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 It was a wonderful first day learning new courses!
Please find all the essential Back to School information on our website! This is also linked on Oakton High School website’s homepage for you to access at any time.
Important Dates
Key dates for the 2026-2027 School Year:
For your planning purposes, you can access the FCPS 2026-2027 school year calendar on the FCPS website. We ask that every effort is made to consider the school calendar when planning trips and events that would take students out of school.
August 24 - First day of School!
August 26-31 - Senior Portraits (Sign-Up required; email sent Friday, August 14 with details)
August 28 - Senior Sunrise
September 1 - Back to School Night
September 3 - Gradebooks available in StudentVUE/ParentVUE at 9 am
September 4 - No School (Labor Day Break)
September 7 - No School (Labor Day)
September 21 – No School, Yom Kippur
September 23-24 – Underclassmen Portraits (through English classes)
October 2 - Senior Panoramic
October 5-8 - Senior Portraits
October 6 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving, Night 1
October 7 – PSAT (10th-11th Grade)/SAT (12th Grade) Day; No-School 9th grade/non-testers
October 12 – Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 19 - Homecoming Pep Rally
October 19-23 - Homecoming Spirit Week
October 23 - Homecoming Game
October 24 - Homecoming Dance
October 30 – End of 1st Quarter, 2 hour early release
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
Dear Oakton Families,
Day one at Oakton High School is officially in the books, and it was a fantastic start to the school year.
Seeing our students back in the building was a powerful reminder of what makes Oakton so special. Throughout the day, our students lived out our core values in everything they did:
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Community: The hallways were filled with energy as students reconnected with old friends, welcomed new classmates, and helped each other find their footing.
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Integrity: Our Cougars showed up ready to learn, taking ownership of their new routines and setting a positive, accountable tone for the year ahead.
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Respect: From navigating busy hallways to engaging thoughtfully with teachers and staff, our students demonstrated kindness and consideration at every turn.
Thank you for your partnership and support in making today such a success. Rest up tonight—we look forward to seeing everyone back tomorrow
Go Cougars!
General Information
Office Hours
Our office is open during the year from 7:30 am through 4:00 pm.
Arrival and Dismissal reminders
All Kiss and Ride traffic, both in the morning drop off and afternoon pick up, is in the front of the building. Please do not drive to the back of the building as that is reserved for bus traffic. A full map of the traffic pattern can be found on our Back-to-School information under “Traffic, Buses, School Arrival, and Student Parking”.
Crossing Guard Update
Beginning this school year, Fairfax County will no longer assign crossing guards to our school. As always, we encourage students, families, and drivers to use extra caution when traveling to and from school, follow all traffic laws, and remain alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Because traffic patterns may be different, please allow a few extra minutes when arriving at or departing from school.
Student Parking
All parking applications were due by 3:00 pm Wednesday, August 12. Any students who submitted applications after that time will be placed on a wait list. Passes that were awarded but not picked up by Friday, August 28 will be distributed to the next students on the wait list.
Student ID Cards for Oakton High School Bus Riders
We will begin distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.
Student ID cards will be distributed to students during lunches, with more information to come.
Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience!
Bus drivers will begin checking in students next week and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
New Student Device Requirement
Starting this school year, students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use their personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Understanding Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates: New Universal Grade Matrices for Families
Families are encouraged to review the updated FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses in order to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Updates for the 2026-27 school year include new Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs). UGMs are charts that show behavior expectations and school responses by grade level (K-3, 4-8, and 9-12). These at-a-glance resources (in Appendix D of the SR&R) are designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how schools respond to different types of behavior concerns.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information and to review additional updates to the SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we prepare for another exciting fall sports season, FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games.
The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverages
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
As a reminder, middle school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with the student(s) at the event.
These enhancements are designed to support a safe and welcoming environment while allowing families, students, and community members to enjoy Friday night football. We encourage attendees to arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for screening. Get more information about weapons screening at football games.
We are so excited to kick off the year for our Class of 2027!
There will be periodic Senior Letters shared throughout the year, but we wanted to get a head start today with some important announcements.
Senior Sunrise
This Friday we will get started with our Senior Sunrise! We will be at the stadium starting at 6:27 am with Texas Donuts for all to celebrate the Class of 2027!
Senior Portraits and Panoramic
Our next senior portrait session is this Wednesday through Monday, August 26-31. Students have to have an appointment and there are only so many opportunities to register. See the email you received on August 14 with sign-up instructions.
Our senior panoramic is scheduled for October 2. Note that this is the only opportunity and there will not be a make-up.
Senior Internship
We are excited to bring back the senior internship program! The internship is an invaluable program that enables Seniors to get real-world, hands-on experience at various work locations throughout Northern Virginia. New in 2027: chronically absent students or students with excessive tardies will not be able to participate. It is important to monitor your attendance throughout the school year.
Graduation Date
Our graduation date is set! Oakton will graduate on Thursday, June 10 at 2:00 pm at EagleBank Arena.
Understanding the Virginia Driver Licensing Process
The Virginia Graduated Driver Licensing Process has many steps that can be confusing for many. Please look over the Oakton High School Licensing Flow Chart for help organizing these steps.
Flow Chart
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation
All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2026-2027 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience. All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.
2026-2027 Dates:
- October 6 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- January 11 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- March 15 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
- May 19 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium
These sessions are intended for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.
If you are unable to attend one of these dates, you can attend a session through Adult and Community Education for a $45 fee.
Learner Permit Testing Registration Information
Oakton High School offers Virginia DMV Learners Permit testing dates throughout the school year. Students must be at least 15 years and 6 months old by the date of the test. They do not need to have completed classroom driver education prior to testing though it may help them prepare for the test.
Learner Permit Testing Registration
FCPS ACE Behind the Wheel Course Registration Information
Lessons cover basic vehicle control skills and driving in residential, rural, city and freeway settings. This course includes administration of the DMV approved road test. Students must have a District-8 classroom course completion card or be able to present a concurrent enrollment form prior to the first behind the wheel class. Courses meet for seven school days and depart from most high schools. We highly recommend students have most of their 45 practice driving hours completed prior to beginning.
Click Here for Behind the Wheel Course Registration
Testing Information
Updated on 8/24/26
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026
SAT Information
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Oakton 12th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day, at no cost to families. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. Twelfth graders must register to take this exam by Wednesday, September 2.
Please visit our PSAT/SAT page for registration information for the SAT School Day.
PSAT Information
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Oakton will administer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to all students in grades 10 and 11, at no cost to families.. Students are automatically registered, and no additional action is required.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual learner (ML) supports.
The deadline has passed to request new or updated College Board accommodations if you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; please review the accommodations request process. If you would still like to apply you may do so but it is not guaranteed that it would be decided by the day of the PSAT.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 28, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS
AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students
If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $99. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course at OHS are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any additional form. The deadline to register is October 23rd. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School at a cost of $99 per exam. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.
My School Bucks Link
Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at kastewart@fcps.edu.
Student Services
Class Schedule Change Requests
We have finalized our schedule for the upcoming school year. Students and families across FCPS will have access to student schedules in StudentVue/ParentVue on Thursday, August 20, at 9:00am.
Our staffing decisions and the number of courses offered are based on the classes students selected during the registration period last school year. To maintain the best possible program for our students and one that is most responsive to their educational needs, schedule changes will be limited to space available.
Timeline for Schedule Changes
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August 6-13: Schedules were adjusted if there is a school error or summer school adjustment needed.
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August 14-September 11: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability
For any questions you may have, contact your child’s school counselor.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
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