Air Force Office walking with wife and son. FCCPS and Purple Star logos are included.

Welcome to Falls Church City Public Schools!

If you're part of a military family, landing here for the long haul or just for a brief chapter, know that you're not just another enrollee. You're part of a community that gets it – military life's ups, downs, and reroutes. That's why, from Purple Star Welcome Week and beyond, we're not just opening our doors but rolling out the red carpet!

Navigating a new school district can feel like decoding a secret mission, but here's the good news: You've got allies. Our schools and support staff aren't just friendly faces; they're your personal guides, ready to ease your family's transition in and out and all about our district.

Do you have questions? Need a hand? Reach out to your Point of Contact at each school or connect with the Fort Belvoir School Liaison Officer. Think of them as your go-to support squad, here to make sure your family's educational journey is less about stress and more about success.

Welcome aboard! 🌟

FCCPS & The Purple Star Program

Jessie Thackrey Preschool

Pre-Kindergarten

Sarah Coughter
coughters@fccps.org

Mount Daniel Elementary

Grades Kindergarten - 2nd

Sarah Coughter
coughters@fccps.org

Oak Street Elementary

3rd - 5th Grades

Jennifer McCormack
mccormackj@fccps.org

Mary Ellen Henderson Middle

6th - 8th Grades

Jessica Hollinger
hollingerj@fccps.org

Meridian High School

9th - 12th Grades

Jessica Hollinger
hollingerj@fccps.org

FCCPS Division Contact

John Wesley Brett
jwbrett@fccps.org

The Canvan family - a soldier in fatigues, his wife and three children

Planning your arrival in Falls Church City Public Schools is an essential step to ensure a smooth transition for your family. Our district is committed to providing all the necessary information and support to make this process as seamless as possible.

Before your move, please review our Parent Registration Checklist to understand the required documentation and procedures for registering your children.

We recommend scheduling a visit to your child’s new school to meet the staff and familiarize yourself with the environment. Your Point of Contact can assist in coordinating a visit.

Our dedicated team is available to answer any questions and assist you with any special requirements you may have.

Welcome to FCCPS – we are here to support you every step of the way!

The Cook Family - Husband and wife soldiers holding their two young children. All wearing military uniforms

At Falls Church City Public Schools, we understand the unique challenges military families face and are committed to providing personalized support to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.

Each new military family student will receive a customized Welcome Packet tailored to their specific needs and school. This packet will include important information about school routines, such as homework expectations, lunch schedules, and recess activities. We also pair them with a Peer Buddy – a fellow student who will guide them through their first weeks, introduce them to classmates, and provide ongoing support.

We will maintain regular communication, allow students to stay connected with deployed parents, and provide Support Groups where needed.

The Sheets family - a father running around a track with his two sons.

As part of our commitment to supporting military families, Falls Church City Public Schools offers comprehensive assistance with departure planning, especially if the transition occurs during the school year.

We understand the importance of a smooth exit, and our staff will ensure your child has all the necessary documentation and support for their next educational journey.

Each departing student will receive a small portfolio of their work, showcasing their accomplishments and progress, along with a short letter to their new school highlighting their strengths and achievements.

Additionally, we will provide a special memento from the school as a keepsake, reminding them of their time and friends at FCCPS.

Our goal is to ensure that every student leaves with a sense of pride and positive memories, ready to embrace their next chapter with confidence.

Center for Parent Information & Resources Resources Especially for Military Families

Virginia Department of Education Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education

Virginia Department of Education Providing Flexibility to Military Transfer Students to Facilitate On-Time Graduation

Virginia Department of Education Alternate Provisions for Military Transfer Students to Meet Graduation Requirements

US Department of Education Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission

Operation Autism A Resource Guide for Military Families

Military OneSource Military Exceptional Family Member Program

Support for Military Families with Special Education Needs

At FCCPS, each school has dedicated Special Education Administrators who work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition for students with special needs. When military families are planning a move to Falls Church, they are connected with the Special Education Administrator at their child's future school. This early connection allows parents and administrators to collaborate, ensuring all necessary records, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), are shared ahead of time.

To further support this transition, virtual meetings can be arranged before the family arrives, helping the school prepare for the student from Day One. Once the family is settled, an in-person IEP meeting is scheduled as soon as possible to finalize support plans.

As a small school division, FCCPS offers highly personalized communication and support, allowing our Special Education Coordinators to build strong, individual relationships with students and their families. This close collaboration ensures that the unique needs of each student are met.

When a family knows about an upcoming transfer to a new duty station, it’s important to notify the school office and the Special Education Administrator as early as possible. This allows our team to arrange a meeting to assist with the next transition and ensure that all necessary documents are promptly provided to the student's new school.

FCCPS is committed to supporting military families through every step of their journey.