Student Rights and Student Responsibilities

Students contribute to a quality learning experience by coming to class every day with a positive attitude, personal integrity, and a commitment to making good choices.

Student Rights

The Constitution and the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia give students many legal rights and liberties. School Board policies and regulations provide students many privileges as well, according to their ages and maturity levels. Students may exercise these rights and privileges as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others or the schools’ ability to provide a safe learning environment.

FCPS students have the right to…

  • The right to a school and classroom environment that affirms the identity of all students and is responsive, caring, and inclusive.
  • The right to access restroom and locker room facilities and other non-stigmatizing accommodations that are consistent with the student’s gender identity, faith, and for any other reasons as identified in Regulation 2603.
  • The right to non-disclosure of gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
  • The right to be called by chosen names and pronouns.
  • The right to internally generated and shared school lists of students (e.g., honor roll, graduation programs, yearbooks, school newspapers) that identify students by their chosen names and genders.
  • The right to receive support to ensure the safe and equitable access to all school and school division facilities and activities.
  • The right to have their personally identifiable information and citizenship or immigration status protected from unauthorized sharing.
  • The right to equitable access to the learning environment, educational materials, and extracurricular activities.

Students contribute to a quality learning experience by coming to class every day with a positive attitude, personal integrity, and a commitment to making good choices.

Student Responsibilities

FCPS expects students to balance expression of their rights with observance of their responsibilities. Even the youngest children can demonstrate accountability by treating others fairly and following the rules.

In FCPS, students have the responsibility to:

  • Attend school regularly, on time, and follow assigned schedules.
  • Follow rules, procedures, and processes.
  • Dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment.
  • Respect the authority of staff members.
  • Respect the rights and property of others.
  • Respect others’ beliefs and differences.
  • Refrain from using words, images, or gestures that are obscene, violent, disruptive, or disrespectful.
  • Resolve disputes peacefully.
  • Refrain from bullying or hurting other students.
  • Tell school staff members about any behavior that may cause danger to anyone.
  • Request access to social, emotional, and behavioral supports when needed.

The Rules of Student Conduct apply to students at all times:

  • In school buildings
  • On school grounds
  • In virtual classroom environments
  • On buses and other school vehicles
  • At bus stops
  • On the way to or returning from school
  • At school and school-related activities both on and off school property
  • Off school property and outside school hours if the conduct is detrimental to the school, adversely affects school discipline, or results in a criminal charge or conviction