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GreatSchools Rating

Fairfax High School

Public | 9-12 | 2724 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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7 reviews of this school


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Posted May 3, 2013

It's my second year here, and I actually enjoy coming to school! Although the student body is comprised of well over 2,000 students, everyone is super close and ready to help one another! The teacher's I've had and have now are just plain awesome! Need I say anymore??!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 28, 2011

We just moved back to Northern Virginia - and considering schools across the country, the Fairfax County schools are top notch - and Fairfax HS is no exception. My daughter will be attending in the fall. Already we have letters recruiting for sports, and have attended 2 open houses (it's June now) for the fall. We made a schedule change, via email, and received - sure the change has been made and confirmation the same day. Everyone so far is so pleasant! The renovations make this building beautiful now as well! Rumors on the street are that most of the teachers are wonderful! We'll know more in the fall!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2010

I go here for Academy and I don't have anything against the teacher or anything. If I had to compare this with my base school, this school is way better. Teachers are chill and the school has more freedom then my school. at least we can break dancing in the hallways.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 8, 2009

Fairfax is experiencing a true 'rebelution' if you will. All of the teachers are becoming more caring and enthusiastic. The other activities are also becoming more well known especially the arts programs. The administration especially works hard to keep the students safe and also make learning and coming to high school a positive experience.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 20, 2008

The school is one of the greatest in my mind. It would be foolish not to give if five stars. The teaching staff and the students make for an excellent learning experience for myself, and my peers. This is my second year at the school and I've already learned so much. It has given me a great advancement in knowledge and what information and criteria I'm going to need in the future when I go to college and begin my career. The school's rennovations are exceptional. Most of the money went towards the sports and education but I think more should have gone towards the arts such as music and drama. The arts are what keep Fairfax alive and spirited. I enjoy the school and I wouldn't want to go to any other school but Fairfax High School.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 16, 2008

The school is amazing it is my first year (class of 11) and I love the staff and atmosphere of the school. It just finished with a major renovation and the school looks great. The new principal is extremely active and respected by many of the students. There hasn t been more then a week that s passed that he hasn t come into one of my classes to check up on the students. The teachers are all very energetic and teach very well. There are many after-school activities and if a student can t find one, they can make one. All the students are very spirited and you can t find a student who won t show his/her rebel pride. Overall it s an amazing school and very diverse.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 25, 2006

The quality of academic programs at Fairfax is mixed. As in many Fairfax County Schools, there is great emphasis on AP classes, with the assumption that the more AP classes, the better. Unfortunately, many of the AP classes are not well taught. AP history and English classes are often geared to memorizing obscure facts or characters rather than understanding, say, the causes of the Civil War or the themes of Melville. College-bound, but not Harvard-bound, students are too often pushed into AP classes which do not serve them well. Fairfax is quite strong in extracuriccular activities. As a relatively small school, many of its sports teams are open to even marginally talented athletes. A majority of students at the school seem to participate. Parental involvement is strong, and the school is safe. The physicial building has been fairly cramped and dreary, but the school is currently undergoing a major renovation.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2007-2008, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".

About the tests


Virginia school accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other assessments in English, history/social science, math and science. The 2009-2010 ratings are based on passing rates on tests taken during the 2008-2009 school year or on overall achievement during the three most recent years. Schools are identified as either Fully Accredited, Accredited with Warning, Conditionally Accredited or Accreditation Denied.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 75% in 2012.

339 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
97%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

658 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
98%
Biology

The state average for Biology was 92% in 2012.

779 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
93%
Chemistry

The state average for Chemistry was 93% in 2012.

579 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
95%
Earth Science

The state average for Earth Science was 90% in 2012.

240 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 94% in 2012.

634 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
97%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 93% in 2012.

632 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
98%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
97%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 74% in 2012.

642 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
94%
Virginia and United States History

The state average for Virginia and United States History was 85% in 2012.

611 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
96%
World Geography

The state average for World Geography was 85% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
World History I

The state average for World History I was 84% in 2012.

776 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
98%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
World History II

The state average for World History II was 85% in 2012.

591 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
98%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students74%
Female students78%
Male students71%
Black students69%
Asian students80%
Hispanic72%
White students77%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged76%
Students with disabilities56%
Students without disabilities81%
Limited English proficient students72%
Proficient in English76%
Not migrant74%

Algebra II

All Students74%
Female students75%
Male students74%
Black students65%
Asian students83%
Hispanic63%
White students74%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged57%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disabilities43%
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficient students74%
Proficient in English75%
Not migrant74%

Biology

All Students96%
Female students95%
Male students96%
Black students90%
Asian students100%
Hispanic93%
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities81%
Students without disabilities98%
Limited English proficient students93%
Proficient in English97%
Not migrant96%

Chemistry

All Students95%
Female students94%
Male students96%
Black students90%
Asian students96%
Hispanic90%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities75%
Students without disabilities97%
Limited English proficient students91%
Proficient in English96%
Not migrant95%

Earth Science

All Students98%
Female students97%
Male students99%
Black students96%
Asian students95%
Hispanic96%
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged92%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilities100%
Students without disabilities98%
Limited English proficient students92%
Proficient in English99%
Not migrant98%

English: Reading

All Students98%
Female students99%
Male students97%
Black students90%
Asian students99%
Hispanic96%
White students99%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Students with disabilities86%
Students without disabilities99%
Limited English proficient students93%
Proficient in English99%
Not migrant98%

English: Writing

All Students98%
Female students99%
Male students97%
Black students95%
Asian students100%
Hispanic94%
White students99%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Students with disabilities85%
Students without disabilities99%
Limited English proficient students92%
Proficient in English99%
Not migrant98%

Geometry

All Students84%
Female students85%
Male students83%
Black students68%
Asian students94%
Hispanic64%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students91%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilities52%
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficient students74%
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant84%

Virginia and United States History

All Students91%
Female students89%
Male students93%
Black students79%
Asian students94%
Hispanic82%
White students95%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged77%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities60%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficient students73%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant91%

World Geography

All Studentsn/a
Female studentsn/a
Male studentsn/a
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White studentsn/a
Students identified as economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in Englishn/a
Not migrantn/a

World History I

All Students93%
Female students91%
Male students95%
Black students87%
Asian students96%
Hispanic89%
White students95%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged90%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities77%
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficient students88%
Proficient in English95%
Not migrant93%

World History II

All Students94%
Female students93%
Male students95%
Black students96%
Asian students97%
Hispanic83%
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged89%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilities75%
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficient students86%
Proficient in English96%
Not migrant94%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 49% 57%
Hispanic 16% 9%
Black 9% 26%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 18%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

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3501 Rebel Run
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 219-2200

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