Fairfax County Public Schools AAP (Advanced Academic Program)

What is the Fairfax County AAP System?

AAP is Fairfax County’s program for students who learn faster, think more deeply, and need advanced instruction.

There are different levels, but Full-Time AAP is what most families are referring to when they talk about “getting into AAP.”

• Available for students in Grades 2–7
• Students receive advanced instruction all day
• Instruction is faster-paced and more complex than general education

Who Can Be Considered?

Your child does not need perfect grades.

AAP looks for students who show:

• Advanced thinking and reasoning
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to learn new concepts quickly
• Need for more challenge than the regular classroom provides

There is no single score that guarantees acceptance. A child will still be considered if they do not meet the NGAT screener’s test score guidelines.

Step-by-Step: What Parents Must Do

1️⃣ Submit the AAP Referral Form

This is the most critical step.

• Parents are allowed (and encouraged) to refer their own child
• The form must be submitted during the FCPS referral window  – CLICK HERE for more info
• It is submitted to your child’s local school

⚠️ No form = no consideration

2️⃣ Do NOT Wait for Test Scores

FCPS is very clear on this:

• Universal screening results may come after the deadline
• You can submit a referral without seeing scores
• Waiting often causes families to miss the window entirely

Submit first. Scores are added later.

3️⃣ Optional (But Helpful) Parent Submissions

Parents may submit optional materials that help explain their child’s abilities:

• Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
• Up to two work samples (math, writing, or problem-solving)
• Private ability test scores (if you already have them)

Only submit items that show advanced thinking, not busywork.

4️⃣ The School Adds the Rest

The school will include:

• Ability test results
• Teacher input
• Academic records
• Behavior and learning observations

AAP decisions are made using all of this information together.

How TestingMom Helps Families Prepare for AAP

 We help students:

• Strengthen reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Build confidence with advanced-level thinking
• Practice explaining their thinking clearly
• Prepare for ability tests commonly used by FCPS (like NGAT)
• TestingMom’s Online one-to-one Tutoring recommended

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.