Return to School

Fall 2020 Planning

FCPS Plan for Return to School

At their June 23 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board agreed on a plan to offer students and staff a choice in how they return to school in August. Parents will receive an enrollment letter so that they can state their preference.

The plan offers families two choices:

Full-time online instruction. Students will take part in virtual, face to face instruction four days a week. Details.
Students will receive at least two full days of instruction in school each week. Students will be engaged in independent study and work on the days they are not in the school building. Details.

One day each week will be set aside for teacher planning and extra support for some students.

There is more in-person or synchronous instruction for Special Education students and English Language Learners. Students will receive new instructional content and student work will be graded. More details about the plan will be available in the coming weeks.

Parents must respond to the enrollment letter request by Friday, July 10. This deadline will enable FCPS to plan for virtual and in-person class schedules. Teachers will also be surveyed for their return-to-school preferences.

While Virginia moves into Phase 3 of its reopening plan, we will follow the guidance provided by the state and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our first priority is the health and well-being of our students and staff as we prepare for the safe reopening of schools.

The guidance from the CDC includes social and physical distancing in classrooms, buses, and shared spaces. These are important COVID-19 prevention strategies. Physical distancing limits the number of students and staff who can be inside a school at any one time.

Return to School - Enrollment Options

Fairfax County Public Schools will reopen schools and provide parents/guardians with two enrollment options for their student. Parents should make their choice by July 10.

In-Person Instruction with Social Distancing

This option delivers in-person instruction in FCPS schools with social distancing protocols to protect students and staff

Full-time Online Instruction

This option delivers full-time online learning for students based on request.

Return to School - Frequently Asked Questions for Families

Questions and answers from families about the Fall 2020 Return to School Plan

Return to School - Frequently Asked Questions for Staff

Questions and answers from staff about the Fall 2020 Return to School Plan

Considerations for Fall return include the need to:

Ensure safe learning and working environments for students and staff
Provide options for students and staff that are unable to return to school/work
Comply with any social distancing requirements from state
Address continued access and connectivity inequities
Provide staff with adequate time and training to prepare for new school year
Make decisions as soon as possible for scheduling and communication with families
Involve all stakeholder groups in the planning process