Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Advanced Academic Programs provide challenging learning experiences that are designed to meet the unique learning profile of a broad range of advanced learners. Through a continuum of opportunities, students engage in a complex subject matter, preparing them for more challenging and rigorous classes as they advance in grade level. Children identified for FCPS advanced academic services exhibit exceptional performance capability in academic, intellectual, and creative endeavors. In order to meet their needs and develop to their potential, these learners require a differentiated curriculum. Learn more about FCPS Advanced Academic Services

The Advanced Academics Resource Teachers (AARTs) coordinates the screening and identification of students for advanced academic services, collaborates with teachers to provide differentiated instruction, and provides direct school-based services for identified students. The AART can explain how the program works and answer specific questions about screening procedures and the delivery of services at your local school. The AART serves all children at the school by providing model lessons in Critical and Creative Thinking and working with the classroom teachers to extend and enrich the Program of Studies (POS).

Multiple Pathways to Advanced Academics Program Services in FCPS

Level I

Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons, Grades K-6

The first level is provided to all students in kindergarten through grade six and consists of model lessons that are designed to teach critical and creative thinking skills. The lessons are modeled in all classrooms by Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) and the thinking strategies are then used throughout the year by classroom and other teachers who work with students. Student responses to these lessons are used as part of the identification process for Levels II-IV. Parents may also practice these strategies during family conversations and activities.

Level II

Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strength, Grades K-6

The AART collaborates with classroom teachers to provide additional challenges through lessons and resources that extend and enrich the Program of Studies. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year.

Level III

Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6

Students identified by our local Advanced Academic committee work directly with the AART each week in a small group setting. During this time, students are challenged with enrichment and extension activities developed to enhance grade-level curriculum.

Level IV 

Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6

Students found eligible for placement in full-time Level IV Advanced Academic Programs through a central selection process receive a highly challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas.

Students in the AAP center study the same Fairfax County Program of Studies curriculum as do students in the base school with instructional techniques that are designed to match the educational learning styles of gifted students.

The mathematics curriculum is accelerated by one grade level, and readings and resources that are used in other subject areas are also presented at advanced levels. 

Referrals for Full-Time AAP Level IV 

Students who are not in the second grade pool will not receive notification. 

Parents or guardians of students not in the second grade screening pool may initiate the full-time AAP Level IV screening process by completing and submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form to the local school. The referral form plus forms for additional optional information are available on the FCPS website (link below) and in the Parent Information Packet available at the local school.

Young Scholars

We also participate in the Young Scholars program, a K-6 initiative that is designed to increase the proportion of historically underrepresented students in gifted programs