The Fairfax County School System is the largest in Virginia and the twelfth largest school system in the United States. The number of enrolled students is upward of 170,000. There are 197 different schools and learning centers in the county, which breaks down into 139 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 4 secondary schools, 21 high schools, 3 alternative learning schools, and 8 special education centers. With a total of over one million people in Fairfax County, this means that approximately one out of every six residents is a registered student at one of these public schools.

The Fairfax County School System has one of the finest reputations in the country, as well. The standardized test scores are consistently in the top percentiles, and well over ninety-four percent of high school graduates go on to pursue post-secondary educations in the form of trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities.

Fairfax County schools have an operating budget of 2.2 million dollars, with over eight-five percent of that amount going toward instructional costs. The next largest chunk goes to transportation, at over five and a half percent. The average cost per student ends up equaling approximately $13,000.

Fairfax County also offers several options for adult and community classes, including English for Speakers of Other Languages, Adult High School, Business, Arts, Culinary Arts, Driver Education, Genealogy, Health and Medical, Information Technology, Languages and Culture, Online Courses, Personal Growth, Trade and Industry, and Certificate Programs.

Many residents of Fairfax County will choose the option of private schooling. There are several private schools in the area, and all offer outstanding educations, as well. Private school educations can offer a more focused curriculum, as well as religious education, though it may not be the best choice for everyone. A short list of the available schools includes Agape Christian Academy in Alexandria; Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria; Brentwood Academy in Alexandria; Oakwood School in Annandale; St. Ambrose in Annandale; Fairfax Academy of Early Learning in Arlington; St. Ann School in Arlington; Nativity School in Burke; The Boyd School in Centreville; Trinity Christian School in Fairfax; Flint Hill School in Oakton; and Chesapeake Academy of Northern Virginia.

There are hundreds more to choose from, depending on the age of the children, but the truth is that any school in Northern Virginia is sure to offer a quality education, a stable environment, and happy memories for years to come.