following to the first behind-the-wheel class:

1. Valid Virginia Learner’s permit
2. Classroom completion card or receipt showing current enrollment
3. Online confirmation receipt or the walk-in registration form, signed by a parent/guardian

In August 2022, ACE received certification from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for selected classes in our Business and Information Technology series.  Students can be assured that these classes meet the standards required of ACE and the ASAE.  When searching for these classes, look for the ASAE Checkmark close to the class description.

To send an email to ACE administration:

1. Go to our Contact Us page
2. Find the category for the type of class.
3. Click the link for that category.
4. Send an email.

You will receive a response within 2 business days.

You can also call us at 703-658-2727 and ask to speak to an ACE Leader.

The printed Apprenticeship Catalog is an evergreen document and outlines the general program and lists the Apprenticeship courses.  In any given year or season, the specific classes offered will vary.  Please review the ACE Homepage for current class offerings. 

Students must attend courses to be in compliance with VA DOLI-related technical instruction regulations.  LLearn more on the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation site.

Yes.  An individual who completes a full program receives a Fairfax County Public Schools final transcript that is suitable to use in applying for licensure.  Completion certificates are available for a fee from ACE.  Records are kept for several years and can be applied toward apprenticeship completion.  Should you become a registered apprentice in the future, any classes taken within five years can be applied to your official apprenticeship.

A Registered Apprentice entails completing a full program of related instruction and documented on-the-job training and receiving a nationally recognized State Apprenticeship Certificate.  In order to get this certificate, the student’s employer needs to register the apprentice with the state.  ACE does not require students to be registered with the state, and also has no part in issuing Apprenticeship Action Forms.  For more information on Apprenticeship Action Forms, please email [email protected].   Please contact DPOR with any questions related to Registered Apprenticeship or Action Forms.

Students should strive to attend all scheduled classes.  Unavoidable absences should be made up as soon as possible, even though the maximum absences allowed has not been exceeded. To make up for hours and classwork missed, the apprentice must make arrangements with the instructor to receive alternative assignments, either through NCCERConnect, special projects, or special homework. This option should be used on a limited basis and only with excused absences. Make-up work must be completed before the class ends.

No. “Virginia Registered Apprentice” means the apprentice must be working for a Virginia employer in an apprentice-able occupation and is registered with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. The “Apprentice Action Form” is evidence of state registration. ACE does not issue Apprenticeship Action Forms; these must come from DOLI. Those who are not Virginia-registered apprentices are also welcomed to join electricity, plumbing, surveying, or HVAC-R classes, but they will not receive a state certificate.

Any questions about licensure or journeyman's testing should be directed to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at 804-367-8500.

Yes, there are.  Each year these dates are updated and are typically published in the early summer.

Fall Classes 2024-25

• Fall classes begin the week of September 9, 2024. 
• All registrations for the Fall must be completed before 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 5, 2024. No registrations can be accepted after this date.
• Requests for student payment plans must be set up in advance of the beginning of the class.
  • For Fall classes, requests must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2024.
  • Make sure to apply in time if you wish to do a payment plan.
  • Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

For additional information, please email [email protected].

Please use the Schools and Centers Directory to find FCPS school locations.

For those classes that require a minimum amount of attendance, this would be considered as an excused absence.  However, these are only granted when documented by a letter from the employer on company letterhead.  Only excused absences are eligible to be made up.  The request to make up missed hours and/or class work must be presented to the instructor within two weeks of the absence. Students with excused absences that are not made up will not get hours credited.

A class may be cancelled for several reasons.  First, if there is a weather event or facility emergency that impacts the ability to meet in person, the class may be cancelled.  Second, if the instructor is not available for any reason (example: the instructor is ill or has a personal emergency), the class may be cancelled.  Third, in the event that there are not enough students enrolled in the class, the class will either be cancelled or postponed. 

If a class is cancelled, it will be rescheduled if there are multiple meeting dates for the class.  If the class for which you registered is scheduled to meet only one time, then the class is cancelled; and a refund will automatically be issued in the same manner in which the payment was received (i.e., if paid by credit card, the refund will be processed to the credit card; if paid by check, a check will be cut).  This will take approximately 3 weeks to process.

Online classes are not impacted due to adverse weather or facility emergencies.

If in-person classes are impacted, a notice is posted on the FCPS website about closures (look for references to Adult and Community Classes in that notice).  Additionally, if you sign up for News You Choose, FCPS will email you automatically about any facility closing notices.

The Adult ESOL Program has a weather line specific for its English language learners.  Adult ESOL students can call 703-658-1274 for specific adult ESOL weather-related class information.

ACE follows FCPS procedure for in-person classes with a few exceptions.  When schools are delayed two hours, ACE adult classes will begin on time, but any K12 classes are cancelled.  Online classes have different cancellation procedures.  See ACE Cancellation and Withdrawal policy for specifics.  Please note that Summer Learning has its own Cancellation and Withdrawal policy.

When you come to the class location, look for signage posted in the hallways that will direct you to the correct classroom.

For Behind-the-Wheel classes, review your receipt with directions on where to meet outside the FCPS building.

FCPS ACE offers classes all 12 months of the year. In-person classes are held at multiple locations throughout Fairfax County, primarily in FCPS high schools. Depending on the type of school break that FCPS schools announce, ACE classes may be impacted at some locations.

See the FCPS school calendar for a complete list of FCPS school breaks.

Please be aware that ACE classes scheduled over a formal break in K-12 classes may impact an ACE class in the following ways.

Long Holiday Weekends

Long holiday weekends include Independence Day, Thanksgiving Weekend, Martin Luther King Jr Day, etc.

Scheduled School Closures or Student Early Release Days

Election Day

Scheduled K-12 Breaks

Scheduled breaks include winter break and spring break.

FCPS K-12 Summer Break