The study of Theatre Arts in Fairfax County Public Schools provides students opportunities for personal and academic growth, ways to create bridges to other subject disciplines and other cultures, and the development of skills which provide lifelong enjoyment. In middle school, FCPS students discover and explore the basic elements of theatre, and augment that study with a variety of theatre presentations and special events. At the high school level students develop and expand their knowledge, skills and resources to create a high level of accomplishment in the classroom and in performance.

Through the Theatre Arts Directors Association (TADA), the fifty FCPS theatre arts instructors and directors work under the leadership of the Fine Arts Office to create in each middle, high and secondary school a theatre arts program to meet the needs of their students. Classes in acting and technical theatre span the full course of secondary education, and many opportunities are provided beyond the classroom for students to expand their horizons through attendance at plays, workshops, and extracurricular school productions. FCPS students participate in numerous local, statewide, regional, national and international festivals and competitions, and are known for their excellence.

Theatre Arts in Fairfax County Public Schools is offered as an elective course in all high schools. The High School Theatre Arts Program of Studies, which is currently undergoing revision, is based on the National and State Standards for Theatre Arts Education.