Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated who the school system's superintendent is.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Fairfax County Public Schools saw little change in some subjects on standardized tests for the 2023-2024 school year, while FCPS saw declines in English writing and history scores.
According to Virginia Department of Education Data FCPS' English reading pass rate, released Tuesday, was 78 percent, unchanged from last year. In math, the pass rate was 76 percent, up one point from last year. Just 28 percent of students passed written English, nearly half of last year's 57 percent and down from 78 percent for the 2021-2022 school year. In history/social science, FCPS students scored 41 percent, down from 62 percent last school year. FCPS' science pass rate was 73 percent, up one point from last year.
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With the exception of English composition and history, FCPS overall passing rates were above the state average in all subjects: state averages were 73% in English reading, 71% in math, 76% in English composition, 65% in history/social science and 68% in science.
“We know that when we are intentional about funding and supporting public education, we can achieve great things,” Superintendent Michelle Reed said in a statement. “While we still have work to do, I am proud of all that our dedicated educators have accomplished to get to where we are today.”
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Standards of Learning (SOL) testing in reading, math and science is required by the Every Student Succeeds Act, but the SOL exams in writing and history are optional. In the 2023-24 school year, as in previous years, the majority of FCPS students took local alternative exams in writing and history in lieu of the SOL exams, a district spokesperson said.
A small number of students chose to take the SOL exams in essay writing and history (110 in essay writing and 474 in history).
According to the district, more than 18,000 students took the state board-approved alternative exams in the 2023-24 school year, with pass rates on the written exams above 96 percent. Pass rates on the SOL exams in required reading, math and science were on par with or slightly higher than the previous school year.
For example, in the 2023-24 school year, 4,995 students took the AP English exam, and 96% of those students achieved a credit-eligible score on the written exam.
“The assertion that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students are failing required subjects is false,” a district spokesperson said. “District-wide proficiency averages in reading, math and science are above state averages.”
Statewide, Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office said the SOL results reflect the beginning of a learning recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall pass rate in math increased from 69% to 71%. The English reading pass rate remained unchanged at 73%.
“Today's encouraging data shows that when we set high expectations for students, teachers and schools, they can meet them by using proven approaches and tools,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Amy Rogstad Ghidella. “We know what works. Every school in Virginia must know and understand each student's academic progress and mastery and provide the customized support and instruction that keeps every student on track to succeed in life.”
According to the Virginia Department of Education, 70 percent of school districts improved, 10.7 percent maintained performance, and 19.1 percent declined in reading performance in grades 3 through 8. In math performance in grades 3 through 8, 75 percent of school districts improved, 4.6 percent maintained performance, and 19.8 percent declined.
In high school, the math pass rate rose from 81 percent to 84 percent. But the reading pass rate fell from 85 percent to 84 percent.
The majority of FCPS student subgroups improved in reading and math. For students with disabilities, the reading pass rate remained steady at 51 percent, while their math pass rate increased from 48 percent to 50 percent. For economically disadvantaged students, the reading pass rate increased slightly from 56 percent to 60 percent, and their math pass rate also increased from 55 percent to 56 percent. English language learners' math performance improved from 41 percent to 42 percent, but their reading pass rate decreased and remained steady at 31 percent.
“We are encouraged by the overall improvement in SOL scores across the division and remain dedicated to addressing the unique needs of each student,” said LCPS Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis. “This includes providing targeted academic interventions and support systems for English language learners and students with disabilities. LCPS remains focused on ensuring all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Chronic Absenteeism and Other State Education Focus
Along with the SOL results, the Virginia Department of Education provided an update on another statewide focus: chronic absenteeism. Youngkin's office reiterated the benefits of regular school attendance, finding that chronically absent students (those who attend less than 90% of the school year) perform 19 points lower in reading and 26 points lower in math than their peers.
Statewide, the chronic absenteeism rate fell from 19.3 percent to 16.1 percent, resulting in 40,974 fewer chronically absent students last school year. The Virginia Department of Education estimates that overall, Virginia K-12 students missed 1,276,522 fewer days, resulting in an increase of 8,935,654 instructional hours.
The state is implementing its All in VA initiative throughout the 2025-2026 school year to address learning delays through intensive one-on-one instruction, extended tutoring time, summer programs and individualized supplemental math and reading resources. The initiative also focuses on reducing chronic absenteeism with a Chronic Absenteeism Task Force, departmental action kits and other strategies.
To support early literacy, the Virginia Department of Education is accelerating implementation of the Virginia Literature Act in kindergarten through grade 3. The state’s initiative includes new literacy instructional strategies and calls for additional professional development for teachers.
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