Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Careers students collaborated with Miss Virginia USA, Ashley Williams, in project-based learning aimed at pitching original designs for her state costume portion of the upcoming Miss USA pageant.

Ms. Barry is thrilled to be teaching the next generation of fashion professionals in the same Academy program that gave her an early jumpstart to her design career. She brings a fresh and up-to-date curriculum for a quickly changing industry to the students. She also encourages students to lean into their own personal style and self-expression. Ms. Barry is passionate about helping students with their college and portfolio application process and scholarship goals.

The Musical Theatre & Actors Studio [MTAS] is a thriving performing arts program that provides students with one-of-a-kind educational experiences, professional-level training, and unique industry exposure. Professional partnerships are a very special aspect of MTAS. The Tony Award®-winning professional theatre, Signature Theatre, gives our young artists access to Signature's staff and affiliated artists in an unprecedented manner, while Performing Arts Chairs of several colleges and conservatories deliberately plan visits to MTAS to pre-screen and scout students for admission to their programs.

Whether its making beats, or a full out film orchestration, students should have the opportunity to establish their music voice and identity the way modern composers do. In MCT, you can find a series of dedicated musicians ready to collaborate, and grow together. As your instructor, Mr. Carlin is here to help you navigate the music industry however you choose!

On Friday, February 24, Fairfax Academy hosted 167 5th graders!

On February 16th, at 8 pm, the Fairfax Academy Dance program hosted its annual benefit concert. Each year, the students select an organization that directly impacts our community. The students chose to partner with NEDA, the National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA provides support for people struggling with eating disorders and their families.

Students explored story telling using the sections of “Dear Harriet”, a ballet choreographed by Ms. Walsh, using prompts like community, loss, innocence, and doubt.

Mr. Matthew Carlin’s Music Computer Technology (MCT) II classes had a real treat this past Monday, January 30th, with a visit from ‘The Silkroad Ensemble’ - the artists in residence at George Mason University Center for the Arts. Three members of 'The Silkroad Ensemble' came to Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Performing Arts, and performed a few of their own original compositions, as well as an improvised composition from an idea a MCT 2 upperclassmen created.  

The Dance Program at Fairfax Academy is in-depth instruction designed to explore all dance styles, helping dancers find their artistic voice and providing them with the tools needed to pursue a dance-related career after high school. We offer Dance 1 through 4, Broadway Dance, and Hip Hop. These skills develop characteristics such as strength, discipline, flexibility, teamwork, and individual growth, enabling students to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through the performing arts, preparing them for success in any career path.

The Fairfax Academy Career Experience Expo (November 9th, 2022) was a day-long experience for Fairfax Academy students. Industry professionals from around the region came to Fairfax Academy to share insights about career pathways connected to Academy studies. We had professionals visit from the areas of performing arts, communications, and world languages.

We kicked off the day with a keynote speaker, Ms. Selma Patillo Simms, who is currently the Head ASL Coordinator for Montgomery County Public Schools, and an independent certified ASL freelancer who has worked in the industry for over 25 years. Ms. Patillo Simms talked about her experience freelancing as an interpreter in Washington DC for Hollywood stars, Political Leaders, Film, and for Education, as well.

Ms. Maria Martin, Fairfax Academy Counselor, has led a wonderful schedule of college visits this fall and winter, sharing many University and Collegiate academic departments specifically representing major programs that match with the classes and curriculum taught at Fairfax Academy! Ms. Martin has been creating this schedule of visits since she began at Fairfax Academy in 2012. During these visits, representatives talk specifically about their college programs for American Sign Language, Fashion, Music, Photography, Dance, Theatre, Film Studies, World Languages and more, depending on the institution. The admissions representatives genuinely kept the attention of our students through various slide shows; class activities; sharing alumni success stories in the arts, fashion, music and theater; and sharing the details of their programs. Admissions representatives and professors both shared details of program success and reviewed admission requirements for students who are interested in applying for specific programs.

The Game Design and Development course is brand new this year to Fairfax Academy. This course teaches all facets of game design and development. Students gain substantial knowledge of industry standard software, specifically the Unity 3D game engine. However, they explore more than just a game engine and how to program a game, although that is a big part of it.

New for the 2023-2024 school year, will be an Advanced Game Development and Design section.