10 Reasons Falls Church Stands Out

Falls Church High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. Known for its diverse student body that represents 118 countries and 78 languages, Falls Church has strong academic programs and emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, to support well-rounded student development. The school is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing students for success beyond high school.

2024 AP School Honor Roll Silver Distinction School

Falls Church was one of 17 FCPS high schools named to the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll in 2024. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. Falls Church earned a silver distinction. 

Senior Internship

Falls Church had its inaugural year for the senior internship program year in 2024. Seniors were provided the opportunity to find an internship for the final two weeks of school. This opportunity allowed students to explore career paths and learn more about themselves. Students participated in a wide variety of experiences and shared their learning with students, staff and community members as a part of an Exhibition of Learning.

Outstanding Employee - Jaime Medina Yrhuay & Fullbright Distinguished Teaching Fellow - Paul Naanou

During the 2023-24 school year, Custodian Jaime Medina Yrhuay was a pyramid winner for the FCPS Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee. Jaime is incredibly hard working and goes above and beyond for Falls Church and our community. 

Additionally, former Math Teacher now Assistant Principal, Paul Naanou, was selected as a Fulbright Distinguished Teaching Fellow. This prestigious program allows 20 curious, flexible, and independent K–12 educators from the United States an opportunity to conduct research and engage in other professional learning experiences abroad for three to six months. Paul was in the Netherlands and studied Dutch math teachers’ approaches to problem-solving instruction.

Annual Jaguar 5k

For 20 years, the Jaguar 5k has brought together students, alumni, feeder schools, and the community for a day of fun and excitement. Originally started in 2006 by then Director of Student Activities Jeanne Kelly, this annual event continues to strengthen our community bonds.

Renovation Project

Falls Church High School is under full renovation, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. It will add 122,000 square feet to the school and support 2,500 students. The renovation and additions will include new science classrooms, administrative offices, library, performing arts rooms, health and medical science rooms, a security vestibule and a number of site improvements (new electrical, mechanical & plumbing systems; new lighting; new data and telephone systems).

Post-Secondary Planning for Students

Falls Church High School is dedicated to ensuring every student has a solid post-secondary plan and is well-prepared for their future, whether that means attending a two- or four-year college, pursuing vocational training, committing to military service, or moving directly to employment. Through collaborative programs, we support students with critical skills and resources, including AVID for college readiness, the College Partnership Program for underrepresented students, and scholarship application assistance to reduce financial barriers. Our FAFSA and VASA assistance guides families through financial aid options, supports first-generation college-bound students. We also offer career exploration tools, including internships through FCHS Senior Internship and Genesys Works/Urban Alliance and workshops on resumes and interviewing. Dual enrollment and advanced courses help students earn college credits, while personalized college and career planning sessions with counselors ensure every student is on the path to success. These initiatives equip Falls Church High School students to take their next steps confidently.

Alumni Authors

Falls Church has 27 and counting alumni who have become published authors dating back to the class of 1949! This legacy speaks to the power of reading and writing to inspire and shape lives. Carolyn Wixson, one of these accomplished authors, even dedicated her book to her Falls Church English teacher Betsy Harris, highlighting the profound impact of education on her literary journey. The Falls Church community's literary heritage serves as an inspiration for current and future students, demonstrating that the seeds of literary success can be sown within the walls of their classrooms. 

Continuous Improvement Award

In 2023, Falls Church High School received the Virginia Board of Education’s Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement. We achieved this by increasing our Graduation Completion Index and decreasing our dropout rate for each of the prior three years.

Elizaveta Plis - FCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize Winner

Falls Church's student, Elizaveta Plis, won the Grand Prize in FCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair in 2023! The annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased over 300 high school science projects. Over 400 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Elizaveta was the first ever FCHS grand prize winner.

Orchestra Performing at VMEA & Wolf Trap Choral Grant

FCHS Chamber Orchestra is one of just four orchestral groups in the state chosen to perform at the VMEA conference this year. This is an amazing achievement and honor! They are performing a concert of all contemporary composers of Asian descent.

The choral program at Falls Church has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the 2024-25 Wolf Trap Grants for Performing Arts Teachers program. The choirs will be working on a collaborative composition project with North Carolina based composer Sherry Blevins. Sherry, an established composer, conductor, and music educator, will be teaching the students music and lyric composition techniques and then will synthesize the students’ suggestions into the final piece to be premiered at our May 31 concert, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the choral program at Falls Church High School.