Introduction
So you’ve heard Falls Church City has the best schools in Virginia.
But what does that actually look like when you're buying a home here?
Today, I’m walking you through what makes this district different, what the ratings don’t show, and how to approach your home search if FCCPS is your top priority.
And if you want to know more about Falls Church beyond its schools, be sure to check out our ultimate guide on the city, where we cover everything else there is to know.
Alright, let's get started.
Quick Snapshot of Falls Church City Public Schools
Let’s start with a quick snapshot of the school district.
Even though Falls Church City is surrounded by Fairfax County on all sides, it operates completely independently.
That includes the school system.
So if you buy a home inside Falls Church City limits, your kids won’t go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
They’ll go to Falls Church City Public Schools, or FCCPS.
Now here’s what makes that setup so unique: FCCPS is tiny.
We’re talking five schools total — all of them located right here in the city.
Altogether, they serve around 2,700 students. That’s it.
Compare that to Fairfax County Public Schools — which is the biggest school system in Virginia, and one of the largest in the country.
Over 183,000 students are enrolled in FCPS.
So yeah, FCCPS is operating on a whole different scale.
And that’s a big reason why so many families are drawn to this city.
With fewer students, the schools in Falls Church can offer smaller class sizes, more personalized instruction, and a tighter-knit school community overall.
So if you’re looking for a public school system that feels more private in terms of class size and student-teacher ratios, FCCPS might be exactly what you’re after.
Academic Reputation *What the Rankings Don’t Tell You*
FCCPS may be small, but its academic reputation packs a punch.
This school district consistently ranks among the best in the state, even ranked 1st on Niche — and it's not just because of test scores.
Let’s talk rankings for a second.
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School is ranked #19 in Virginia by U.S. News.
On Niche, it comes in at #2 for Best Public Middle Schools in the entire state.
Meridian High School?
That’s #7 in Virginia according to U.S. News, and #11 in the DC metro area. Niche puts it at #12 statewide for public high schools.
That’s the headline stuff, but rankings are just a starting point.
What really sets FCCPS apart is how it prepares students beyond just test scores.
Unlike Fairfax County schools, which mostly follow the AP (Advanced Placement) route at the high school level, FCCPS is playing a different game.
They’re one of only nine school districts in the entire country designated as a full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum District.
That means the IB framework isn’t just something students opt into in 11th grade, it’s baked into the curriculum all the way from preschool.
That’s a level of educational consistency you don’t find often.
So while Fairfax County offers more electives and a broader range of programs, FCCPS leans into depth.
Let’s walk through the school pyramid while I tell you more about how the IB program flows from school to school here.
The School Pyramid Walkthrough and the IB Program
Now let’s break down the school pyramid.
Falls Church City Public Schools is what I like to call a boutique school system.
You’ve got just five schools total, all right here within city limits:
- Jessie Thackrey Preschool
- Mount Daniel Elementary for Kindergarten through 2nd
- Oak Street Elementary for 3rd through 5th
- Mary Ellen Henderson Middle for 6th through 8th
- And Meridian High School for 9th through 12th
So what does it mean when I say the whole district is part of the IB Continuum?
Most people hear “IB” and think of college-level coursework.
Which is true… at the high school level.
But here’s what that looks like for the younger kids.
Starting as early as preschool, FCCPS follows the IB Primary Years Programme, or PYP.
That doesn’t mean they’re handing out college textbooks to kindergartners.
It means students learn how to ask better questions, make connections, and reflect on what they’re learning…
Even when they’re just learning to read.
That inquiry-based mindset is the foundation of the IB philosophy.
Then in middle school, students build on those habits in a more structured way, with a curriculum designed to prepare them for the IB Diploma Programme in high school.
They’re learning how to think independently, manage their time, and take on more rigorous work gradually, not all at once.
By the time they reach Meridian High School, they can opt into the full IB Diploma track, not just cherry-pick one or two classes like you would with AP.
That diploma is recognized internationally, not just in Virginia or the U.S., but around the world.
And because it’s a single school pyramid, each school feeds into the next.
That means your kids grow up within the same community, with a consistent teaching philosophy, and a smooth academic transition every step of the way.
Excellence in AP Programs
Now, if AP matters to you, Meridian High is one of the few schools in the region that offer both IB and AP courses.
Meridian was even named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver Distinction…
Reflecting student performance, participation, and how well those AP students are supported.
And to get that kind of recognition while running a full IB program? That’s not easy.
Now, here’s the deal: there are only five AP classes on the menu here.
So if you're coming from a school where AP was the main event and there were 20+ classes to pick from, this will feel more limited.
It’s something I hear come up occasionally as a downside.
But the flip side is that students at Meridian have four different levels of academic challenge they can opt into: standard classes, Honors, IB courses, or AP courses.
So no matter how your kid likes to learn, there’s flexibility here to pursue rigorous academics on their own terms.
Parent Involvement and Culture
Now look… test scores and national rankings might be the first things you Google when you’re researching a school, and hey, they do matter.
But I always tell my clients, don’t stop there.
Those rankings mostly come down to standardized test scores, and that can leave out some of the most important parts of the school experience.
For example, a school with more ESL students might score lower on tests, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad school. It just means the numbers need context.
What I tell families to look for instead are signs of a strong school culture, and parent involvement is one of the biggest.
When parents are active in the PTA, volunteering, showing up, that tells you the community trusts the school.
That trust makes a difference, even if you don’t see it on paper.
FCCPS makes that easy.
It’s a small district — just five schools and around 2,700 students — which creates a close-knit community.
Class sizes are smaller too, with a student-teacher ratio of 12.31, compared to 13.73 in Fairfax County.
That means more individual attention and a stronger relationship between students and staff.
And when your kid enters preschool or kindergarten here, there’s a good chance they’ll be with the same group of families all the way through high school.
That kind of consistency builds relationships, for students and parents.
Another green flag? Teacher retention.
The most recent numbers show zero vacancies at FCCPS, while other Virginia districts are struggling with 10% or higher vacancy rates.
That means Falls Church teachers are sticking around, which says a lot about support, morale, and overall quality.
So yeah, rankings matter.
But if you really want to know what a school is like?
Visit the campus. Talk to parents. Watch how the teachers interact with kids. That’s where the real story is.
What Makes FCCPS Unique
So after everything we’ve covered, one thing’s clear — this isn’t your average school district.
That zero teacher vacancy stat we mentioned earlier? That’s rare. And it’s just one way FCCPS is an outlier.
A lot of it comes down to size.
FCCPS is small, five schools, all packed into 2.2 square miles of city limits.
And when a district’s that compact, you start seeing the benefits right away.
Communication is faster. Decisions move quicker.
You’re not emailing five layers of admin just to get a response.
If you’ve got a concern, you can bring it straight to the principal, or even the school board.
That kind of access is almost impossible with a much larger district.
And because this district is so small, it actually feels like a village.
That partnership between the parents, teachers, and staff shows up in how students are supported, both academically and socially.
And don’t underestimate the power of geography.
Every single school in the district is within walking or biking distance for most families in the city.
That means no long commutes, no carpool gymnastics, and easier drop-offs.
Another huge differentiator? FCCPS is one of only nine IB Continuum Districts in the entire country.
You’re getting the full International Baccalaureate experience, from preschool all the way through high school.
That’s not just a few advanced classes thrown in at the end.
This is a full K–12 program, built to grow with your child every step of the way.
And unlike in other school districts, you don’t have to worry about school boundaries changing every couple of years.
No scrambling to check if your new house got rezoned
No sudden shifts in school assignments.
What you see is what you get: a stable, predictable feeder pattern that takes your kid from pre-K all the way to graduation.
So if you’re looking for a school system that’s not just high-performing but intentionally designed for tight-knit, community-driven learning — FCCPS might just be what you’re looking for.
The Trade-Offs
Let’s talk trade-offs next because all the perks of FCCPS come at a premium.
Homes in Falls Church City average just over $1,095,295…
And even your entry-level fixer-uppers are landing in the $600K to $700K range, the average home value in Alexandria.
Because again, you're buying into a small, high-performing school system with limited inventory and steady demand.
But for all its strengths, FCCPS may not even fit every student.
If your child is into engineering, vocational tracks, or the performing arts, Fairfax County might offer more variety.
Meridian High only offers five AP courses:
AP Spanish, AP United States Government, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A…
…which could be a limitation for students looking to stack college credit.
And unlike Fairfax, there are no traditional magnet programs or AAP centers here.
So while FCCPS excels in many ways, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Great system, yes.
But it’s important to know what you’re getting, and what you might be giving up.
Zoning and Real Estate
Let’s talk about zoning—and this is super important if FCCPS is a priority for you.
If you want your child to attend Falls Church City Public Schools, you must live within the actual city limits.
Not “Falls Church” on the mailing address.
Not “close enough.”
Inside the city limits, full stop.
That means the 22046 zip code. That’s the only zip code zoned to FCCPS.
Everything else that says Falls Church? It’s Fairfax County.
We’re talking 22041, 22042, 22043, and 22044—those are all outside the district.
They’re served by Fairfax County Public Schools, not FCCPS.
This catches a lot of buyers off guard. So before you start falling in love with a house based on the listing alone, double check the zoning.
And if you’re serious about getting into this school system, we already did some of the legwork for you.
We put together a short list of recommended neighborhoods within Falls Church City—and if you’ve watched our other Falls Church videos, you’ve probably heard a few of them mentioned already.
This is where strategy really comes into play. Inventory is limited.
You’re dealing with a small city and only so many homes.
So, when one of these properties pops up? You need to be ready.
Virginia Forest
First up is Virginia Forest, a single-family neighborhood just a mile from downtown Falls Church.
Some pockets here are walkable to West Broad Street, so you’ve got easy access to shops, dining, groceries—everything.
Most homes are Cape Cods, ranchers, or Colonials built in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
They’re not huge, think 1,100 to 3,800 square feet, but what they lack in size, they make up for with quarter-acre lots and no HOA.
That means room to expand and freedom to customize.
Now for the price tag: expect $1.2 to $1.5 million for a well-kept home… like this $1.2 million home.
New builds? Even higher
And fixer-uppers? Those can start around $700,000, which could easily buy you a turnkey townhome elsewhere in the region.
Bottom line: Virginia Forest offers charm, flexibility, and walkability in the city school zone, but you’ll pay for it.
Winter Hill
Next up is Winter Hill, probably your best shot at getting into Falls Church City without crossing the million-dollar mark.
This community sits just a short walk from West Broad Street, and it’s a mix of townhomes, condos, and some subsidized apartments.
But let’s zero in on the townhomes.
You’re looking at 2 to 3 bedrooms, just over 1,000 square feet, priced between $440,000 and $660,000.
Now, that price range might seem surprisingly low for this zip code, and here’s why: these are condo-townhomes.
That means you own the structure, but not the land beneath it.
So you’re getting a lower entry price, which makes it perfect for first-time buyers.
But because it’s not fee-simple ownership, your appreciation might be slower compared to traditional townhomes.
Still, you’re buying into one of the best school districts in Virginia, so you’re not just getting a house, you’re buying into a long-term lifestyle.
If you’re okay with some light updating, you’ll find homes on the low end.
But if you want something move-in ready, start looking in the $500,000s, like this $559K renovated unit right here.
Broadmont
If your top priority is Metro access, Broadmont needs to be on your radar.
This neighborhood sits just half a mile from East Falls Church Station, with multiple bus routes like the 2A, 3A, and 28A running through.
Whether you're commuting to DC or heading across Northern Virginia, getting around from Broadmont is easy, with or without a car.
Now, homes here aren’t the most affordable.
Most sell between $980,000 and $2.25 million, with the bulk in the low $1 millions…
Typically 1,500 to 5,000 square feet, on generous lots.
The homes are mostly from the 1930s to 1950s, but you’ll find some with even deeper roots—like a renovated 1895 farmhouse that recently sold for $1.48 million.
That one kept the original charm: swinging doors, wood staircase…
While adding modern upgrades.
Front porch, white picket fence, circular driveway—it’s the kind of home that stops traffic.
Broadmont’s got that small-town feel people don’t expect this close to the city.
Neighbors know each other. Kids ride bikes. Some longtime residents say it still has a "Leave It to Beaver" vibe.
Sherwood
Now if you’d rather be near West Falls Church Station instead of East, then Sherwood is the neighborhood you want to look at.
It’s one of the oldest subdivisions in Virginia, and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the City of Falls Church.
You’ve got big mature trees, traditional homes with well-kept front yards, and sidewalks throughout, which is rare, even for a walkable area like this.
It’s pedestrian-friendly in a way that feels intentional.
Location-wise, Sherwood puts you close to Route 7, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and access to the W&OD Trail.
It’s a small, tight-knit community with only about 150 homes, and you’ll mostly find Cape Cods, Colonials, Victorians, Craftsman, and the occasional farmhouse or rambler.
Most homes date back to the 1930s and 1940s, with a few gems from the 1800s still standing.
Pricing here tends to run similar to Broadmont: $1.1M to $1.6M.
Like this Cape Cod that sold for $1,657,500.
It had nearly 3,000 square feet, a gourmet kitchen, a rec room on the lower level, secret storage, and even an EV charger—all tucked inside a home that still kept its charm.
But every now and then you’ll catch a one-off property in the high $800Ks to $900Ks.
Sherwood may be one of the priciest neighborhoods in the Greater Falls Church area, but it earns that title with its proximity, beauty, and character.
Families come here for the schools, but they stay for the neighborhood feel that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Bottomline
As you’ve probably noticed, there isn’t a wide range of pricing here, and that’s the point.
Homes in Falls Church City are consistently competitive and in high demand.
With just 2.2 square miles to work with, you’re dealing with limited inventory and strong competition.
This is not the kind of market you want to navigate alone.
So if you’re thinking about making a move, start by filling out the Perfect Home Questionnaire—you’ll find the link in the description.
Once you do, we’ll hop on a call, talk through what you’re looking for, and I’ll help you put together a game plan to buy confidently in Falls Church City.
