Our Mission

The vision of the Instructional Services Department (ISD) is to lead the development of innovative curriculum and instructional programs for Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with local, national, and international experts. Instructional Services uses current research-based best practices to guide instruction that is customized for students providing equal opportunity so that all students can reach their full potential and be successful, productive citizens in the 21st century.

Areas of Responsibility

The Instructional Services Department is organized to provide support and services for FCPS schools, students, and parents.

Counseling and College and Career Readiness

The Office of Counseling and College and Career Readiness provides instructional leadership and support for all Fairfax County public schools. The office is also responsible for K-12 programs in the areas of Career and Technical Education, School Counseling, College Success Programs, and Career and Transition Services.

Early Childhood Curriculum and Grant Management

The Office of Early Childhood Curriculum and Grant Management serves as a resource for empowering families, schools, and the community in their collaborative efforts to promote student achievement through quality student, parent, and staff education programs that address unique and diverse characteristics and needs.

ESOL Services

The Office of ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) services provides instructional leadership and support for all Fairfax County public schools in the areas of K-12 ESOL, the Transitional ESOL High School program, and Adult ESOL.

K-12 Curriculum and Instruction

The Office of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction provides instructional leadership and support for all Fairfax County public schools in the areas of advanced academics, mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, online campus, early childhood, fine arts, health and physical education, instructional technology, library services, and world languages.

Operations, Strategic Planning, and Communications

The Office of Operations and Communications supports the Instructional Services Department programs and services through finance, administrative, logistics, and technology support. The office is also responsible for Adult and Community Education (ACE), web development and communications, library operations, project management, and financial management and program support.

Student Testing

The Office of Student Testing coordinates the division’s preparation, administration, interpretation, and communication of student assessments. The office ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local testing expectations while striving to cultivate positive and purposeful assessment experiences for Fairfax County students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.