ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (AAP) MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Advanced Academic Programs offers a continuum of services to meet the needs of a broad range of advanced learners. Advanced academic services in middle school include honors classes, mathematics course acceleration, and full-time (Level IV) AAP services. Middle school honors classes are open enrollment. Eligibility for Level IV services is determined through a central selection process. Instruction in honors and Level IV classes is designed to develop critical and creative thinking skills as well as engage and challenge students through problem-based learning, concept-based instruction, and learner-centered inquiry.
• Honors Classes
Honors classes in English, social studies, science, and mathematics are available to all middle school students who seek academic rigor. Recommendations are not required for the open enrollment process. Honors coursework is designed to nurture and develop advanced academic potential in all students. Students who have demonstrated high achievement, interest, and/or potential are encouraged to enroll in one or more honors classes in middle school to help prepare for advanced coursework in high school. Students should discuss their areas of strength and interests with parents and school counselors during academic advising to determine which honors courses they will take.
• Mathematics Course Acceleration
Mathematics 7 Honors is an accelerated course that follows the Mathematics 8 standards with additional extensions. It is open to all Grade 7 students; however, students who did not complete Advanced Mathematics 6 or a year-long accelerated mathematics program may require additional effort and support to be successful in this class.
Algebra I Honors is a high school credit course that follows the Algebra I standards with additional extensions. This course is open enrollment for students in Grade 8. Enrollment in Algebra I Honors in Grade 7 requires the following:
- Successful completion of the Advanced Mathematics Grade 6, which follows the Grade 7 standards curriculum, or a year-long accelerated mathematics program
- A score at or above the 91st percentile on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)
- A score of 500 or above on the Grade 7 mathematics SOL test
Students who successfully complete Algebra I Honors in middle school may advance to other high school math courses, following the appropriate course sequencing. For more information, see Course Sequencing: High School Mathematics: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/graduation-requirements-and-course-planning/high-school-course-sequencing/mathematics.
• Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)
Full-time (Level IV) AAP services are available for students in Grades 3-8 who have been found eligible through a central selection process. Central screening for Level IV service eligibility occurs twice each year:
- Fall screening is held for students who are new to FCPS and have been referred.
- Spring screening is held for any FCPS-enrolled student in Grade 2-7 who has been referred.
Additional information about the holistic screening process and information used for screening can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Information about Advanced Academic Programs in middle school is available on the FCPS website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/middle-school-academics-7-8/advanced-academics.
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