Return to School - Enrollment Options

Details for parents on choosing an enrollment option for their students.

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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is planning to reopen schools in September. If there is a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus that requires a closure of schools, FCPS is prepared to provide all students with online distance learning.

For the coming year, parents and caregivers  were given two learning options for their students:

  • Full-time online instruction OR
  • In-person instruction with social distancing in our school buildings.

We encouraged families to choose their option based on health and safety concerns rather than on the availability of course or program options. School schedules, available courses, and participation in school activities may be limited in either option. However, both options will meet all state standards of learning and graduation requirements.

Responses were due July 15, 2020. If no response was received, the student will automatically be enrolled for in-person instruction for the year.

Details on Two Instruction Options

 

Full-Time Online Instruction

In-Person Instruction in FCPS School Building with Social Distancing 

Schedule

All Grade Levels: Four days of direct/interactive instruction (synchronous) per week and one day of independent learning (asynchronous) per week.

Elementary School students receive approximately 2.5 - 3.5 hours per day of direct/interactive instruction (synchronous). Students also receive specialized instruction, as needed, such as ESOL or special education services. The amount of special education service will be determined by IEP teams. Considerations will be given to individualized student needs.

Middle and High School students will follow the school’s daily bell schedule.

All Grade Levels: At least two full days of instruction in person at school each week. More in-person instruction is possible based on the number of students who choose full-time virtual or if community health conditions and guidance change. 

 

Students will be engaged in independent (asynchronous) learning on the days they are not in the school building.

Courses
  1. All courses required by Virginia standards of learning are offered.
  2. There is no guarantee that all programs or elective courses will be available.
  3. General classroom instruction at all levels will feature whole group, small group, and individual support.
  4. Specialized instruction will be provided, as appropriate, such as ESOL or special education services required by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities.
  5. Eligible students will have access to the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Level IV curriculum.
  1. All courses required by Virginia standards of learning are offered.
  2. There is no guarantee that all programs or elective courses will be available.
  3. General classroom instruction at all levels will feature whole group, small group, and individual support.
  4. Specialized instruction will be provided, as appropriate, such as ESOL or special education services required by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities.
  5. Eligible students will have access to the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Level IV curriculum.

Food Services

Meal service options are under development and an announcement will follow.

Meals will be available during the week. Grab and go meals will be available on days that students are not in school.

Transportation

Not applicable

Transportation will be available.

Health Protocols

Not applicable

Staff will guide students on health and safety protocols, following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. All staff and students must wear face coverings (as developmentally appropriate) in accordance with CDC guidelines. Schools will provide masks to students unable to provide their own. Six feet of social distancing will be maintained whenever possible.

Responses to Enrollment Form

Students

As of July 15 at  11:59 p.m., responses for 189,000 students:

  • In-person: 112,712 (60%) (includes 31,289 who did not respond and by default were given the in-person option).
  • Online: 76,288 (40%)

Data by Region

 Note: In-person by default means that no response was received.

Region In-Person In-Person by Default Online
1 8,799 1,804 8,407
2 8,403 1,997 7,973
3 6,915 2,668 7,787
4 8,153 1,789 8,177
5 6,382 1,463 8,391
NA 238 5,401 318

Data by Pyramid

 Note: In-person by default means that no response was received.

Pyramid In-Person In-Person by Default Online
Annandale 1,525 474 1,608
Centreville 1,488 351 2133
Chantilly 1,646 286 2,385
Edison 1,440 326 1,386
Fairfax 1,241 363 1,483
Falls Church 1,431 338 1,527
Hayfield 1,405 322 1,667
Herndon 1,873 447 1,635
Justice 1,914 513 1,834
Lake Braddock 1,810 324 1,575
Langley 1,613 285 1,557
Lee 1,232 373 1,522
Madison 1,748 268 1,330
Marshall 1,666 297 1,783
McLean 1,867 375 1,221
Mount Vernon 869 758 1,314
Oakton 1,708 357 2,066
Robinson 1,811 354 1,549
South County 1,075 382 1,167
South Lakes 1,857 447 1,819
West Potomac 1,969 889 1,898
West Springfield 1,969 378 1,753
Westfield 1,783 536 2,915
Woodson 1,712 278 1,608

All Schools

Note: In-person by default means that no response was received.

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Teachers and School Based Technology Specialists (SBTS)

As of July 15 at  11:59 p.m. responses for 14,505 staff members:

  • In-person: 6,946 (48%) (includes 1,093 who did not respond and by default were given the in-person option).
  • Online: 7,456 (52%)