Welcome Back Fairfax Academy!

A Message From Your Academy Admin

 

August 5, 2026

Dear Fairfax Academy Community,

We are so excited to welcome both our new and returning families to the upcoming school year!

This year brings fresh faces and new opportunities: we are welcoming three wonderful new staff members (bios below!) and expanding into the trades with our new Electrical Construction and Engineering program.

 

Here is everything you need to know to kick off the year smoothly:

  • Open House (Thursday, Aug 20 | 1:30–4:30 PM): Stop by to tour the building, settle parking or schedule details, and meet our team! Note: Teachers and support staff will be available until 3:30 PM.
  • First Week Arrival: All students will report directly to the FHS auditorium upon arrival. We’ll cover administrative needs and ensure everyone finds their classes. Returning students—we count on you to help welcome our newcomers!
  • Back to School Packet: Check out our Information Packet for full details on daily logistics and this year's event calendar. 

 

If you have any questions before day one, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 703-219-2226.

We are looking forward to an electrifying year together!

 

Best regards,

Mrs. Cook


Welcome to Our Academy Additions!

Photo of Mrs. McCabe

Jenna McCabe (Academy Resource): A proud graduate of James Madison University (BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, MEd in Special Education), Jenna McCabe has taught a wide range of content areas and has supported students from age 3 to 73. Most recently, she supported students in the Electrical, HVAC, and Criminal Justice programs at Edison Academy. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys hiking and road tripping with her family, volunteering with a school theatre program, gardening, and raising backyard chickens.


Photo of Mrs. Cranston

Jennifer Cranston (ASL 2 and 3) is excited to join Fairfax Academy, bringing 28 years of experience in education and a passion for American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. She has served as a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), educational ASL interpreter, Cued Language Transliterator (CLT), Deaf Program Specialist, and interpreter supervisor, which has given her a unique perspective on language, communication, and inclusive education. For more than 35 years, Jennifer has been actively involved in the Deaf community. She is passionate about creating authentic, immersive learning experiences that help students develop meaningful ASL skills while fostering a deep appreciation for Deaf culture. Jennifer is currently a doctoral candidate at Gallaudet University and a regularly sought-after presenter. Outside the classroom, Jennifer enjoys mentoring aspiring professionals and building partnerships with the Deaf community to create meaningful opportunities for students. 

photo of Mr. Beers

Chad Beers (NEW! Electrical Construction & Engineering): Certified Master Electrician and U.S. Navy Veteran with 26 years of experience across residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, as well as real estate. Proud husband of 27 years and father to twin 16-year-old boys. A mentor shaped by a lifelong family legacy of educators and military service members. Bringing strong safety standards, experience and a passion for helping the next generation of trade members be successful.


Parking Process

Is your student planning to drive to Fairfax Academy this year? Here are some things you need to know. 

  • If you have a base school permit, you still need an Academy permit also – your base school permit does not serve as an Academy permit. The fee is waived if you’ve already obtained a permit at your base school.
  • You’ll need to complete the form and receive confirmation before you start to drive to Fairfax.
  • More info and the online form to request a parking permit at Fairfax Academy is available HERE

lanyard

Academy Lanyards & Security

Academy commuter students will be required to wear their Fairfax Academy lanyard with ID while on the FHS campus. Academy lanyards help identify Academy students while they are here. Commuters will receive an Academy lanyard and attach their Transportation provided student ID to it. You’ll learn more on the first days of school!


Back to School art

Academy Events & Social Media

Save the date to join us for Academy Back to School Night Wednesday, September 16th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars for all of our upcoming events by visiting our website and printing out our 2026 - 2027 List of Academy Events, or through our Academy Social Media.

Give us a follow on Instagram:@fairfaxacademy_fcps and Facebook:Fairfax Academy for Communications and the ArtsFacebook:Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts to keep up with daily updates, information, and celebrations!

Tag us #faxacad with items you’d like us to boost or share relevant to the Academy Community!

photo of academy student