FAQs

What is the difference between the City of Fairfax Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)?

Fairfax City Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools are two separate school districts with two separate school boards. The City of Fairfax School Board represents Fairfax City residents.

In 1962, a School Services Agreement (SSA) was entered with the two school boards. Under this agreement, FCPS is responsible for curriculum, staffing, transportation, and school meals, while the City of Fairfax manages the four city-owned school building facilities. The City of Fairfax Schools pays an annual tuition bill to FCPS.

What schools are City of Fairfax Schools?

Fairfax High School (including Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts), Katherine Johnson Middle School, Providence Elementary School, and Daniels Run Elementary School.

I am a city resident; why can't I vote for FCPS School Board?

City of Fairfax residents are represented by a five-member City school board. The City of Fairfax holds elections for the school board every two years. If you are a city resident, the city school board is your voice to FCPS. County residents vote for the FCPS school board, and city residents vote for City school board members.

What is the School Services Agreement with FCPS?

In 1962, a School Services Agreement (SSA) was entered with the City of Fairfax Schools and FCPS. Under this agreement, FCPS is responsible for curriculum, staffing, transportation, and meals, and the City of Fairfax is responsible for managing the four city-owned school buildings. The City of Fairfax pays an annual tuition bill to FCPS.

Please watch our School Board Chairman talking about this partnership.

Key Elements of the SSA:

The City of Fairfax welcomes county students so City schools can offer a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular opportunities.
The City Superintendent is responsible for the oversight and management of the SSA.
City students are educated in city schools.
The City School Board appoints citizen representatives to serve on FCPS advisory committees.
The City and County School Superintendents consult on topics such as boundary changes, school closings, selection of principals, citizen participation, special community needs, non-school activities, and complaints.
The City is responsible for major capital improvements to school buildings.
Members of the City School Board collaborate with their County School Board colleagues through regular, ongoing communication, participation in regional and state School Board meetings and conferences, and an annual City/County Board meeting.
City students and parents are entitled to all the services provided at any Fairfax County school.

How much is the annual tuition paid to FCPS?

Each year, the City of Fairfax Schools pays FCPS a tuition fee based on several factors, including the number of city students and a percentage of the total FCPS operating budget. For the FY 2024 budget, the projected tuition payment to FCPS will be about $55 million.

How much do the City Schools annually spend on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)? What CIP projects were completed last year?

The City of Fairfax Schools manages a five-year Capital Improvement Project plan, traditionally spending between $1 million to $2 million annually on facility enhancements, minor renovations and school improvements. This past year, projects included renovating the Fairfax High School track replacing HVAC systems, adding parking spaces at Providence ES, transitioning carpet floors to tile floors at all four schools, and roof repairs. Future CIP projects include stadium and field updates at FHS, HVAC replacements, paving, and updating the orchestra pit at the Fairfax HS auditorium.

How much is the City Schools' annual budget? What are some school programs/activities that City School funds?

The FY2024 proposed budget is $60,600,000. A large percentage (about 85%) is dedicated to the tuition payment to Fairfax County Public Schools. The remaining funds are dedicated to school support, debt services for bonds from the FHS/KJMS renovations, and City of Fairfax School staff.

Please see our budget page on this website.

I have an issue with my child's school; what should I do?

When parents have questions or concerns about school policies or practices, they are encouraged to work with school staff to resolve issues. If issues cannot be resolved at the school level, parents will be referred to the Region 5 Office in Fairfax County Public Schools. The Region 5 Superintendent and staff work closely with the City Superintendent to supervise and support the four City-owned schools.

FCPS is discussing an important issue for me and my family; how can I express my opinion?

The City of Fairfax School Board is your voice to Fairfax County Public Schools. You have two ways to reach FCPS.

Please contact the City school board to voice your opinion. You may email [email protected], call the district office at 703-293-7131, or sign up to speak at a school board meeting.
City residents are welcome and encouraged to contact FCPS School Board and staff. https://www.fcps.edu/department/region-5. You are also welcome to sign up to speak at an FCPS meeting. (Link to use - https://www.fcps.edu/school-board/school-board-meetings)

Who is on the City School Board?

Carolyn Pitches, Chair

Amit Hickman, Vice Chair

Stacy Hall

Sarah Kelsey

Rachel McQuillen

When are the City School Board elections?

The five at-large members are elected every two years in even-numbered years. The next election will be in November 2024.

Why do we have county students in city schools?

The Schools Services Agreement, which allows county students to attend city schools and city students to attend county schools (for advanced academics, special education, or the IB program), is beneficial to both city and county students. By welcoming county kids into our city schools, we can offer several academic, athletic, and extra-curricular opportunities we would not be able to offer independently. We also know we are stronger due to the culturally rich and diverse student body, and we value all of the students attending our schools.

How can I contact the City of Fairfax School Board?

There are several ways for you to connect with the City School Board.

Phone: 703-293-7131

Email: [email protected]

School Board Meeting Schedule – link https://cityoffairfaxschools.org/school-board/school-board-meetings/

Follow on Twitter @FairfaxSchools

Facebook / City of Fairfax Schools

How can I use the City School facilities for a meeting or event?

Our schools are open to the community to use for meetings or gatherings. For Daniels Run ES, Providence ES, and Katherine Johnson MS, please visit the FCPS website.

Fairfax High School has a dedicated community use liaison. Please visit the FHS website for information about using FHS facilities.

I want to get more involved in schools. Can I volunteer or donate my time/resources?

We welcome community members to get involved in our schools. If you want to mentor or volunteer on campus, please get in touch with the schools directly and ask about opportunities.