Updates for schools in DMV area this autumn: Comprehensive rundown of significant alterations and school policies for the academic year 2025-26
In the upcoming school year, several local school districts are welcoming new initiatives and updates. Here's a round-up of the latest news from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), and Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS).
CCPS News
Dr. Terry J. Dade has taken the helm as the new Superintendent of CCPS, starting on July 1, 2025. As the school year approaches, students can look forward to updates in student laptop allocations, a new regulation on cell phone use, and an optional Chromebook Protection Plan for students in grades 1-12. Additionally, the district will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students, and schedules and class assignments will be available through ParentVue/StudentVue accounts starting from Aug. 18.
FCPS News
FCPS is gearing up for an exciting year with the introduction of weapons detection devices at all schools, the launch of two new Lab Schools – a Data Sciences program and a Teacher Academy – and a focus on enhancing student learning through updated curriculum standards, increased mental health resources, and expanded technology integration.
DCPS News
D.C. Public Schools has completed renovations to several schools and has shifted K-5 students to an updated math curriculum. The district will also enforce a bell-to-bell personal cell phone ban policy beginning this school year.
SCPS News
Spotsylvania County Public Schools has implemented a personal electronic devices ban during the academic day, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and all other electronic devices. The district has also hired 27 international teachers to work in classrooms this school year, many from the Philippines and Jamaica. To address speeding near schools, SCPS is participating in an automated speed enforcement program.
ACPS News
Alexandria City Public Schools will welcome students back for the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 18. The district's 2030 Strategic Plan reaffirms its commitment to providing each student a high-quality education.
Pricing Information
In CCPS, breakfast for elementary students costs $1.45 and lunch is $2.90. For secondary level students, breakfast costs $1.60 and lunch costs $3.15. Milk in CCPS costs $0.75 cents. The district uses a cafeteria prepayment system through MySchoolBucks.
New Schools
Margaret J. Thornton Elementary School in CCPS will open its doors for the first time on Aug. 25, with more than 600 students. In D.C., modernizations have been made at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, Truesdell Elementary School, and Stoddert Elementary School.
Vacancies
ACPS has vacancies under 2%, including both instructional and non-instructional positions. As of the week of Aug. 3, SCPS has 85 full-time vacant teaching positions.
Discipline Policies
SCPS has implemented a new progressive discipline policy for employees, while DCPS will enforce a bell-to-bell personal cell phone ban policy. FCPS has updated its regulation on student cell phone use, prohibiting all students from using devices throughout the entire school day. SCPS has implemented a personal electronic devices ban during the academic day.
Construction Projects
FCPS is making exciting progress on its Capital Improvement Program, with work beginning on a fourth high school and expansions at Jordan Springs and Middletown elementary schools.
Handbooks and Calendars
A new 2025-2026 CCPS Parent Handbook and Calendar will be posted on the school system's website.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
