Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will open the 2025-26 academic year on Thursday, August 21. Approximately 82,000 students are expected to attend classes across the county’s 100 schools and programs. The school year is scheduled to conclude on Monday, June 15, 2026. Families can access the full calendar for the upcoming school year through the LCPS website.
As of early August, LCPS reported hiring 626 new licensed personnel for the coming year. Of these hires, nearly 60 percent hold master’s degrees and just over two percent have doctoral degrees. Additionally, 237 are entering teaching as a new profession.
By August 13, LCPS had filled almost all of its school-based licensed positions, reaching a fill rate close to 99 percent—a slightly higher rate than in previous years.
The district continues efforts to attract and retain educators by forming partnerships such as one with US Teach to bring international teachers into hard-to-fill special education roles. LCPS also supports alternate licensure pathways for employees transitioning into teaching roles and seeks to rehire former students who completed its Teacher Cadet program through its “Grow Our Own” initiative.
Incentives remain in place for new teachers—including signing bonuses and additional incentives for those working in special education or Title I settings—as well as new measures such as extra incentives for student teachers and interns who join LCPS. For experienced teachers joining from other districts, LCPS has removed limits on salary step placement based on prior experience. The district has also streamlined hiring processes by implementing a vendor management system for contracted staffing agency employees.
Two new programs will launch this year: Loudoun Recovery Academy and Access Academy. Loudoun Recovery Academy is intended for students recovering from substance-use disorders; it provides academic support alongside recovery resources and flexibility for internships or work commitments. This program was developed with input from local health agencies and government partners to align with student well-being goals.
Access Academy is a collaborative effort between LCPS, George Mason University, and Northern Virginia Community College aimed at providing high school students hands-on IT experience, college credit opportunities, and career development while still enrolled in high school. Program sites include Potomac Falls High School for grades nine and ten and the FUSE Center at Mason Square for upperclassmen.
Families seeking information about transportation services, nutrition options, health protocols or translation services are encouraged to visit the first day information page on the LCPS website.
Community members can submit feedback via the Let’s Talk LCPS form available online.
LCPS maintains communication channels through social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram (@LCPSOfficial), LinkedIn (Loudoun County Public Schools), as well as an official podcast releasing weekly episodes starting in September.
