Edgar Allen Poe Middle School, located near Backlick Road in Annandale, is situated on a 21-acre site at 7000 Cindy Lane. Poe serves as one of the three grade 6 through grade 8 middle schools in Fairfax County. Poe Middle School strives to examine intellectual development issues as they affect early adolescent school programs.
Students are offered skill development challenges that build carefully on how they can and do think during early adolescence. The intellectual curiosity of the students is nurtured by learning changes that appropriately challenge their abilities. Recognizing that students are in a transitional period, the staff members adhere to the principles of the middle school philosophy by endeavoring to meet the academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of students.
By emphasizing academic excellence, critical and creative thinking, responsible behavior, and acceptance of individual differences, the staff sets high expectations for students. The school day includes a 30-minute teacher-advisor program, an important component of the middle school concept, which advocates every student in the building knowing and being known well by at least one adult.
Students and teachers are organized in teams in which the core subjects (English, math, science, and social studies) are taught. Students’ progress is assessed using conventional methods, as well as other types of authentic assessment such as portfolios, group productions, and multimedia presentations.
Students, in consultation with their parents and teachers, may select and participate in one or more of the following programs:
- Advanced Academic Services, Middle
- Career and Technical Education
- College Partnership Program
- College Success Program
- International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program
- World Languages
- Young Scholars
Falls Church High School is located inside the Beltway near its intersection with Route 50. Falls Church High School is a community of learners within a professional learning community. Students at Falls Church High School come from 83 countries and are native speakers of more than 40 languages. The school’s student body reflects the diversity of the community it serves. It is a high school that meets the academic and co-curricular needs of its students. Falls Church is committed to academic excellence, developing positive personal qualities and well-being, fostering respect for individual differences, encouraging parent involvement, and emphasizing high expectations for achievement and behavior of all students.
Falls Church High School’s diverse student body is composed of general, professional technical, special education, English for speakers of other languages, and gifted and talented students. The faculty promotes and fosters a safe and orderly environment by rewarding students for positive and constructive behavior. Paramount in Falls Church’s objectives are commitments to student participation in appropriate decision-making roles and to the development of critical-thinking skills. Student progress is evaluated, and instructional decisions are made, based on a variety of alternative assessment techniques, including writing samples, portfolios, and practical applications.
Students, in consultation with their parents and teachers, may select and participate in one or more of the following programs:
- Advanced Placement Diploma
- Career and Technical Education
- College Partnership Program
- College Success Program
- Pathway to the Baccalaureate
- Project Discovery
- World Languages
Northern Virginia has a wide selection of child care options for children who are not yet ready for K-12 education. Below is a list of resources for families with young children looking for child care in our area. These are state-wide organizations that have a wealth of information, but this list is not exhaustive! It is a place to start.
The Office for Children is dedicated to the care, education and healthy development of children, from birth through elementary school age. OFC collaborates with early childhood professionals, families, schools and community partners to support children in reaching their fullest potential. In partnership with the community, schools and county, OFC coordinates the implementation of the “Fairfax County Equitable School Readiness Strategic Plan.
High quality early childhood care and education has a great effect on the lives of children and their families. High quality experiences for children from birth to five should include enriching activities in developmentally appropriate environments, while also providing families with necessary resources and support.
Virginia has many quality options for early childhood care and education for children ages birth-to-five. Depending on the needs of your family, you might consider:
- Child Day Centers and Family Day Homes (see information below)Â
- Head Start or Early Head Start Programming
- Other public preschool programs, including Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), or other programs managed by your local school division.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia is Virginia’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (age 0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. Any infant or toddler in Virginia who isn’t developing as expected or who has a medical condition that can delay typical development is eligible to receive early intervention supports and services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Early intervention supports and services focus on increasing the child’s participation in family and community activities that are important to the family. In addition, supports and services focus on helping parents and other caregivers know how to find ways to help their children learn during everyday activities.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia’s supports and services are available to all eligible children and their families regardless of a family’s ability to pay.