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 Silk Road Ensemble’ - the artists in residence at George Mason University Center for the Arts. Three members of 'The Silk Road Ensemble' - came to Fairfax Academy of Communication and 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.

Fairfax Academy offers Arabic 1 through 4. Mr. Ford’s passion is to help his students build strong literacy and communication skills. This quarter, students are working on several projects. Some are writing and presenting skits which incorporate high frequency phrases. While others are both writing paragraphs and capturing flipgrid videos in which they present information about themselves and their families. Upper-level students are drafting descriptions of their favorite cities in the Arab World. Mr. Ford truly enjoys working with his students and feels that he learns just as much from them as they do from him.

Did you know Fairfax Academy has three amazing resource teachers?

Ms. Chae works with our ESOL students and sponsors many clubs and activities at Fairfax Academy and Fairfax High School.

Ms. St. Germain worked at the elementary and middle school levels for more than twenty years before joining Fairfax Academy this year. She is part of the Academy Resource team, and she states that the favorite part of her job is getting to know all our Academy students and ensuring that they have the supports in place to help them achieve their goals.

Ms. Sterrett has found a home at Fairfax Academy. Working as an Academy Resource Teacher, Mrs. Sterrett is able to work with a diverse population of students across the county and learn from a variety of experts in their field. There’s nothing better than coming to a place of work where you are surrounded by people who inspire the younger generation to explore, learn, and achieve. The Academy at Fairfax is a great place to be!

Ms. Tarvid grew up in Southwest Virginia. She has a varied background in customer service and program management, most recently serving in early childhood education administration at a preschool in Fairfax. She has an undergraduate degree in social sciences from Radford University and a Master’s in Library Science from San Jose State University.

Ms. Tarvid's passion is to support her team and help them to be successful. She joined the Academy in April and is excited to be part of helping students connect to opportunities to learn, grow, and become!