It's a Great Day to be a Soaring Falcon!

10 Reasons Fairview Falcons Soar

Here at Fairview, we are deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on the social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student. Our school strives to create a supportive environment that promotes growth for all. Together, we continue to build a strong, caring community for our children.

Positive School Culture

Fairview prides itself on prioritizing a positive school culture where all families and staff feel welcome.

According to our 2023-2024 Family Engagement Survey:

92% of parents felt the school provides a welcoming environment.
99% reported that their child trusts at least one adult at the school.
97% of parents felt their child is physically safe at the school.
91% of respondents said they were kept informed of their child’s progress.
91% agreed that the school maintains open two-way communication with parents.
94% felt comfortable approaching staff with questions or concerns.

Staff also report feeling respected by school administration and feel comfortable raising concerns. These responses have increased 50% and 60% (respectively) in the last several years.

Fairview staff love to host school spirit activities to celebrate the inclusive nature of our school. Some of these spirit weeks include Blue Star Welcome Week to honor our military-connected students and staff, and our 2024 celebration of the 125th anniversary of our school.

Incredible School Staff

Fairview’s staff is made up of individuals with a range of unique experiences. Many staff are military-connected and have lived in different parts of the world, bringing diverse perspectives to our school. This year, we’ve also welcomed two skilled Global Teachers from the Philippines. Fairview is led by Principal Samantha Goldstein who was recognized as Outstanding New Principal for Region 4 in 2023.  
Fun Fact: Some of our teachers are Fairview alumni, now teaching in the same classrooms where they once studied!

Fairview is a Purple Star School

Since 2021, Fairview has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as a Purple Star School. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.

Involved Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Fairview PTA plays a vital role in supporting school-wide initiatives and fostering a strong home-school connection. In addition to organizing and funding various programs to enhance our children’s educational experience, the PTA also runs all after-school programs. These include a variety of activities such as chess, STEAM projects, acting class, science club, running club, coding, and ceramics. Monthly family fun events hosted by the PTA also provide a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together.

Notable Alumni     

Doug Kammer, NBC4 News weatherman and Fairview Elementary alumnus, attended the school from kindergarten through sixth grade. He recently returned to Fairview to share insights about weather and discuss what inspired him to pursue a career in meteorology.  You can view his news clip here.

Academic Achievement/Programs

Fairview Elementary is a fully accredited school, consistently meeting or exceeding state standards in core subjects like English, math, and science.
Our commitment to student growth goes beyond academics; we support every aspect of our students' development, including their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Fairview creates a nurturing environment where all students can thrive, building a strong, caring community together.
We offer a local Level IV Advanced Academic Program, a full-time STEAM teacher to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, and a Young Scholars program to identify and nurture advanced potential in students from historically underrepresented groups. Additionally, our FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary Schools) program provides weekly Spanish instruction to enrich our students’ global awareness.

Student Programs

Fairview offers a range of student activities, including:

• Fairview students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to be student ambassadors. As a student ambassador, students have the opportunity to welcome our military-connected students and help them learn about their new school. Our students are trained by our counselors during their meetings and focus on empathy, patience, and active listening.
• A student-led news show
• A vibrant band and strings program that inspires many students to join the Robinson Orchestra and Marching Band in high school
• The Get2Green initiative, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability
• Safety patrol opportunities for our 5th and 6th grade students, allowing them to take on leadership roles in ensuring school safety

History through Art

Fairview Elementary has a unique 125-year history, and inside the school, you'll find a beautiful mural that tells the story of our community’s past. Painted by former Fairview Art teacher Merrierose Derr, the mural beautifully tells the story of our community’s past. The space also features a living tree, adding to the unique and welcoming atmosphere inside the school.

A Love for the Earth

Fairview Elementary is home to a vibrant learning garden where all students can explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. Maintained by our dedicated staff, the school features several hidden gardens throughout the property, including areas where milkweed grows. Our students love spending time outdoors, learning how to care for the earth, and becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

Fairview is the 3rd oldest school in FCPS

   Fairview Elementary opened in 1899 and Fairfax County was still largely rural, with many dairy farms that produced milk shipped to Washington, D.C., by train and later by truck. Children walked to school, often traveling up to five miles, as there were no school buses at that time. The original Fairview School was made of wood, with a small interior resembling the one-room schoolhouses of the time.
   Students sat at small desks or benches and used chalkboard slates instead of the notebooks and pencils we use today. The building was heated by a wood-burning pot-belly stove, and there were no bathrooms inside.
   In the 1940s, Fairview became one of the first schools in the county to have a school bus, starting with a horse-drawn wagon, and later a farm truck with a bus body. 
   As the population grew, Fairview’s one-room schoolhouse became overcrowded, leading to the construction of additional classrooms. By 1932, the school had three rooms, as seen in an aerial view from 1937. In 1940, a new brick building with four classrooms, an auditorium, and an office opened, replacing the old wooden structure. Fairview has continued to expand over the years, with additions in 1952, 1965, 1979, 1984, and 2001.
   Although the physical appearance of the school has changed over time, Fairview has always maintained a small school atmosphere where students, parents, and staff feel a strong sense of community. As we celebrate 125 years of learning and growth, we honor the generations of students, teachers, parents, and community members who have made Fairview Elementary a special place.

Fairview Elementary School is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where young minds are nurtured, and spirits are uplifted. Join us on this journey of discovery and growth, and experience the power of our Falcon WINGS as we SOAR!