School news roundup – October 2026
Quantum computing – The Fairfax County School Board approved a motion on Sept. 24 to spend up to $751,000 on the world’s first K-12 quantum computer.
The project, a partnership of FCPS, Connected DMV, and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, will install an operational quantum computer, the size of a small refrigerator, at Skyview High School in Herndon.
“Students will have hands-on experience with a technology that operates very differently from the computers we use every day,” the EDA reports. “They will explore fundamental quantum concepts, test problems such as finding the most efficient way to organize a schedule, and compare how a quantum computer approaches a problem with how a traditional computer would solve it.”
Students will develop skills in coding, mathematics, experimentation, data analysis, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The system is expected to be installed in December, with student learning experiences beginning in spring 2027. The program will begin with a quantum computing pathway and may grow into a credit-bearing course with dual-enrollment opportunities and industry-recognized credentials.
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Skyview is also expected to become a regional hub for quantum learning. Through Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center, FCPS and its partners are working to build connections with universities, researchers, federal laboratories, and other school systems across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
When the school board begins to discuss expansion of the program, the next school in line will be Lee High School.
Two board members voted against the quantum computer program – Ricardy Anderson (Mason) and Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill). “We need more teachers, not more computers,” Meren said.
Traffic garden – An unused outdoor space at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School has been transformed into a miniature streetscape with lanes, crosswalks, yield signs, parking spaces, a traffic circle, and a railroad crossing.
Students can use scooters to practice navigating the colorful traffic garden while learning when to yield, where to cross, and how to safely share the road with others. There are also spaces for hopscotch and tic-tac-toe, areas where students can create chalk art, and a measured running track that can be incorporated into physical education lessons.
A couple of years ago, Principal Holly Dowling invited students to a workshop and asked what they wanted to see in that space. Their ideas eventually made their way to the traffic garden designer.
No Flocks at schools – The Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 24 passed a motion to prohibit automated license plate readers, including Flock Safety cameras, on property owned by the school board. The motion, introduced by Kyle McDaniel (at-large), does not restrict the use of speed cameras or cameras on school bus stop arms.
Related story: Supervisors pause new Flock cameras
Holiday market – The Annandale High School PTSA is seeking vendors for a holiday market on Nov. 15. Potential vendors could sell crafts, artworks, baked goods, gently used items, or other things. The market will be at the school, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The cost is $40 for a 10 x 10-foot vendor space. It’s $15 for students and $30 for early birds who register by Oct. 16. To reserve a space, contact Sarah Henken at [email protected].
Teacher lounge contest – The Virginia Lottery and the Supply Room are running a contest open to adults ages 18 and up for a teacher lounge makeover at a K-12 public school valued at $10,000. Two winners will be selected. Entries are due Oct. 6.
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AI programming – After Woodson High School student Joelle Rice earned an honorable mention award for her programming work at the FCPS AI Challenge last year, she was offered an internship at PlayLab.
Working with PlayLab throughout the spring and summer, Joelle developed learning modules that will now be used to train students for PlayLab competitions nationwide. She is piloting these learning modules at Woodson after school this fall with computer science teacher Travis Pugh.
Students will learn how to use AI to build apps, produce media, and choose the best AI models for different situations.
Energy education – Starwood Digital Ventures, a data center developer, and the National Energy Education Development Project have launched an energy education initiative to advance energy efficiency and conservation efforts across Fairfax County Public Schools.
The initiative will strengthen the expertise of FCPS energy education specialists and provide a pathway toward earning the industry-recognized certified energy manager credential. These professionals evaluate energy-efficiency technologies and support administrators, teachers, and students in advancing sustainability goals.
Launched on Sept. 2, the three-month program covers such topics as HVAC, electricity, controls, ventilation, energy mathematics, and finance. The program will also equip energy education specialists to introduce students to emerging careers in energy management and the data center industry.