A recent data security incident has impacted Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS). This incident is part of a broader data breach involving PowerSchool, a widely used Student Information System (SIS) provider that manages student and staff data for school divisions across the country.

FCCPS was notified by PowerSchool on January 7, 2025, that our district was among those affected by this breach. At FCCPS, our top priorities are the safety and privacy of our students, staff, and families. We understand the concern this incident may cause and are committed to providing you with timely and transparent information as we work to address this issue.

What Happened?

PowerSchool recently identified unauthorized access to their systems, which may have exposed certain data belonging to school districts, including FCCPS. The breach potentially involved sensitive information such as names, contact details, and student records. PowerSchool has assured us that they are working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and strengthen their systems to prevent future breaches.

What We Are Doing

In response to this incident, FCCPS is taking the following steps:

1. Collaborating with PowerSchool: We are working closely with PowerSchool to understand the scope of the breach and the specific data impacted.

2. Monitoring and Support: We actively monitor the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

3. Resources for Families: We have compiled resources to help you stay informed and protect your personal information.

Resources and Notifications

Below are the FCCPS communications related to this incident, a Notice of Data Breach from PowerSchool, and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page provided by PowerSchool to address additional concerns.