Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
A member of the Annandale community recently asked me a tough question: Why do certain ranking websites rate Annandale low despite all of our recent success?
That question made me think of the movie Moneyball. In it, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) realizes baseball had been evaluating players using outdated metrics for generations, ignoring the data that revealed true impact.
We face the exact same challenge in education. The simple answer is: the traditional way we evaluate schools is outdated.
Standard rankings look at overall test scores, rank schools highest to lowest, and assume the top schools are the most effective. But overall scores don't tell the whole story. In fact, one of the strongest predictors of a school’s overall test performance, even in FCPS, is its percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals (FRM).
As a school’s FRM rate increases, its overall pass rate tends to decrease. This doesn't mean poverty determines student potential. It means students enter school with unequal access to resources and opportunities. When we rank schools solely by raw test scores, we aren't ranking the quality of teaching or leadership. We are simply ranking student demographics.
Measuring What Truly Matters: Growth & Value Added
Instead of just measuring where students finished, modern data allows us to measure how far a school helped them go.
By looking at the relationship between demographics and achievement, researchers can predict how a school is likely to perform and then compare that prediction with actual results.
Consider two schools:
- School A has a 92% pass rate, but was predicted to reach 94%.
- School B has a 71% pass rate, but was predicted to reach only 61%.
School A has the higher overall score, but School B exceeded expectations by 10 percentage points. Which school is making the bigger impact?
The True Story of Annandale High School
This is what makes Annandale’s results so extraordinary. Out of all 24 traditional high schools in FCPS, Annandale achieved the largest positive gap between actual and predicted performance across every single core subject: English, Math, and Science.
Our students aren't just meeting expectations; they are outperforming traditional data at higher rates than any other school in our district. Moreover, this commitment to growth elevates every student: since 2020, we have doubled the number of students earning the prestigious IB Diploma.
Annandale is taking students from every starting point and helping them reach unprecedented levels of success. That doesn't happen by accident. It is the collective result of high quality instruction, high expectations, targeted support, and a staff that refuses to place limits on any student’s potential.
Help Us Change the Narrative
We will always care about proficiency. Every student deserves to meet and exceed state standards. But if we want to measure true school effectiveness, we must look at progress, growth, and opportunity.
The most effective schools aren't always the ones with the highest test scores. They are the schools that consistently lift students above expectations.
Annandale is one of those schools.
The next time you hear someone mention online school rankings, challenge them to think differently by sharing our story with them.
Shawn DeRose, Principal
|
Parent To-Do Checklist
Support the PTA Staff Breakfast Event: Help us welcome the teachers back in style! The PTSA welcome back breakfast will be on Thursday, August 20. This special event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment to our students. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate breakfast items, or make a financial contribution, your support will make a huge difference. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming start to the new school year for our amazing educators. Sign up here!
Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE: Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar, Esther Amenyah at 703-642-4124 if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. Also, download the new ParentVUE mobile app so you can access your child’s records easily from anywhere!
Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.
Join the PTSA: The Annandale High School PTSA is committed to helping our students and community. Together, we sponsor many programs and activities for our students, parents, and staff, including teacher grants, community outreach events, AHS Food Pantry, All Night Grad Celebration, Senior Scholarships, and more! Please consider joining for the 2026-2027 school year by filling out the online Membership Form.
|
Awesome Atoms!
SOL Bootcamps Help Students Reach Graduation Goals! This summer, Annandale hosted SOL Bootcamps in Science, Algebra 1, and Reading, giving students the opportunity to earn verified credits needed for graduation. Congrats to the 45 participating students who successfully passed their SOLs, moving one step closer to achieving their academic goals. These successes reflect the hard work and determination of our students, along with the dedication of our incredible staff. Special thanks to our teachers and support team who made this possible, and to Karen Olarinde and Meg Anderson for leading the program.
|
Fall Sports Are Underway! This week marked the official start of fall sports at Annandale! Our student-athletes returned to the fields, courts, and trails for Cheer, Cross Country, Football, Field Hockey, and Volleyball, joining our Golf team, which began the week before. It has been great to see our Atoms back together, working hard, building relationships, and preparing to represent Annandale this fall. We are excited for another great season and look forward to cheering on our student-athletes!
Important Dates
August 10-13 - New Teacher Orientation
August 11 - Meet the Coaches Night
August 14 - First Day for Teachers
August 20 - Student Schedules Available
August 20 - PTA Staff Breakfast
August 20 - Parent Information Session
August 20 - New Student Orientation & Open House
August 21 - Family Band Night Showcase
August 24 - First Day of School for Students
August 26 - PTSA Pantry Distribution
September 4 & 7 - Labor Day Holiday (No School)
September 9 - PTSA Pantry Distribution
September 21 - Yom Kippur (No School)
September 17 - Back to School Night
September 23 - PTSA Pantry Distribution
September 28-October 2 - Homecoming Week
October 2 - Homecoming Football Game
October 3 - Homecoming Dance
August 11 - Meet the Coaches Night: We invite all parents and guardians of our fall athletes to join us for Meet the Coaches Night on Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30pm in the Annandale High School Auditorium. This event is a valuable opportunity to hear important information from our athletic office staff, athletic trainer, and Athletic Boosters, as well as to meet your student’s coach and learn more about the upcoming season. The evening will begin with a general session in the auditorium, followed by individual team breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and working together for a successful fall season.
August 20 - Student Schedules Available: Beginning Thursday, August 20 at 6:00am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data.
August 20 - PTA Staff Breakfast Event: Help us welcome the teachers back in style! The PTSA welcome back breakfast will be on Thursday, August 14. This special event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment to our students. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate breakfast items, or make a financial contribution, your support will make a huge difference. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming start to the new school year for our amazing educators. Sign up here!
August 20 - Freshmen (Grade 9) and New Student Orientation: Annandale High School is excited to welcome rising freshmen as well as new students to our school orientation on August 20 from 1:30-3:30pm. Students and parents will meet administrators, counselors, teachers, and other essential school personnel and have an opportunity to explore the school building and learn more about student life at Annandale. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin Taylor.
August 20 - Parent Information Session: We would like to also invite parents to a Family Info session that will be held during New Student Orientation from 1:30-3:30pm. During this information session, you will learn more about Annandale High School, our values, and what to expect as your student(s) matriculates through high school from course selections to extra-curricular activities. At the end of the session, you will have an opportunity to visit various stations to acquire additional information from counselors, sports activities, and clubs.
August 20 - Open House: All returning Annandale students and their families are invited to our Open House on August 20 from 3:30-4:30pm. Open House provides students an opportunity to walk through our halls and find their classes for next year. There is no formal program during this time, but rather an informal chance to get reacquainted with AHS. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kara Franklin Taylor.
August 24 - First Day of School: Monday, August 24 is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year. View the 2026-27 school year calendar.
|
Transportation Information
Student Bus Route Assignments: FCPS Office of Transportation Services will communicate student bus route assignments. Parents will received an e-notify to check their ParentVue accounts for transportation information. Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage. Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Note: This fall, all Annandale High School students will receive a new FCPS student ID card. Students who ride the school bus will use their ID to tap on and tap off the bus each day. These new ID cards are part of a divisionwide effort to improve student safety, modernize school transportation, and strengthen communication with families.
Student Parking: This year, students will have the opportunity to purchase parking permits to park on the Annandale campus. Information about how to purchase a parking permit for the 2026-27 school year will be shared soon after the school year begins. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, students can park in any designated student parking space until permits are issued. If you have any questions, please email Peter Batista, Safety and Security Specialist.
Kiss & Ride: Student drop off/pick up (aka Kiss & Ride) is conducted at the main entrance (door #1). Parents should drop off their student(s) beginning at 7:45am. Students are dismissed from school at 2:55pm. If you have any questions, please email Peter Batista, Safety and Security Specialist.
|
Back to School Information
Bell Schedule: The bell schedule for the 2026-27 school year is the same as last year. See below for the detailed schedule. Click here for the red/white day calendar and a complete list of alternative bell schedules at Annandale High School.
Student Schedules: Beginning Thursday, August 20 at 6:00am, all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data. If you have any questions, please email Esther Amenyah, Administrative Assistant.
Student Laptops: Returning students were allow to keep their laptops over the summer. If a student turned in their school-issued computer at the end of the year, they will be issued a Chromebook in their W4 class on the first day of school, August 24. The first day of school will feature a special schedule with all students reporting to their W4 class at the beginning of the school day to receive their laptop.
Student Lockers: Student lockers will be available by request only beginning on Tuesday, September 8. Students will receive information about how to request a locker during W4.
|
Important Information
Updated FCPS Cellphone Policy: Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet. During the school day, including during lunch time, high school students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.
New Student ID Cards This Fall: This fall, all Annandale High School students will receive a new FCPS student ID card. Students will be expected to wear their ID throughout the school day, and students who ride the school bus will use their ID to tap on and tap off the bus each day. These new ID cards are part of a divisionwide effort to improve student safety, modernize school transportation, and strengthen communication with families. We will distribute student ID cards during the first few weeks of school, and additional information will be shared with families soon. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards on the FCPS website.
|
Opportunities
Stay Connected with the FCPS Mobile App: Stay informed wherever you are by downloading the free FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app makes it easy to view school calendars, check breakfast and lunch menus, contact school staff, access ParentVUE and Schoology, and stay up to date on the latest FCPS news. Best of all, there is no login required. Simply download the app and stay connected to everything happening at Annandale High School and across FCPS.
Free Bus Passes Available: All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office. Additionally, our students can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application. Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. It’s not just for kids! Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
|
News from Student Services
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students: Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss; Anxiety, worry, fears; Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships; Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
|
Class of 2027 News
Annandale is Here to Support Your Senior Year College Journey! Annandale High School is committed to partnering with students and families as they navigate the college application process. Check out our recent Class of 2027 Newsletter that includes valuable resources, events, and personalized assistance to help seniors and families plan for life after high school with confidence.
Class of 2027 Meningococcal Vaccine Reminder: Additional immunizations are required for students entering grade 12. All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department.
|
News from the Activities Office
At Annandale, we foster belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sports and activities are another way for students to deepen a sense of belonging at school. Check out their weekly newsletter to learn more about Annandale's activities, clubs, and sports programs. You can also visit their website or Instagram page.
August 11 - Meet the Coaches Night: We invite all parents and guardians of our fall athletes to join us for Meet the Coaches Night on Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30pm in the Annandale High School Auditorium. This event is a valuable opportunity to hear important information from our athletic office staff, athletic trainer, and Athletic Boosters, as well as to meet your student’s coach and learn more about the upcoming season. The evening will begin with a general session in the auditorium, followed by individual team breakout meetings. We look forward to seeing you there and working together for a successful fall season.
August 13-14 - Fall Sports Pictures: Team and individual pictures for all fall sports will occur on Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14. Images can be accessed via this link: Legacy Studios Events and use the code 5442S27 to view your images on the website. Please note that if your images have not been uploaded to the site yet, when entering that code you'll receive a 'Gallery not found' notification. Please allow 7 days after picture day before trying to access your images to avoid any frustration. For assistance with questions or ordering, please contact Legacy Studios directly at customercare@legacystudios.com or 716.512.6336.
Purchase a Red Card: Each fall, our sports programs sell a discount “Red Card” to raise money for their teams. The red cards include various discounts at local businesses including: Buffalo Wild Wings, Glory Days, Hangry Joes, Jet’s Pizza, Jiffy Lube, Kilroy’s, and Wings Stop. Red Cards are only $20 and can be used at any of the businesses through October 2027. If you would like to purchase a Red Card, please reach out to a fall athlete or email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities. The Activities Office thanks you in advance for your support of our student athletes. Go Atoms!
Purchase Your 'Atoms Pass' for 2026-2027! The Atoms Booster Club’s All-Season passes are back! This year our Atoms Athletic Boosters is transitioning to a digital format for the all-season passes. The developers are still working on it, and it will be rolled out soon. Pricing for the '26-'27 season will be, Adult - $80, Student - $40, and Parking Pass - $30. All proceeds go to the Atoms Athletic Boosters which help to pay for much needed equipment, uniforms, scholarships, insurance (for camps and similar events), and other items to support our athletes. Be on the lookout for the rollout! The "Atoms Pass" provides you general admission access to all regular season home football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling events. With more than nine sports showcased, you can save BIG with the all-season pass!
It's Not Too Late To Play a Fall Sport! Last week we welcomed back student athletes from Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Dance, and Band. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces in the gym and on the fields. If you weren’t able to make it to our first week of Fall Sports tryouts and practices, there is still time to join! The following teams are still open to new athletes coming out and no experience is necessary:
|
News from the PTSA
Join Our PTSA: The Annandale High School PTSA plays an important role in supporting our students, staff, and school community throughout the year. Your membership helps fund teacher grants, the AHS Food Pantry, community outreach events, the All Night Graduation Celebration, senior scholarships, and many other programs that enrich the student experience. Membership for the 2026-2027 school year is just $20 for parents/community members and $10 for students. We encourage all families, staff, and community members to join and support the great work of our PTSA.
Annandale Pantry Distribution Returns August 26: The Annandale Pantry will begin its regular food distribution schedule for the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, August 26, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Trailer 8 behind the school. The pantry is an important resource that helps support members of our Annandale community by providing access to groceries and other essential items. We are grateful to our PTSA, volunteers, and community partners whose generosity makes this program possible. Families in need are encouraged to stop by, and all are welcome. If you have questions about the pantry, please email ahspantry@gmail.com.
|
|
