Frequently Asked Questions
About ACCESS Academy
What is ACCESS Academy?
Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy is a collaborative partnership between George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Northern Virginia Community College. It serves students in grades 9-12 in Northern Virginia.
What is the focus of ACCESS Academy?
ACCESS Academy provides an alternative education pathway emphasizing future-ready career skills, innovative teaching methods, and immersive experiences developed with industry partners, researchers, and instructional faculty. It expands access to information technology education and career pathways, enabling students to pursue 2- and 4-year degrees that prepare them for high-demand, well-compensated IT careers.
Who can participate in the Access Academy program?
Rising 9th through 12th grade students from public, private and home schools across Virginia may show interest and/or apply to ACCESS Academy for the 2025-2026 school year.
Where is ACCESS Academy located?
ACCESS Academy is hosted at Potomac Falls High School (46400 Algonkian Parkway Potomac Falls, VA 20165) for grades 9 and 10. In addition to attending Potomac Falls High School, students in grades 11 and 12 will attend classes and labs at George Mason University’s Fuse at Mason Square (Fuse; 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201). Fuse is a state-of-the-art research hub providing access to technology labs and IT-focused classes.
Will transportation be provided for ACCESS Academy students?
Transportation is available for in-county (LCPS) ACCESS Academy students from designated hub stop locations at elementary, middle, and high schools. Families are responsible for transportation to and from these hub stops.
Students traveling to Potomac Falls High School and ACCESS Academy from outside Loudoun County are responsible for transportation to and from Potomac Falls High School. Transportation will be provided for all ACCESS Academy students between Potomac Falls High School and Fuse at Mason Square.
What is the home school for ACCESS Academy students?
Potomac Falls High School, a high school within Loudoun County Public Schools, is the home school for all ACCESS Academy students.
How can a student learn more, or show interest, about ACCESS Academy?
Information is available on the LCPS and George Mason websites.
Currently LCPS students can also contact the ACCESS Academy Coordinator, Jeremy Shughart at (add link).
Non-LCPS students should contact ACCESS Academy Director, Dr. Roberto Pamas at access@gmu.edu.
Loudoun County residents/students can express interest through the LCPS Go Student Opportunities portal.
How many students will be able to participate in ACCESS Academy?
ACCESS Academy can accommodate 120 students, or 30 students per grade level in grades 9-12.
Application Process
When does the application process open?
Outreach for ACCESS Academy begins in February 2025, and the interest window opens in March 2025. The admissions process takes place from April through May 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year.
What grades can participate in the ACCESS Academy program?
ACCESS Academy serves current students in grades 9 through 12.
When should students show interest or apply for the ACCESS Academy program?
Students in 8-11 can express interest during the interest window.
How do students apply?
Loudoun County residents/students can express interest and apply through the LCPS Go Student Opportunities portal.
Non-LCPS students should contact ACCESS Academy Director, Dr. Roberto Pamas at access@gmu.edu regarding interest and application.
How will students be selected?
Students are selected through a lottery system, supporting a random and equitable process. from the pool of qualified applicants.
What happens if a student is placed on a waitlist?
Waitlisted students will be notified by email as seats become available. No information about waitlist placement or details will be shared by LCPS, George Mason, NOVA or affiliated organizations.
If a student is accepted, do they have to reapply each year?
Once accepted, students remain in the program until they graduate, pending they remain in good academic standing, and do not withdraw or unenroll. Please note: the ACCESS Academy program is a four-year commitment and reapplying is not required every year. Students participating in the ACCESS Academy program will be considered full-time, Loudoun County Public Schools students whose home school is Potomac Falls High School.
What are the VHSL implications if a student joins this program?
- A student who has been accepted through the lottery selection process is eligible for VHSL Activities and Athletics immediately upon enrollment.
- After enrollment and participating in the Access Academy program, if an out-of-zone student decides to unenroll in the program and remain enrolled at the school, then the student is ineligible to participate in VHSL Activities and Athletics for 90 school days.
- After enrollment and participating in the Access Academy program, if an out-of-zone student decides to unenroll and return to the school serving their attendance zone, the student will be eligible to participate in VHSL Activities and Athletics immediately upon their enrollment back at their zone school.
- The Access Academy Coordinator is unable to answer questions regarding VHSL eligibility or VHSL regulations. All questions should be directed to Mr. Derek Farrey, Assistant Director of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities, at (571) 252-1451.