Sports Coming To Fairfax County Middle Schools With Budget Approval

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Next school year, Fairfax County middle school students could have access to something only high schoolers have: extracurricular sports.

The proposed Fairfax County Public Schools budget, set for final approval on May 25, includes funding to introduce after-school athletics at middle schools with no cost to students. The first offerings will be middle school cross country in fall 2023, followed by outdoor track in spring 2024.

FCPS middle school students in good standing who take at least five courses are eligible to join the athletic programs.

FCPS cites guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics that physical activity can increase students' focus in school, improve sleep, relieve stress and help avoid risky behaviors like smoking, drinking or using drugs.

The $600,000 allocation in the budget would support middle school cross country and track through athletic staff pay, transportation, uniforms, equipment and covering physical exam fees for students eligible for free or reduced price meals.

The Fairfax County School Board approved the advertised budget in February, but the final budget was pending approval of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors budget. The county's budget increased the county transfer to FCPS to $2.41 billion. The remainder of the FCPS budget is covered by sales tax, state and federal funding.

The final FCPS budget will get a public hearing on May 16 after the School Board receives the approved county budget Thursday night. A work session will follow on May 18, and final budget approval is slated for May 25.

To participate in the middle school athletics, student athletes must be covered by medical insurance and have a Virginia High School League pre-participation examination.

In anticipation of the middle school athletics launch, FCPS high schools will offer pre-participation examinations through June 17. The cost is $50 per student, but the cost will be covered for students who receive free or reduced price meals. Students may also get an exam done and the required form can be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant.

Students and their parent or guardian will also complete a registration, including a required concussion education program and Emergency Care Card information. FCPS will provide information about the registration process at a later time.