Fairfax County Schools & Education
Fairfax County, Virginia
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
65/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,788
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,941
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#27
of 127 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Fairfax County
School Verdict
Fairfax County performs at an average level with a school score of 65/100 and a solid graduation rate of 88.0%.
Funding Context
Fairfax County spends $10,788 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Fairfax County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 20% above the Virginia average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 1.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 36% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia
One of the Nation's Largest Systems
Fairfax County manages a massive infrastructure of 222 public schools, including 140 elementary and 27 high schools. Over 175,000 students are enrolled, making it one of the largest and most complex districts in the United States. The system includes 13 alternative schools and 8 special education facilities to serve every learner.
Competitive Performance on a Massive Scale
Fairfax County maintains an 88% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average. Per-pupil expenditure is a significant $10,788, far exceeding the state average of $7,941. These high investment levels lead to a county-wide school score of 60.7, well above state and national medians.
The Power of Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools is the primary district, managing nearly 180,000 students and 223 total schools. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, as the traditional district provides a wide range of specialized programs. Two other smaller districts provide specialized training services with no traditional student enrollment.
A Predominantly Suburban Academic Powerhouse
With 204 schools in suburban locales, the county defines the modern suburban educational experience. Schools are large, with Lake Braddock Secondary alone serving 4,377 students and an average school size of 894 students. This scale provides students with incredible extracurricular variety and specialized academic tracks.
Find Your Place in a Top-Tier District
Fairfax County remains a premier destination for families who value high educational investment and diverse opportunities. The robust graduation rates and high school scores are significant factors in the area's strong property values. Target your home search near the top-performing secondary schools to give your children a competitive edge.
School Overview
Total Schools
222
in Fairfax County
Total Enrollment
175,205
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Fairfax County
Fairfax County Public Schools
Northern Virginia Training Center
TRANSITION SUPPORT RESOURCE CTR/FAIRFAX
222 Public Schools in Fairfax County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE BRADDOCK SECONDARY | Fairfax County Public Schools | 7–12 | High | 4,377 |
| ROBINSON SECONDARY | Fairfax County Public Schools | 7–12 | High | 3,607 |
| HAYFIELD SECONDARY | Fairfax County Public Schools | 7–12 | High | 3,145 |
| CHANTILLY HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,937 |
| WEST POTOMAC HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,764 |
| OAKTON HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,701 |
| WESTFIELD HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,686 |
| WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,663 |
| CENTREVILLE HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,623 |
| SOUTH LAKES HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,530 |
| WOODSON HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,478 |
| MCLEAN HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,441 |
| JUSTICE HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,362 |
| HERNDON HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,361 |
| SOUTH COUNTY HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,273 |
| EDISON HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,267 |
| ANNANDALE HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,182 |
| MADISON HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,135 |
| LANGLEY HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,123 |
| FALLS CHURCH HIGH | Fairfax County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,118 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,788
State avg $7,941
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Fairfax County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Fairfax County?
How much does Fairfax County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Fairfax County manages a massive infrastructure of 222 public schools, including 140 elementary and 27 high schools. Over 175,000 students are enrolled, making it one of the largest and most complex districts in the United States. The system includes 13 alternative schools and 8 special education facilities to serve every learner.
How do schools in Fairfax County perform academically?
Fairfax County maintains an 88% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average. Per-pupil expenditure is a significant $10,788, far exceeding the state average of $7,941. These high investment levels lead to a county-wide school score of 60.7, well above state and national medians.
What are the major school districts in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Fairfax County Public Schools is the primary district, managing nearly 180,000 students and 223 total schools. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, as the traditional district provides a wide range of specialized programs. Two other smaller districts provide specialized training services with no traditional student enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Fairfax County?
With 204 schools in suburban locales, the county defines the modern suburban educational experience. Schools are large, with Lake Braddock Secondary alone serving 4,377 students and an average school size of 894 students. This scale provides students with incredible extracurricular variety and specialized academic tracks.
How can I find homes near good schools in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Fairfax County remains a premier destination for families who value high educational investment and diverse opportunities. The robust graduation rates and high school scores are significant factors in the area's strong property values. Target your home search near the top-performing secondary schools to give your children a competitive edge.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.