Fairfax County Public Schools: Key 2026-27 Dates Families Need To Know

Fairfax County schools begin Aug. 24. See holidays, breaks, early-release days and other key dates for the 2026-27 year.

Squeezing Into Popularity: Behind The Viral Schylling Squishy Brand

Social media fueled NeeDoh's popularity, but experts say the viral toy trend comes with safety concerns for children.

Fairfax School Board Bans Devices For Youngest Students, Advances Broader Tech Restrictions

Fairfax school leaders banned devices for pre-K and kindergarten students and approved new limits on AI, YouTube and personal devices.

Responsible Instructional Technology Resolution Unanimously Approved By Fairfax School Board

Fairfax school board unanimously approved a technology resolution as parents, students and educators urged faster limits on screens and AI.

McLean Student Wins First Place At National History Day Contest

Ethan Zhang, a Cooper Middle School student from McLean, won first place in the paper category at National History Day.

GMU Scholar Combines Art And Conflict Resolution To Build Bridges

George Mason University graduate says the fusion of the two majors, graphic design and conflict resolution, was a natural pairing.

School Board Restores Veterans Day Holiday, Caps Early Release Days For 2026-27

Fairfax Co. School Board limits elementary early releases and reinstates Veterans Day as a holiday amid debate over 2026-27 school calendar.

Naming Rights To Fairfax Schools Athletic Facilities Could Be Sold

The Fairfax County School Board agreed to study expanding athletic facility naming rights.

Fairfax Co. Public Schools Alter Feb. 4 Schedule

Fairfax County Public Schools has updated its operating status for students and employees on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Fairfax Co. Public Schools Make Schedule Decision For Feb. 3

Fairfax County Public Schools has updated its operating status for students and employees on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Fairfax County Public Schools Decide On Classes For Jan. 27

The winter storm forced Fairfax County Public Schools to make a schedule decision for Tuesday classes.

NoVA High School Students Can Apply For CFNOVA Scholarships

High-school students from Northern Virginia may now select from more than 30 CFNOVA scholarship funds to apply.

Langley HS Gets It Right With Comedic Production Of 'The Play That Goes Wrong'

Langley High School production of "The Play That goes Wrong" is full of incredible comedic timing, according to Cappies reviewer.

McLean Students Donate Coats, Backpacks To Local Nonprofits

In October, students at BASIS Independent McLean collected coat and backpack donations for charity.

McLean Highlander Band Kicks Off Fruit Sales

Please support our local young musicians, check an item off your shopping list or donate fresh fruit to SHARE of MCLEAN at the same time!

VA's Best Middle Schools Ranked In New Analysis

A new report by U.S. News includes 23,000 public middle schools ranked at the state and district levels. See the VA schools on the list.

Brooksfield School Celebrates New Home At Lewinsville Presbyterian

After 38 years, Brooksfield School relocates from Kirby Road to its new home at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean.

Advanced Academic Program Centers Considered For All FCPS Middle Schools

FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid is putting together a plan to put Advanced Academic Program Centers at all county middle schools.

66 McLean Seniors Named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Semifinalists from several McLean schools are in the running for the next round of National Merit Scholarships in 2026.

GMU President Issues Statement On Faculty Hiring, Diversity

GMU President Gregory Washington addresses ongoing federal inquiries into the school's faculty hiring practices.

McLean Highlander Band 2025 Tag Day Fundraiser

Please consider making a donation when you see our local young musicians out and about this weekend.

GMU Board Of Visitors Responds To Department Of Education's OCR Findings

U.S. Department of Education notified GMU that the Fairfax school has been in violation of a federal civil rights law.

Top 25 High Schools In Virginia For 2025-26: U.S. News & World Report

Nearly 24,000 public high schools were evaluated, and nearly 18,000 were ranked nationally, including in Virginia.

First Day Of School In McLean: Share Your Photos With Patch

It's the first day of school in McLean and we want to see photos of students as they head back for another school year.

McLean School Calendar For 2025-2026: Key Dates To Know

As the summer wraps up, here are the dates McLean students and parents should know for the new school year.

McLean Student Wins College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship

A student from McLean High School was among the less than 1 percent of American high school seniors winning National Merit Scholarships.

10 New Speed Cameras Near Fairfax Schools Face 30-Day Trial Period

A 30-day warning period for speed zone cameras at 10 schools in Fairfax County is about to begin. Here's where the cameras will be set up.

McLean Schools Nominated For Cappies, Tony's Of High School Theater

The Cappies, the DC region's Tony's of high school theater, announced schools receiving award nominations.

McLean HS Stages 'Stunning' Production Of French Musical: Cappies

"Amelie" by McLean High School is an enthralling and illustrative escape that uncovers the connection between good deeds and self-worth.

15 McLean Students Awarded $2,500 National Merit Scholarships

Winners of the National Merit Scholarship's $2,500 scholarship were chosen from finalists representing less than 1 percent of U.S. seniors.

4 McLean Students Awarded 2025 National Merit Scholarships

Four McLean students are among the winners announced in the first round of 2025 National Merit Scholarships.

McLean Student Launches Fruit Rescue Program To Benefit Food Bank

Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

'Despite Great Attacks' Fairfax Schools Supports Trans Students, Staff

Members of FCPS Pride demonstrate in support of Fairfax County School Board's Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation on Thursday.

McLean Area AAUW Branch Donates 170 Books To Graham Road Elementary

The McLean Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently donated 170 books to Graham Road Elementary School.

STEM Essay Contest Winners Recognized By AAUW McLean Area Branch

AAUW recognized the winners of its essay contest during a March 18 potluck dinner at the McLean Community Center.

Fairfax County Public Schools Change Feb. 12 Schedule Due To Storm

With Fairfax County and the rest of the region under a winter storm warning, the school schedule for Feb. 12 will change.

Fairfax Co. Schools Alter Schedule, Thursday Start Time

With wintry weather expected, Fairfax County Public Schools have made a decision about Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

$60M Philanthropic Gift Presented To The Madeira School In McLean

Unprecedented gift from anonymous alumna reflects the importance of educating young women now and for generations to come, school says.

Fairfax Co. Schools Make Weather Decision For Friday, Jan. 10

Fairfax County Public Schools have made a decision about Friday's schedule, as Northern Virginia continues digging out from a winter storm.

These Are The Best Elementary Schools In VA: U.S. News Ranking

The 2025 ranking of the nation’s best public elementary schools by U.S. News is based on federal data. See the top schools in Virginia.