Fairfax County Public Schools has developed systems and structures for implementing high-impact tutoring. As of October 17, FCPS has 161 tutors hired for this school year, working in approximately 60 schools. 

High-impact tutoring connects small groups of students (up to five) with a tutor who meets with them consistently. They meet regularly and routinely assess student growth to ensure the students are meeting or exceeding their goals. 

Additional tutors are continually being added to our roster. Current tutors include former teachers, school administrators, medical doctors, lawyers, NASA scientists, professors, and small business owners. We are also partnering with community groups and nonprofits to ensure our entire community is invested in helping students succeed. 

FCPS began researching a high-impact tutoring plan nearly a year ago and began placing tutors with schools last school year. Our in-person tutoring effort is partially funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III funding, federal money received by the school district to assist with post-pandemic recovery.

Rather than asking principals to manage the recruitment, hiring, and placement of tutors, FCPS’ Office of School Support is managing the process. Principals can work with the FCPS tutoring team to place tutors in schools. The principals can then connect the tutors with students who are most in need of their services.  

Our existing high-impact tutoring program is one example of how FCPS’ 2023-30 strategic plan is guiding our commitment to academic growth and excellence, ensuring students can access early intervention, academic, and other support as needed.