Advanced Academics Programs (AAP)
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 Keene Mill Advanced Academic resource teacher (AART) collaborates 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 Keene Mill by contacting the AART. Ongoing observation and assessment ensures that student needs are being met.
Keene Mill is an Advanced Academic Level IV Center providing full-time Level IV services to Keene Mill students as well as students from several neighboring elementary schools. In addition to the AAP Level IV Center, all Keene Mill students are taught critical thinking skills and strategies. Advanced Academic School-based part-time Level II and Level III services are provided for identified students.
Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART)
FAQs
Q: My student currently takes the bus at their base school. Does FCPS arrange transportation to Keene Mill?
Yes. A school bus will continue to pick up and drop off your student while enrolled at Keene Mill. The FCPS Transportation Department typically sends out the bus schedule a few days before the start of school.
Q: I would like my student to continue to attend SACC at our base school, so they can still see their “base school friends.” Will my student be able to take the bus to and from their base school?
Yes. If the enrolling parents make arrangements, the bus will stop at the base schools for students who prefer to stay at their base school SACC.
Q: What does homework look like at each grade level for the Level IV classes?
6th grade has up to an hour of HW nightly, depending on how students organize and focus on academic tasks during the day. Students balance prepping/completing assignments for the next class and reviewing concepts learned in class for homework. Students also use time outside of school to work on on-going projects regularly. Students are expected to read daily.
5th grade completes weekly homework. Homework is sent home on Monday, and it’s due back on Friday. It usually includes 10-15 math problems and a short Caesar’s English assignment. A student should also read 20 minutes per night and are expected to finish incomplete work at home if necessary. It typically is about 1-2 hours for the entire week.
4th grade assigns homework digitally (via Schoology) on Mondays. Students have until the following Sunday evening to complete their assignments, and they can decide on their own how they want to manage their time. Students can complete assignments on weeknights or wait until the weekend. Students are not given time during the school day to complete homework.
3rd grade assigns a homework packet given out on Monday, and students turn it in the following Monday. One Math practice sheet per day tied with what was taught that day and 20 minutes of reading each day.
Q: What is the transition into Level IV like for older students regarding what they have missed?
Our teachers are trained to fill any student gaps that arise as they proceed through pacing that could be present due to various issues. Because we have kids from many feeder schools, social-emotionally, they come with the same like-mindedness, are open to new friendships, and tend to bond more quickly.
Q: What was the FCPS video overview link that featured information about the AAP Level IV curriculum and the differences between schools being a Local Level IV versus a Center?