City of Fairfax Schools

Fairfax High School

Lanier Middle School

Providence Elementary School

Daniels Run Elementary

You are what you take

Information is power and that’s why the Road Map is such a useful tool for guiding students through these academic milestones:

• Milestone 1: By the end of 2nd grade students must be able to read at grade level and be proficient in math before heading into the critical 3rd grade SOL year. Parents should ask teachers in kindergarten, first and second grades to provide clear evidence of their children’s proficiency in reading and math skills and concept building. Early intervention and support is critical at this age.

• Milestone 2: In grades 3 through 6 students should continue to build a solid foundation in reading and math — the core subjects that will provide them with higher-level thinking skills. At the same time, students need to begin to develop “academic vocabularies” that reflect their understandings of words and ideas in social studies and science.

• Milestone 3: Middle School provides opportunities for students to take Honors courses in areas of strength. These courses build the foundation for Advanced Placement classes in high school. Students should consider completing algebra I in middle school as this course is considered the gateway to advanced learning in both science and math.

• Milestone 4: Beginning in 9th grade, students have the opportunity to enroll in the most challenging classes in which they can be successful, including Honors and AP courses. High school students are also encouraged to take advantage of the many and varied elective programs available both in the regular and academy programs. Fairfax High School provides supports for students who want to take advanced coursework. It is essential that parents, students, teachers and school counselors work together to develop a grade 9-12 plan that matches the post-secondary goals of students.

“Although the specific academic plan for students does not have to be started until middle-high school, the conversation about courses required for college needs to begin in elementary school. Through the use of the Road Map parents have the information needed to have these conversations with school staff and with their children,” say City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Ann Monday.

“Close to 50% of students at Lanier are now taking Algebra in 8th grade – the math course that leads to calculus,” Monday explains. “But the truth is that there is no magic formula for success and not all kids are going to take algebra in middle school. What we really need to do is look at each child on a case-by-case basis and find how to tap his or her highest potential.”

The latest research about what students need to succeed in the 21st century, she notes, includes proficiency in the core subjects: math, reading, science and history; good learning, thinking and life skills; and a foundation in information and communication technology. “The bottom line is that the more students challenge themselves academically throughout their school years, the better prepared they’ll be for life after high school,” Monday concludes.