Fairfax County Public Schools offers a continuum of advanced academic services for students K-12 that builds upon students' individual strengths and skills and maximizes academic potential for all learners.

Our Herndon ES Advanced Academic resource teachers (AART), Katie Anderson, collaborate with the school staff to determine the appropriate level of advanced academic services. Parents may refer their child for advanced academic services or get additional information on the screening process or advanced academic opportunities at Herndon ES by contacting Katie Anderson. Ongoing observation and assessment ensure that student needs are being met.

Access to Rigor, Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons, Grades K-6 

The first level is provided to all students in kindergarten through grade six and consists of model lessons that are designed to teach critical and creative thinking skills. The lessons are modeled in all classrooms by the Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART) and the thinking strategies are then used throughout the year by classroom and other teachers who work with students. Student responses to these lessons are used as part of the identification process for Levels II-IV. Parents may also practice these strategies during family conversations and activities.

Subject Specific Services, Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strength, Grades K-6

The AART collaborates with classroom teachers to provide additional challenges through lessons and resources that extend and enrich the Program of Studies. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year.

Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6

Students identified by a local school screening committee for Level III part-time advanced academic services are challenged through models and strategies designed to extend and enrich the Program of Studies in the four core subject areas. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year.

Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8

Students found eligible for placement in full-time Level IV Advanced Academic Programs through a central selection process receive a highly challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas. Screening for this level of service occurs in the fall for students who are new to FCPS and in the spring for all other students. 

Young Scholars

Herndon Elementary participates in the Young Scholars Program. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) created the Young Scholars Model to nurture students with high academic potential who may face additional barriers to access and success in K-12 Advanced Academic Programs. In this model school staff and families work together to:

• Find and nurture gifted potential
• Support academic mindsets and habits
• Prepare students for more challenging and rigorous courses

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners

Twice-exceptional (2e) learners are students who have the ability to think, reason, and problem-solve at very high levels, and they also have special education needs.

FCPS wants to provide 2e students with classroom settings that recognize and encourage their intellectual strengths. At the same time, FCPS aims to offer these students flexible instruction and accommodations designed to support their areas of need.  For example, teachers may:

• provide extra help with planning and organization,
• modify learning materials and/or environments,
• offer flexible timelines, or 
• provide alternative learning experiences.

These practices help the 2e learner successfully access the many advanced learning opportunities that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers.