Our Mission

Social Studies supports the goal of Fairfax County to prepare students for life and work in the 21st century. These courses move students toward an understanding of our increasingly diverse and complicated society. The goal is to inform students of humanity's shared values and unique differences in order to produce tolerant and well-informed citizens.

The social studies curriculum incorporates state and national standards and recent scholarship in the social sciences. Fairfax County students will recognize and appreciate the "human experience" that is central to all people. The Program of Studies for each grade level meets and exceeds the Virginia Standard of Learning for Social Studies.

Diploma Seals

Diploma Seals for Excellence in Civics Education
These three awards from the school, county, and state recognize students at graduation who have been active in their communities.

• The Oakton Seal (awarded by Oakton High School)
  1. Pass US History and US Government
  2. 40 hours of volunteer service over the four years of high school
     • please see the FCPS County regulations for qualifying service (link below)
  3. Good attendance
  4. No disciplinary issues
• The FCPS Service Cord (awarded by Fairfax County)
  1. Pass US History and US Government
  2. 40 hours of service over the four years of high school
     • please see the FCPS County regulations for qualifying service (link below)
  3. good attendance
  4. no disciplinary issues
• Virginia Seal for Excellence in Civics Education (awarded by the Commonwealth of Virginia)
  1. Pass US History and US Government with a B or better
  2. 50 hours of volunteer service over the four years of high school
  3. good attendance
     •  See student application packet for attendance requirements (link below)
  4. no disciplinary issues

​​​​​​Directions:
Document your volunteer participation for the Oakton Seal and FCPS Service Cord through X2VOL (accessible through Family Connections on Schoology). 

If you qualify for the Virginia State Seal, you must also complete the Student Application Packet. The specific attendance requirements for the Virginia State Seal are listed in the packet.  (You do NOT need to complete the volunteer information once you enter your hours into X2VOL.)  The completed application should be submitted to your government teacher, or to Mrs. Lawver. 

If you qualify for the Virginia State Seal, you will qualify for the other two awards.

Not sure if your volunteering meets the requirements? Review the FCPS County regulations, contact Hester Lawver, or check with your social studies teacher.

Looking for graduation requirements?