FCPS is turning the new high school purchased to fix crowding into an Aviation magnet school instead of a high school??

[Anonymous]

We got the letter about the open house. In Oakton pyramid pretty close to KAA so that make sense. Was wondering if it went out to the whole county or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yet Chantilly, Westfield, and apparently now Oakton are still in or on the brink of capacity issues. Sure, it looks like we've got a little covid dip in the numbers coming up in elementary schools, but banking on a once-a-century pandemic to keep the numbers down long term doesn't seem like sound planning advice.

Yet Herndon has hundreds of vacant seats and enrollments are coming down (over 4000 down this year) and expected to continue to decline for reasons beyond Covid.

And what happens to the planned Centreville expansion now? Is it cancelled? Why isn't that part of the discussion?

I really think the board should consider sending Cortes kids to HHS.

They can send Coates to Herndon if they are willing to increase the FARMS rate at Herndon even further, but they are still going to have to backfill Westfield with Centreville kids if they move Coates, McNair and Floris out of Westfield.

The best way to balance that out would be to put Forestville at Herndon, but we all know that this is the one cause that the people in Great Falls who bought themselves seats on the BRAC would never allow that to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got the letter about the open house. In Oakton pyramid pretty close to KAA so that make sense. Was wondering if it went out to the whole county or not.

Same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got the letter about the open house. In Oakton pyramid pretty close to KAA so that make sense. Was wondering if it went out to the whole county or not.

This portion of the email makes it very odd to invite other parts of the county. I also don't know why it would be sent to anyone who may not be rezoned to the school. Why invite people to explore this space only to say, "OH, look around the building and see what we have planned, but your kid won't be coming here."


"Third, our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. As families located in the western part of the county, we understand that you are very interested in what this new school experience will be like and what the possibilities will be for students."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just be honest that you don’t give a shit about how the county spends other people’s money, as long as it benefits your family. I’m not against the school, but you two have a real sense of selfish entitlement that is really something else.

Because we want stability for our kids?
Because we do not want them on buses for well over an hour a day to go to schools that are far from our community? Because our kids are going to three/four way split feeders?

Who is selfish here? What do you want your school to have that it does not currently have?

You have stability. There hasn't been a boundary change affecting high schools in that area since 2008. The Thru proposals that you didn't like were opposed. And there are other split feeders besides Carson, including Franklin and Thoreau, and many elementary schools in other parts of the county.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for some. The School Board implicitly decided that giving you shorter bus rides outweighs the needs that other schools have for renovated facilities or additional classrooms. It's unfortunate, though, that these trade-offs weren't fully vetted because they were so busy patting each other on the back.

You're just jealous. That's it. You're jealous. It's not about selfishness or entitlement, it's about jealousy. Admit it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We got the letter about the open house. In Oakton pyramid pretty close to KAA so that make sense. Was wondering if it went out to the whole county or not.

This portion of the email makes it very odd to invite other parts of the county. I also don't know why it would be sent to anyone who may not be rezoned to the school. Why invite people to explore this space only to say, "OH, look around the building and see what we have planned, but your kid won't be coming here."


"Third, our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. As families located in the western part of the county, we understand that you are very interested in what this new school experience will be like and what the possibilities will be for students."

They talked about having an open house at the first work session earlier this year on KAA's future use.

It seemed like they thought it would be an opportunity both to manage expectations, since KAA was built as a K-12 school and won't be ready for four grades for several years, and also take credit for their bargain purchase.

Every taxpayer is paying for KAA, and they want taxpayers across the county to vote for the upcoming bond referendum, so it makes sense to let anyone interested tour the facility. But you're right that part of the email is clearly targeted to just one part of the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just be honest that you don’t give a shit about how the county spends other people’s money, as long as it benefits your family. I’m not against the school, but you two have a real sense of selfish entitlement that is really something else.

Because we want stability for our kids?
Because we do not want them on buses for well over an hour a day to go to schools that are far from our community? Because our kids are going to three/four way split feeders?

Who is selfish here? What do you want your school to have that it does not currently have?

You have stability. There hasn't been a boundary change affecting high schools in that area since 2008. The Thru proposals that you didn't like were opposed. And there are other split feeders besides Carson, including Franklin and Thoreau, and many elementary schools in other parts of the county.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for some. The School Board implicitly decided that giving you shorter bus rides outweighs the needs that other schools have for renovated facilities or additional classrooms. It's unfortunate, though, that these trade-offs weren't fully vetted because they were so busy patting each other on the back.

You're just jealous. That's it. You're jealous. It's not about selfishness or entitlement, it's about jealousy. Admit it.

Your post was rebutted, and that's the best you can do?

Yes, everyone else is green with envy that our kids won't get to attend a school with only two grades that probably won't have varsity sports at first, or the same breadth of courses as other schools for several years.

For the thousandth time, all people are saying is that there should be more transparency around this new school. Listen to Meren, R. Anderson, Moon, or Dunne at the work session, and you'll hear the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else receive an email from Dr. Reid about an open house at the KAA site later this month? The email stated, "As families located in that area, we want to provide additional details that may be relevant to you and your community."

I'm curious if everyone received this email or just certain schools.

Chantilly received it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello FCPS Families,

As our school community continues to change and adapt to 21st century challenges and opportunities, so too do the schools where we gather, learn, and grow. Many of you have heard about the new FCPS high school we acquired this summer in western Fairfax County. As families located in that area, we want to provide additional details that may be relevant to you and your community.

First, I want to invite you to an open house at the new western high school. This will be an opportunity to learn more about our ongoing assessment of the site and see first-hand the potential this new school provides our division.

The open house will be on Saturday, October 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The new western high school is located at 2949 Education Drive, Herndon, VA 20171. There will also be two community meetings about the new western high school’s name on Monday, October 27. The first meeting will be online during the day, and the second will be in the evening at Carson Middle School. More details on these meetings will be shared soon.

Second, the school – formerly the King Abdullah Academy – provides us with a unique opportunity to respond to the expanding needs of the students and families in the western part of the county. The nearly 33-acre site has 355,000 square feet of modern educational spaces, large multi-purpose halls, libraries and study rooms, fine arts facilities, and athletic space. With current estimates for FCPS to buy land and build a new school in that area exceeding $430 million, we estimate that the savings realized by purchasing this property are approximately $280 million. And it means we have a new facility we are able to use sooner.

This is also a significant opportunity for our students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined. We will work on new course offerings at the western high school, which gives us an opportunity to combine this with ongoing efforts to enhance and expand course offerings across the entire school division.

Third, our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. As families located in the western part of the county, we understand that you are very interested in what this new school experience will be like and what the possibilities will be for students.

We are committed to engaging the western county communities in this effort, as governed by Policy and Regulation 8170. The School Board held a work session on October 7 to discuss programming and naming and the formal naming process, including community meetings, which will begin soon. The new high school will be on the agenda as New Business at the board meeting on Thursday, October 23. The board will vote on programming at the November 13 meeting. The new school name will be selected at the January 8, 2026 meeting.

As I’ve shared with parents from the western part of the county during my recent community conversation, many of the details are still being discussed and no final decisions have been made. Along with the open house later this month, I have asked our staff to be prepared to share additional updates with all of you as they become available.

Thank you for your time and engagement with this exciting new addition to FCPS that will benefit students now and many years into the future. Together, all things are possible!

Warmest regards,



Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools

Why wasn't this estimate updated to reflect the additional costs they now know they will incur to get this school ready for FCPS students? I guess the philosophy is that if you repeat a lie frequently enough people will start to believe it.

They will never realize "approximately $280 million" in total savings, and they refuse to identify the other projects that will delayed, even as they ask taxpayers to approve more school bonds.

I think the school is mostly turn-key ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello FCPS Families,

As our school community continues to change and adapt to 21st century challenges and opportunities, so too do the schools where we gather, learn, and grow. Many of you have heard about the new FCPS high school we acquired this summer in western Fairfax County. As families located in that area, we want to provide additional details that may be relevant to you and your community.

First, I want to invite you to an open house at the new western high school. This will be an opportunity to learn more about our ongoing assessment of the site and see first-hand the potential this new school provides our division.

The open house will be on Saturday, October 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The new western high school is located at 2949 Education Drive, Herndon, VA 20171. There will also be two community meetings about the new western high school’s name on Monday, October 27. The first meeting will be online during the day, and the second will be in the evening at Carson Middle School. More details on these meetings will be shared soon.

Second, the school – formerly the King Abdullah Academy – provides us with a unique opportunity to respond to the expanding needs of the students and families in the western part of the county. The nearly 33-acre site has 355,000 square feet of modern educational spaces, large multi-purpose halls, libraries and study rooms, fine arts facilities, and athletic space. With current estimates for FCPS to buy land and build a new school in that area exceeding $430 million, we estimate that the savings realized by purchasing this property are approximately $280 million. And it means we have a new facility we are able to use sooner.

This is also a significant opportunity for our students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined. We will work on new course offerings at the western high school, which gives us an opportunity to combine this with ongoing efforts to enhance and expand course offerings across the entire school division.

Third, our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. As families located in the western part of the county, we understand that you are very interested in what this new school experience will be like and what the possibilities will be for students.

We are committed to engaging the western county communities in this effort, as governed by Policy and Regulation 8170. The School Board held a work session on October 7 to discuss programming and naming and the formal naming process, including community meetings, which will begin soon. The new high school will be on the agenda as New Business at the board meeting on Thursday, October 23. The board will vote on programming at the November 13 meeting. The new school name will be selected at the January 8, 2026 meeting.

As I’ve shared with parents from the western part of the county during my recent community conversation, many of the details are still being discussed and no final decisions have been made. Along with the open house later this month, I have asked our staff to be prepared to share additional updates with all of you as they become available.

Thank you for your time and engagement with this exciting new addition to FCPS that will benefit students now and many years into the future. Together, all things are possible!

Warmest regards,



Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools

Why wasn't this estimate updated to reflect the additional costs they now know they will incur to get this school ready for FCPS students? I guess the philosophy is that if you repeat a lie frequently enough people will start to believe it.

They will never realize "approximately $280 million" in total savings, and they refuse to identify the other projects that will delayed, even as they ask taxpayers to approve more school bonds.

I think the school is mostly turn-key ready.

Depends on what you mean by "mostly." They are saying it can only open with two grades and that it will take 3 to 5 years before it can handle 2000 kids and four grades. It has specialized spaces designed for much younger kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are in the South Lakes pyramid and received it, but I assumed it was because we are closer in proximity to the KAA site. I am not sure why schools no where near KAA would be invited to an open house there, but it sounds like Langley and Mclean were as well...

The Great Falls C U Next Tuesday Association demanded it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just be honest that you don’t give a shit about how the county spends other people’s money, as long as it benefits your family. I’m not against the school, but you two have a real sense of selfish entitlement that is really something else.

Because we want stability for our kids?
Because we do not want them on buses for well over an hour a day to go to schools that are far from our community? Because our kids are going to three/four way split feeders?

Who is selfish here? What do you want your school to have that it does not currently have?

You have stability. There hasn't been a boundary change affecting high schools in that area since 2008. The Thru proposals that you didn't like were opposed. And there are other split feeders besides Carson, including Franklin and Thoreau, and many elementary schools in other parts of the county.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for some. The School Board implicitly decided that giving you shorter bus rides outweighs the needs that other schools have for renovated facilities or additional classrooms. It's unfortunate, though, that these trade-offs weren't fully vetted because they were so busy patting each other on the back.

You're just jealous. That's it. You're jealous. It's not about selfishness or entitlement, it's about jealousy. Admit it.

Your post was rebutted, and that's the best you can do?

Yes, everyone else is green with envy that our kids won't get to attend a school with only two grades that probably won't have varsity sports at first, or the same breadth of courses as other schools for several years.

For the thousandth time, all people are saying is that there should be more transparency around this new school. Listen to Meren, R. Anderson, Moon, or Dunne at the work session, and you'll hear the same thing.

You, sweetie pie, are replying to multiple people. Yes, transparency is great, I think we all agree on that, but why does it make us selfish and entitled to be excited about a high school that is 5 minutes away as opposed to one that is 30 minutes away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello FCPS Families,

As our school community continues to change and adapt to 21st century challenges and opportunities, so too do the schools where we gather, learn, and grow. Many of you have heard about the new FCPS high school we acquired this summer in western Fairfax County. As families located in that area, we want to provide additional details that may be relevant to you and your community.

First, I want to invite you to an open house at the new western high school. This will be an opportunity to learn more about our ongoing assessment of the site and see first-hand the potential this new school provides our division.

The open house will be on Saturday, October 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The new western high school is located at 2949 Education Drive, Herndon, VA 20171. There will also be two community meetings about the new western high school’s name on Monday, October 27. The first meeting will be online during the day, and the second will be in the evening at Carson Middle School. More details on these meetings will be shared soon.

Second, the school – formerly the King Abdullah Academy – provides us with a unique opportunity to respond to the expanding needs of the students and families in the western part of the county. The nearly 33-acre site has 355,000 square feet of modern educational spaces, large multi-purpose halls, libraries and study rooms, fine arts facilities, and athletic space. With current estimates for FCPS to buy land and build a new school in that area exceeding $430 million, we estimate that the savings realized by purchasing this property are approximately $280 million. And it means we have a new facility we are able to use sooner.

This is also a significant opportunity for our students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined. We will work on new course offerings at the western high school, which gives us an opportunity to combine this with ongoing efforts to enhance and expand course offerings across the entire school division.

Third, our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. As families located in the western part of the county, we understand that you are very interested in what this new school experience will be like and what the possibilities will be for students.

We are committed to engaging the western county communities in this effort, as governed by Policy and Regulation 8170. The School Board held a work session on October 7 to discuss programming and naming and the formal naming process, including community meetings, which will begin soon. The new high school will be on the agenda as New Business at the board meeting on Thursday, October 23. The board will vote on programming at the November 13 meeting. The new school name will be selected at the January 8, 2026 meeting.

As I’ve shared with parents from the western part of the county during my recent community conversation, many of the details are still being discussed and no final decisions have been made. Along with the open house later this month, I have asked our staff to be prepared to share additional updates with all of you as they become available.

Thank you for your time and engagement with this exciting new addition to FCPS that will benefit students now and many years into the future. Together, all things are possible!

Warmest regards,



Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools

Why wasn't this estimate updated to reflect the additional costs they now know they will incur to get this school ready for FCPS students? I guess the philosophy is that if you repeat a lie frequently enough people will start to believe it.

They will never realize "approximately $280 million" in total savings, and they refuse to identify the other projects that will delayed, even as they ask taxpayers to approve more school bonds.

I think the school is mostly turn-key ready.

Depends on what you mean by "mostly." They are saying it can only open with two grades and that it will take 3 to 5 years before it can handle 2000 kids and four grades. It has specialized spaces designed for much younger kids.

I don't think it's that hard to repurpose elementary classrooms to high school classrooms.

[Anonymous]

You have stability. There hasn't been a boundary change affecting high schools in that area since 2008. The Thru proposals that you didn't like were opposed. And there are other split feeders besides Carson, including Franklin and Thoreau, and many elementary schools in other parts of the county.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for some. The School Board implicitly decided that giving you shorter bus rides outweighs the needs that other schools have for renovated facilities or additional classrooms. It's unfortunate, though, that these trade-offs weren't fully vetted because they were so busy patting each other on the back.

But, we still don't know if they are going through with those "opposed" changes from THRU.

Carson is really a four way split feeder.
Franklin is a three way split feeder and will likely be affected by KAA just as Carson will be.

Hopefully, that can be fixed--or, at least, limit it to two.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for ALL that go to KAA if it serves the community. It will also be a cohesive community school with neighborhoods that are adjacent. The Chantilly kids currently have that. That is one of the big advantages of Chantilly and what makes people like it. The Westfield kids do not have that.

And, the Chantilly kids have been threatened with boundary adjustments for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just be honest that you don’t give a shit about how the county spends other people’s money, as long as it benefits your family. I’m not against the school, but you two have a real sense of selfish entitlement that is really something else.

Because we want stability for our kids?
Because we do not want them on buses for well over an hour a day to go to schools that are far from our community? Because our kids are going to three/four way split feeders?

Who is selfish here? What do you want your school to have that it does not currently have?

You have stability. There hasn't been a boundary change affecting high schools in that area since 2008. The Thru proposals that you didn't like were opposed. And there are other split feeders besides Carson, including Franklin and Thoreau, and many elementary schools in other parts of the county.

Shorter bus rides will be a benefit for some. The School Board implicitly decided that giving you shorter bus rides outweighs the needs that other schools have for renovated facilities or additional classrooms. It's unfortunate, though, that these trade-offs weren't fully vetted because they were so busy patting each other on the back.

You're just jealous. That's it. You're jealous. It's not about selfishness or entitlement, it's about jealousy. Admit it.

Your post was rebutted, and that's the best you can do?

Yes, everyone else is green with envy that our kids won't get to attend a school with only two grades that probably won't have varsity sports at first, or the same breadth of courses as other schools for several years.

For the thousandth time, all people are saying is that there should be more transparency around this new school. Listen to Meren, R. Anderson, Moon, or Dunne at the work session, and you'll hear the same thing.

You, sweetie pie, are replying to multiple people. Yes, transparency is great, I think we all agree on that, but why does it make us selfish and entitled to be excited about a high school that is 5 minutes away as opposed to one that is 30 minutes away?

No one is trying to keep you from being excited. We'd just like to know the real costs and impact on other schools and communities.

Which you or a PP equate to jealousy, which is bullshit.