FAQs

1. What is the Chantilly Academy?

Chantilly Academy is a dynamic learning environment which offers twenty specialized career-oriented electives, concentrated in two areas: Engineering & Scientific Technology and Health & Human Services. Highly qualified instructors, a support team, counselors, a Career Transition specialist, experienced office staff, and an Academy Administrator work together to support students.

The Academy is located at Chantilly High School

Most programs are not offered at base high schools

Courses focus on academic & career preparation for post-secondary education and/or career fields

Learn valuable skill sets in emerging technologies that help ensure success in chosen careers.

Most courses are 2 credits and can be taken for 2 years (4 credits).

Mainstream environment; instructor and resource support teacher (CAST)

2. What years in high school do I attend the Academy?

10th, 11th and 12th grades

3. What classes can I take?

Animal Science; Air Force Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corp; Auto Collision; Auto Technology; Computer Systems Technology; Carpentry; Cosmetology; Criminal Justice; Culinary Arts; Dental Careers; Early Childhood Careers; Engineering Mathematics,Engineering Physics; Engineering Systems; Girls Exploring Engineering; Independent Research Engineering; Exploring the Language of Medicine; Exploring Health Sciences; Entrepreneurship; Geospatial Analysis; Medical Assistant; Manufacturing systems; Network Administration; Network Design & Engineering (CISCO); Oracle; Pharmacy Technician and Teachers for Tomorrow.

4. How many students attend the Academy?

1200 plus students

5. What high schools send their students to Chantilly Academy?

Cedar Lane, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Mountain View, Oakton, Robinson, South Lakes, Westfield, Woodson & West Springfield High Schools.

6. How do I get to the Academy during my school day?

Bus Transportation may be provided between base high school & Chantilly Academy.

7. Can I park my car at the Academy?

Parking is extremely limited. There are only 30 spaces available and most students do not receive parking permits. Students without transportation from their base schools have first priority. Other students are chosen to receive an Academy parking permit through a lottery during mid-September.

8. How do I sign up for a class?

Fill out an Academy application with your guidance counselor when you register for your next year classes.

Choose 2 courses on the application (1st choice and 2nd choice.)

Some classes do require you to write a short essay explaining your interests, experience and career goals.

Applications are due at the end of March for the upcoming year.

9. Can I take 2 classes at the Academy?

This is possible if your course schedule allows you to take the time. This is a decision that you and your parents should discuss with your high school guidance counselor.

10. Why should I take an Academy class?

An Academy class allows you to explore possible career options and learn valuable skills that will prepare you for entry level employment and/or post-secondary education in a chosen career field.

The majority of the course work is applications based or hands-on where you demonstrate skills.

Verified Credit: Verified credits may be earned after passing certification and licensure exams in several classes.

Career Experience Activities: field trips, job shadows, guest speakers, interviewing and resume writing workshops, an extensive internship program, and part-time jobs are all parts of our program. There is a full-time Career Transition Specialist on staff to establish business and community partnerships and oversee student internships.

Classroom-Based Entrepreneurial Businesses: student-run restaurant and catering service, hair and nail salon services, computer repair and up-grade services, networking services, construction services: construction, painting and installation of storage sheds, auto-technology services, auto-body services, and animal grooming, shampooing and manicuring. These student businesses provide services and products to the school community as well as the general public.

State-of-the-Art Technology: network administration (Microsoft) computer lab, network design (Cisco) lab, computer technology lab, professional auto-tech shop, professional auto-body shop, commercial kitchen, dental lab, beauty salon, and a wireless computer lab for the Academy.

College Credits Available: Students may receive college credit at George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, Stratford College, or Johnson and Wales University upon successful completion of certain Academy courses through articulation agreements with state colleges and universities.

National Certifications/Licensure: Students may earn nationally recognized certifications from Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco, National Restaurant Association, Virginia Board of Dentistry, National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), National Association for Automotive Service Excellence, Computer Technology Industry Association, Virginia Board of Cosmetology, American Hotel & Lodging Association, and other organizations.

Scholarships

11. Can I visit a class before September?

Yes, we recommend that you come and observe the class you are interested in, so you know what to expect in September. You can schedule a visit through your guidance counselor. Students may visit classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March until May. You must come with a pass from your base school counselor.

12. How often do I attend the Academy?

Class meeting times vary based on the course you are taking. Some meet every day; others meet every other day for two blocks.

13. Can I obtain a job through the Academy?

The Academy empowers you by teaching you the skills employers are looking for in an employee!

You can apply for valuable individual paid internships that start in February and end in May. Internships are offered at the Department of Information Technology, F.C.P.S; Department of Vehicle Services, Fairfax County Government; Fairfax County Animal Shelter; Fairfax County Police and Sheriff’s Department; Fairfax County hospitals; numerous I.T. corporations; small business settings and health care practices; professional associations; federal government agencies; and private employment sector.

14. What enables a student to be successful at the Academy?

Attend class every day

Possess a high degree of interest in the subject area

Have the ability to work independently and part of a team

Students who are punctual, reliable, committed, have good work habits, and practical problem solving abilities

15. How can parents learn more about the Academy?

Attend Back to School Night in September

Contact the Academy counselors

Attend the Open House in February

Explore our web site as well as FCPS Career & Technical Education at http://www.fcps.edu/is/cte/academies.shtml

16. What specific opportunities are there for post-graduates?

Cosmetology students – can continue their coursework leading towards state licensure for those high school graduates who have successfully completed their first year of cosmetology I. For more information, contact the Academy guidance counselors.

17. How can Academy students learn about post-secondary programs related to their Academy course?

Please contact the instructors of the Academy course (see staff listings), our guidance counselor (see contact link), or our career experience specialist (see contacts link) for more information.