Honors classes in middle school are open to all students who seek academic rigor. Fairfax County offers open enrollment in Honors social studies, English, science, and mathematics classes.
Overview
In FCPS honors courses are available to middle and high school students. Students may self-select one or more honors courses in areas that match their academic interests or strengths. Honors courses prepare students for future success in the next step of their academic journey. Students in honors courses frequently use abstract, critical thinking approaches through inquiry-based projects to extend and deepen their understanding of the content.
To learn more about specific honors courses, check the individual course descriptions in our FCPS course catalog.
Honors Curriculum
Honors courses extend the FCPS Program of Studies. Curriculum extensions are based on The Parallel Curriculum model. This model adds depth and complexity to student learning experiences.
Mathematics
In middle school mathematics, an honors course accelerates the student to the next grade level.
Mathematics 7 Honors
Mathematics 7 Honors is open enrollment for all students. This course requires students to master the content assessed on the Mathematics 8 SOL assessment.
Students who have not completed Advanced Mathematics 6 may need support and/or require additional effort and study to be successful.
Both Mathematics 7 and Mathematics 7 Honors prepare students for Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 8.
Algebra I Honors
Algebra I Honors is open enrollment for all 8th grade students.
Requirements for enrollment in Algebra I Honors in 7th grade:
Successful completion of the Advanced Mathematics Grade 6 curriculum or a year-long accelerated mathematics program
Score a pass advanced (500 or above) on the grade 7 mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) test
Starting with the current students rising to grade 7 in the fall of 2025, the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) will no longer be used as a requirement for enrollment. Instead, families of students who meet the above criteria may select either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors.
