Fairfax High School has a rich 70-year history and tradition that dates back to 1936. The current high school, built in 1972, is in the midst of a 54-million-dollar renovation. While operating within a contract with Fairfax County Public Schools, it is located in the City of Fairfax. The student population comprises approximately 60 percent county residents and 40 percent city residents. The high school enjoys the positive benefits of a special relationship with the city school government and the county school government. As a community center for the City of Fairfax, the high school is an active facility with many evening and weekend community programs.

Fairfax High School offers a broad and challenging curriculum that meets the needs of a diverse population. The high school offers Advanced Placement courses, honors programs in all academic areas, five foreign languages, internship opportunities, on-site vocational training, and a full range of fine and performing arts. Learning disabled students and foreign-born students are served by specially adapted instructional programs. Athletics, performing arts, and a wide range of club activities are available to students. Students from across Fairfax County come to the Fairfax High School Academy for Communications and the Arts to participate in specialized, advanced courses in a variety of communications, visual, and performing arts fields. Emphasis is placed on the integration of academic and career preparation, incorporating the latest technologies.

There is a high level of participation by students and faculty in all aspects of the school program. The faculty and staff members, with the support of parents and community, provide a learning environment in which all students can participate and achieve success in academic endeavors and extracurricular activities. Students are provided the appropriate preparation they need to enter the workforce, military service, or college; approximately 90 percent continue their educations in postsecondary institutions.