Fairfax County Public Schools believes that public education is the cornerstone of a successful community. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure access to safe and vibrant learning spaces for all of our students, families, and staff. While some things may be changing, what’s unwavering is our commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from a world-class education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. We encourage our students to come to school every day.

Parents/caregivers, students, and staff have asked what FCPS is doing to ensure a safe learning experience for our community.  Please see resources below.

FCPS continues to monitor national policy decisions that impact our students, their families and some of our staff and their families. There are existing laws that govern our work as a public school system.

In accordance with federal law, FCPS does not require any student or family member to share their immigration status. Also, FCPS does not collect student or family member immigration status.

FCPS follows the law. The 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyer v. Doe established that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a public education. This was a result of the state of Texas enacting a law allowing school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented children.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, enacted in 1974, also protects the privacy of student information.

FCPS is not aware of any efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) or other law enforcement authorities to enter FCPS schools in order to arrest or detain students, parents, or staff. If enforcement actions are taken at our schools, FCPS will follow its existing policies and regulations governing access to students and student record information by law enforcement entities. We will do everything within our authority to protect our students and staff.

We are sensitive to the emotions involved and will closely monitor potential impacts on our schools as we do with any new regulations or laws. As additional information becomes available we will share it with our students, staff, and families. 

It is important to always be prepared for family crisis situations, and we encourage parents and guardians to talk to your children, in an age-appropriate manner, about what to do in the event of an emergency: 

• Create a Family Preparedness Plan. 

• Make sure that your emergency contact information is up to date using our SIS ParentVUE accounts. 

Families may also wish to review their decision related to voluntary disclosure of directory information and contact information. Contact your child's school to update information.

Social Services Resources

Virginia Department of Social Services, Immigrant Services
Northern Virginia Resource Handbook (English)
Northern Virginia Resource Handbook (Spanish)

Legal Resources

Only immigration attorneys can provide families with accurate advice about immigration status. Resources for legal assistance are listed here:

Immigration Legal Services: Nonprofit Organizations List
A curated list of immigration legal services in the DMV area.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Legal Aid Justice Center Rapid Response Toolkit 
This toolkit provides resources to assist in preparing for immigration emergencies.  

Fairfax County Resources

Fairfax County Resources for Immigrants 

Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
Connects Fairfax County residents with county and community-based services and resources, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance, and other essential needs.

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
Provides behavioral health services, developmental disability services, and detoxification services to youth and adults in Fairfax County.

Please note: Links shared above may lead to external websites for organizations that FCPS does not manage or control. We encourage families to review these resources independently to determine their value for their needs.

FCPS Resources

Family Resource Center 
Phone: 703-204-3941

Office of the Ombuds

Family Information Phone Lines