Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA)

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) is the state law granting access to public records and entry into meetings of public bodies for citizens of the Commonwealth. It guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and members of the media access to the meetings of public bodies likes the School Board and to inspect or copy public records.

VFOIA provides that, with some specific exemptions, all meetings of public bodies shall be open to the public and all public records open for public inspection. 

The purpose of VFOIA is to promote awareness by all persons of governmental activities.  VFOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally in favor of access.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) complies with the state's Freedom of Information Act.

Submit a Request

You can fill out an online form to request information under VFOIA. 

If you have questions or want additional information, contact the FCPS FOIA Officer at [email protected] or 571-423-1200.

Additional Information

More information about VFOIA can be found through the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives guardians certain rights with respect to their children’s educational records. FERPA grants parents and eligible students access to educational records. “Education records” are defined as those records that are: (1) directly related to a student; and (2) maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 

To submit a request for your child’s educational records, please email the details of your request to [email protected].