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Fairfax Academy reports stable enrollment, new dual‑enrollment courses and growing game‑design program
Summary
Directors from Fairfax Academy updated the board on programs and partnerships, reporting steady enrollment (~1,400), new dual‑enrollment options with Marymount University, expanded arts and industry partnerships for November's Expo, and the game‑design program that builds fully playable student games and offers Unity certification.
Andrea Cook, Amy Hard and Suzette Murphy updated the City of Fairfax School Board on Oct. 6 about Fairfax Academy programs, partnerships and student opportunities for the upcoming year. The presenters described enrollment, new dual‑enrollment offerings, industry partnerships and efforts to expand career‑focused programming.
Enrollment and programs: The Academy reported enrollment holding at just over 1,400 students and continued wait lists for popular classes. Cook said capacity limits keep total enrollment roughly flat from the prior two years. Murphy, the game‑design teacher, said the program is now in its fourth year and that students build “a fully playable game from start to finish,” including coding, artwork and sound design; she also offers Unity certification for students.
Dual enrollment and partnerships: The Academy has a Marymount University dual‑enrollment section for fashion careers level 1 and is working to expand dual enrollment in other areas. Amy Hard, career experience specialist, said the board’s funding for an expanded Expo will bring more industry professionals to campus throughout November, increasing opportunities for workshops, master classes and portfolio development with partners including Trilogy Sound Studios, Signature Theatre, Arena Stage and George Mason University.
Career pathways, trades and graduation alignment: Academy staff said they are exploring trades programming in response to student and regional workforce demand, but cited three primary obstacles: money, space and finding qualified instructors. Board members and academy staff discussed how the Academy’s classes can support the state’s increasing focus on enrollment, employment and enlistment as graduation pathways.
AI, credentialing and access: Murphy and Hard described classroom discussions about responsible AI use—students may use AI for idea generation but are expected to understand and integrate that work themselves—and plans to expand credentialing opportunities that give students industry‑recognized skills when they graduate.
Community outreach and events: The Academy will hold an arts‑focused “Artsplosion” and monthlong Expo in November and invited board members to attend student performances and showcases. Staff said about 40% of Academy enrollment is Fairfax High School students and an estimated 20–25% are city residents, though staff said more specific demographic breakdowns can be provided.
Ending: The Academy requested continued board support for partnerships and for exploring trade programs; no board action was taken Oct. 6.
