Fairfax County, VA – As a concerned parent and resident, I am deeply troubled by how the Virginia High School League (VHSL)'s new transfer rule, effective July 1, 2025 will hurt some FCPS students. This rule makes students attending a high school other than their designated 'base' school ineligible for sports and extracurriculars for 365 days.

This decision unfairly punishes Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students pursuing specialized academic programs like IB, AP, and Academies not available at their base schools. These programs offer vital career diplomas, college credit, and expansive educational experiences. Participation in extracurriculars such as sports, debate, robotics, and theater is crucial for student development, enhances college applications, and opens doors to scholarships.

Excluding academic tracks (like IB) from transfer exceptions undermines FCPS's goal to provide equitable access and opportunity, as it would be disadvantageous to students not residing nearest to where these programs are offered. To uphold this policy and Fairfax County's core principles, they must be categorized as specialty programs, so as not to punish students that wish to pursue them.

While other Virginia districts have already designated academic programs as 'specialty programs' exempt from this rule, FCPS has not. Time is running out to prevent students from being impacted in the 2026-27 school year.

This rule, reportedly sparked by the Hayfield High School football recruiting scandal, fails to address the root issue of fake addresses and unjustly penalizes students for adult misconduct.

We urge FCPS to immediately designate academic programs not available at all 19 secondary schools as 'specialty programs' exempt from the new VHSL transfer rule. We also ask VHSL to reconsider this blanket restriction and work towards solutions that address recruiting violations directly with coaches and athletic departments, without compromising student opportunities.

By signing this petition, you are calling on both FCPS and VHSL to prioritize student interests by promoting fair play both on and off the field.