If your question is not answered below, please email us at ACEOnline@fcps.edu. 

General Questions

How do I set up an account?

  1. Go to the ACE home page.

  2. Click the Create Account button.

You will need an email address to set up an account and register for classes. Do NOT use an @fcpsschools.net email address. Emails sent from our system are automatically blocked for student security.
 

Do I need to travel somewhere to attend a class?

ACE has a variety of classes that meet 100% of the time in-person within Fairfax County or are held 100% of the time online, so you could take a class from your home provided you have access to the internet.  We also offer blended or hybrid classes, which are a combination of online sessions and in-person sessions within the same class.    For any class with an online component a link to access the class will be provided.

ACE also offers self-guided online classes that are held 100% online, and do not have set start and end dates.  After purchasing the class, you can get access to your class through the "my classes" menu. 

Do you offer classes for children/youth?

Yes, classes for kids and teens, such as Driver Education Classes, SAT and ACT Preparation Classes, and summer enrichment camps are available for students under the age of 18.  Registration for these classes is available online.

Please note that these registrations require that the parent or guardian provide a completed emergency contact form to be held onsite for any in-person classes.

Can children take classes other than Driver's Education and K12/ACE for Kids offerings?

Most of our programs are designed for adults (18 years and older), unless otherwise specified.

Underage Waiver

In some instances, exceptions may be approved. Email educationalcounseling@fcps.edu for information about an underage waiver. Requests require two weeks advance notice.

Are Americans with Disabilities Accommodation s (ADA) available?

Yes.  

ACE is committed to non-discrimination in our programs, services, and activities.  Please contact the Student Services office at least two weeks in advance.  ACE will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodations; however, failure to request an accommodation within the specified time frame may limit our ability to fulfill this request.

Summer Learning has alternative options to support ADA accommodations.  Send an email with your request to SummerLearning@fcps.edu.

Can I see a history of all my classes using the online system?

We started using a new registration system in 2024.

To see the classes you registered for in this new online system:

  1. Login
  2. Click on "My Profile"
  3. Click on "My Transactions"

For class history in our old system, you will need to contact our Registration office by email. 

Do you have a TTY number?

No, not at this time. We encourage you to register online.
 

I am interested in teaching a class for FCPS ACE.  What should I do?

ACE is continuously looking to hire ACE instructors. Visit our teaching for FCPS ACE page to learn more about these opportunities.

ACE also, from time to time, looks to hire office staff or building coordinators. These are posted in FCPS's Operational Job Openings or Other Career Opportunities for more details. If you do not see an opportunity, check back again later as new opportunities are posted periodically.
 

My child is taking a class with ACE.  They will be arriving late to a class or need to leave early.  What must I do?

Email elementaryenrichment@fcps.edu to notify us when your child will:

  • Be late
  • Miss a class
  • Need to be picked up early

My child is not a Fairfax County Public School student.  Is there anything special that I need to do to enroll them in an ACE class?

Non-FCPS students registering for K-12 enrichment classes must submit additional documentation along with their completed registration form and payment. Please see the FCPS Student Registration page for required documentation and additional information on this requirement.

Note: FCPS summer learning classes are restricted to FCPS students only.

What is a Self-Guided Class?

There are two types of Self-Guided classes. For both of these types of classes, you can access the link for the classwork by

  1. Logging into your account.
  2. Click on "My Profile".
  3. Click on "Current Registrations".
NOTE: You will need regular access to a computer with speakers and internet connection for these classes.

For self-paced classes, you will get an email within a few business days of registration with the access code for the class.
 

Instructor-guided Self-Guided Classes

In an Instructor-guided Self-Guided class

  • There is a defined monthly start date.
    • This gives you have some enrollment flexibility with these classes.
  • Lessons are released Biweekly.
  • When you are enrolled in the class, work is based on your schedule once the lesson is released.
  • You and the instructor will interact using an online class discussion board.
  • These classes are typically six-week long with an additional two weeks to prepare for the final exam.

Self-Paced Self-Guided Classes

These classes have “Self-Paced” in the course title. In a self-paced Self-Guided class

  • There are no defined dates and times for each session.
  • You can access the course when it is convenient for you (even midnight if you cannot sleep!)
  • You have a limited number of weeks or months to complete the class.
    • Check your receipt for details on how long you will have access to the course using the code provided.
    • Access can NOT be extended.

For self-paced classes, you will get an email within a few business days of registration with the access code for the class.

 

Paying for a Class

What form of payment do you accept?

Online

When using our online registration system, we accept Visa or MasterCard. 

In Person

By appointment only: You can also enroll in a class in person at our Registration Office. 

We accept a check, credit card, debit card, or money order.

We do not accept cash.

Do I receive a discount if I miss a class?

No.

Unless you formally withdraw from a class, you are required to pay for the full price for the class regardless of any missed sessions.

Some classes are expensive.  Are there any payment plan options available for me?

For classes that cost in excess of $1,000 and that take place over a period of at least 3 months, payment plans MAY be available. Students must comply with specific financial criteria to qualify.

For specific information about this, email educationalcounseling@fcps.edu.

Are there scholarships available to help me pay for an apprenticeship, health/medical, or business/computer class?

Possibly.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship class, we have a limited number of partial scholarships available.

Email our educational counselor to learn more.

As a senior adult, do I get a discount?

Discounts may be available for FCPS ACE tuition, with some class restrictions.

How to Get the Discount

You must register by phone to claim the discount.

Eligibility

  • Only Fairfax County residents 62 years of age or older may opt for a 25 percent tuition discount.
  • The birth year must be provided with your registration to be eligible.
  • The discount must be claimed at the time of registration.
  • Lab, material, and textbook fees are still required to be paid in full.
  • The discount may be used for one class at a time for a total of four classes per year.
  • No senior adult discounts are allowed for Adult ESOL or for other selected classes as noted.
  • Parenting Education classes have separate policies regarding discounts.

Are there any discounts for the Co-Parenting class Two Parents, Two Homes?

Any discounts will be determined at time of registration and a discount code will be provided to you to use when you register online.

Do I have to buy a handbook for the Co-Parenting class Two Parents, Two Homes?

No.

All materials are included in the cost of the class and will be sent upon confirmation of payment.

What is the refund process?

Canceled Classes

If a class is canceled, there is no action needed on your part to request a refund.

  • The refund will take 4 to 6 weeks for processing.
  • If your tuition was paid using a credit or debit card, we will attempt to reimburse the same card.
  • If there is an issue with the credit card transaction, or if your tuition was paid by check, then a check will be mailed to the address we have listed in our system.
Class Not Canceled

If the class was not canceled, you can withdraw from the class five or more days before the start date.

For more details, visit our Adult and Community Education (ACE) Refund Process page.

  • If approved and if your tuition was paid using a credit card, we will attempt to reimburse the same card (typically takes 1 to 4 days to process).
  • If there is an issue with the credit card transaction, or if your tuition was paid by check, then a check will be mailed to the address we have listed in our system (this may take up to 6 weeks for processing).

I have multiple discount codes, can I use more than one discount when I purchase a single class?

No.

  • Only one discount can be used when purchasing a class.
  • With some classes, no discounts are permitted.
    • If discounts are not permitted for a class, there will be a statement that indicates that no discounts are permitted.

Registering for a Class

How do I register for ACE classes?

Register online, 24/7, on our website

By Phone

Speak with a member of our Registration team: Call us at 703-658-1201

We're open:

  • Monday through Friday
  • From 9 a.m. to noon
  • From 1 to 5 p.m.

What's the difference in the profile types? 

Student

A Student Account is for managing one person’s learning experience.

Household

A Household Account allows one user to manage several students’ profiles and registrations in one place.

Note: If you’re a parent registering your child (or children) for ACE classes, the Household Account is the right choice.

 

Who may enroll into a class?

Adults

Any adult over the age 18 may attend most ACE classes.

You do not need to be a resident of Fairfax County and no additional fees are collected for out-of-county students.

School Aged Children

Parents can enroll their children in ACE K12 classes. Children do not need to be enrolled in FCPS to attend one of our K12 classes.

Summer Learning has special requirements for registration.

Driver Education

Driver Education classes have special enrollment requirements.  Class specifics include:

  • Partners-for-Safe-Teen-Driving is for students from Fairfax County and other counties.
  • Behind-the-Wheel classes:
    • Held during the school year are limited to FCPS students.
    • Held during the summer are open to any eligible student.
    • Students need to have their learner’s permit and their classroom course completion card (pink card) to be eligible to enroll.
  • DMV Learner’s Permit Tests are limited to students who are residents of Fairfax County only.
  • Adult Learner’s Permit Testing are for adults over the age of 18.
  • Classroom instruction is open to any Fairfax County resident, age 18 and under.

When is the best time to enroll into a class?

In some instances, we permit enrollments up to the day that a class starts. Registrations after the start of class are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In Person Classes

If you registered on the day of the class, for classes meeting in-person, you must bring your registration confirmation to class.  Instructors are not authorized to accept registrations in class.  Attendance is NOT allowed without prior registration.

Online Classes

For same-day registration of online classes, there may be a delay in receiving the link in time to attend the first session of class.

Self-Paced Classes

Self-paced classes have no predefined start date.  For these classes you will receive a specialized link several business days after you register.

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration before class begins?

If you register online, you receive a registration confirmation immediately.

If you register in person or over the phone, you do not receive confirmation unless specifically requested.

Note: If you have registered and have not received a receipt in your email, please check your SPAM or Junk Folders.

The class I want has already started.  Can I still register for it?

This is generally not permitted.

However, depending on the class, you may be able to register for a class after the start date. This requires special permission from the department responsible for the class.

Send an Email

To request special permission:

  • Visit the Contact Us page
  • Find the email for the department responsible for the class.
  • Email the department these details:
    1. The name of the class.
    2. Your contact information.
    3. A request for special permission to register for the class after the start date.

After receiving your request, someone from the department will reach out to you about your request.

By Phone

Can I register for class on the first day?

Some classes require registrations earlier. In these instances, registrations will be closed and will not enable registrations on the same day as the start of the class. 

If you are registering for a class that permits registration on the first day of a class, use the online registration system to enroll in the class. 

To check on the availability of space and the status of the class, call our Registration Office at 703-658-1201. We are open Monday through Friday from  9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

You may not register with the instructor on the first night or day of class.

I tried to register for a class, and it says that there is a financial restriction on my account.  What does that mean?

It means that you have an outstanding bill associated with a prior or current ACE class.

While on a restricted financial status, you will not be able to

  • Register for additional ACE classes.
  • Take any test (if applicable).
  • Provide certificates of completion or course transcripts.  

This restriction on testing and certificates of completion or course transcripts does NOT apply to Summer Learning or FCPS Academic School Year classes.

I registered for a class, but now need to transfer to another class.  Unfortunately, the class I need to transfer into has already started.  Can I still transfer into it?

This is generally not permitted.

However, depending on the class, you may be able to register for a class after the start date. This requires special permission from the department responsible for the class.

Send an Email

To request special permission:

  • Visit the Contact Us page
  • Find the email for the department responsible for the class.
  • Email the department these details:
    1. The name of the class.
    2. Your contact information.
    3. A request for special permission to register for the class after the start date.

After receiving your request, someone from the department will reach out to you about your request.

By Phone

Call us at 703-658-2727. Ask to speak to the department for the program associated with the class.

A Company Or Agency Sending People To a Class

My employer will pay my tuition for a class.  What do I need to do?

  • Several options are available:
    • You can register right away and pay for it yourself and get reimbursed by your employer/company.
    • Your employer/company can register you online right away and pay with a credit card.

I am an employer/agency who sent in an enrollment request along with a Purchase Order (PO)/Letter of Agreement (LOA).  DO I get any type of confirmation that the registration was processed before the class starts?

An email registration receipt is sent to the student’s email address on file.  If you want a separate notification, please include that with your enrollment request.
 

I work for an agency and want to send some of my clients to an ACE class and use a Letter of Agreement (LOA) for this.  What if my client does not come to class?

The contractual agreement to pay is between ACE and you, the agency; and as such, the agency is responsible to pay 100% of the contracted payment amount in instances where your client is not formally withdrawn from the class.  Please refer to our withdrawal and reimbursement policies for more specifics.
 

I need a class for my office staff, can ACE help me with that?

Yes!

In addition to the classes we offer to the general public, ACE can create a customized class specifically designed for your office or company. These include classes for:

  • trades and industry
  • health and medical
  • business and computer
  • language

These classes are closed to the public, so only your people will attend. 

Next Steps

Email business@fcps.edu, and a staff member will reach out to you to discuss your training needs.

 

I am an employer and want to send some of my staff to an ACE class and use a Purchase Order (PO) for this.  What if the employee leaves my employment before the class ends?

The contractual agreement to pay is between ACE and you, the employer. As such, the employer is responsible to pay 100% of the contracted payment amount.

The employer should check their own human resources policies and procedures about requirements for continued employment and paying back training costs.

What Next?

If your employee leaves your employment before the class starts, you can either:

  • Exchange the employee you were intending to send to the class with another employee
  • Cancel the registration without penalty before the class starts.
How Do I Do That? Refer to our withdrawal and reimbursement policies for more details.
 

Can a company or agency register people online themselves?

Yes, and registrations are processed immediately.

Online registrations require a credit or debit card at the time of registration.

Benefits

  • Setting up an account is easy.
  • Registering online saves time and effort.
  • You will get your people directly into the classes you want.
What Next?
  1. Create a household account.
  2. Find the class you want.
  3. Click on the “Add Student” link.
  4. Complete the online form.
  5. Pay by company credit card and get instant proof of registration.

What is FERPA and why do I need this?

FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

FERPA requires any adult student to sign a release before FCPS ACE can share your ACE class records of attendance or grades with a third party. This requirement is placed on FCPS ACE regardless of the student’s US citizenship status. An example of a third party would be:
 
  • a caseworker
  • an employer
  • a parent or spouse
How to Share Your Records

To have FCPS ACE share your FCPS ACE grades and progress with anybody other than you directly 

  1. Complete a FERPA Form (PDF).
  2. Email the completed form to aceonline@fcps.edu.

Textbooks

Are textbooks required?

If a textbook is listed for a class, in most cases you will need to purchase the book yourself.

ACE will provide the ISBN number for the book you need to purchase.  If purchasing the textbook on your own, our course description may provide specific directions, such as a specific publisher, as well as various retailers, such as Amazon.  In these instances, it will be up to you to decide where you should purchase the book.

Technical Considerations for Taking ACE Classes

I have enrolled in an online class.  How do I access the class?

Once registered:

  1. Login to your profile
  2. Go to your dashboard.
  3. Click on the current registrations tab.
  4. Click on "current registrations" and find your class.
  5. Click on "go to class."  

What You Will Learn in Class

 

What are the qualifications of the instructors?

All ACE instructors are subject matter experts in the subject they are teaching and have worked in their field for many years.

For specific questions about a specific instructor, please go to our Contact Us page. Click on the email for the type of class you want information about. After sending an email, you will receive a response within 2 business days.

Note: Summer Learning instructors are all FCPS teachers.

I am interested in a certificate program.  How do the certificate programs work at ACE?

ACE has several different certificate programs. Many are online and self-paced. 

Review our courses and email us with any specific questions. 

How are grades shared with students?

Students can access their transcripts online.

  1. Login to your account.
  2. Click on "My Profile".
  3. Click on "My Transcript."

Grades are generally posted about two weeks after the semester ends. Transcripts are not emailed or mailed. 

Are there minimum English proficiency requirements to take a class?

Many of our ACE career and enrichment classes require a specific level of English proficiency. Requirements may differ by individual program.

To speak with someone about the specific language requirements for the ACE class you want to take, call the ACE Switchboard at 703-658-2727 and ask to speak to the department assigned to the program associated with the class you are interested in.

What level of Adult ESOL classes do you offer?

Adult ESOL offers classes at a range of beginning to advanced proficiency levels. New students are required to complete an intake process to determine the appropriate class.

More Information

I have a specific question about a class.  Who can answer my question?

Email addresses are listed on our Contact Us page. Send an email to the appropriate department.

Which CPR class is right for me?

Basic Life Support (HM01697) is recommended for Healthcare providers like:

  • nurses
  • doctors
  • pharmacists
  • phlebotomists
  • dental assistants
  • and more
Heartsaver CPR AED, with or without First Aid (HM01625 or HM01695), is recommended for
 
  • medical employees (administrative and clerical)
  • community members, including
    • personal trainers
    • Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders
    • babysitters
    • and more
Private classes are available. Email healthmed@fcps.edu for details.
 

How do I know in which level language class to enroll?

Your experience with a language determines the best class for you.

Adult ESOL classes require a formal placement assessment before enrolling.

Where can I find out more about the Adult ESOL program with ACE?

How do I know which level of a class to take?

The course description gives the prerequisites for each level of multi-level courses.

If you are not sure if your background matches the prerequisites, contact the department responsible for that program:

  • By email
  • By phone
    • Call the ACE Switchboard (703-658-2727)
    • Ask to be connected to the department responsible for the type of class you have a question about.
    • If you are sent to voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your contact information.
Is there anything special my child needs to bring to the Behind-the-Wheel Class?

Yes.

Please bring all of these things to the first behind-the-wheel class:

  1. Valid Virginia Learner’s permit.
  2. Classroom completion card or receipt showing current enrollment.
  3. Online confirmation receipt or the walk-in registration form, signed by a parent or guardian.

What if I need to share some information with the ACE administration about an instructor or class?

Email ACE Administration

You will receive a response within 2 business days.

You can also call us (703-658-2727) and ask to speak to an ACE Leader.

Apprenticeship Related Questions

I am in the Apprenticeship program with ACE.  How many apprenticeship class sessions do I need to attend?

Students must attend courses to be in compliance with VA DOLI-related technical instruction regulations.

Learn more on the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation site.

Are there any non-registered apprentices?

Yes.

An individual who completes a full program receives a Fairfax County Public Schools final transcript that is suitable to use in applying for licensure.

Completion certificates are available for a fee from ACE.  Records are kept for several years and can be applied toward apprenticeship completion.  Should you become a registered apprentice in the future, any classes taken within five years can be applied to your official apprenticeship.

Please explain what it takes to set up a registered apprentice.

Email the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) with your questions.

They can answer questions about Registered Apprenticeship or Action Forms.

Can I make up an Apprenticeship class session that I missed?

Students should strive to attend all scheduled classes. As long as the maximum number of absences allowed has not been exceeded, absences should be made up as soon as possible.

To make up for hours and classwork missed, the apprentice must make arrangements with the instructor to receive alternative assignments, either through NCCER Connect, special projects, or special homework.

This option should be used on a limited basis and only with excused absences. Make-up work must be completed before the class ends.

Do I need to be a registered Apprenticeship student to enroll in Apprenticeship classes?

No.

“Virginia Registered Apprentice” means the apprentice must be both:

  • Working for a Virginia employer in an apprentice-able occupation.
  • Registered with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).

The “Apprentice Action Form” is evidence of state registration. ACE does not issue Apprenticeship Action Forms.

Those who are not Virginia-registered apprentices are also welcome to join electricity, plumbing, surveying, or HVAC-R classes, but they will not receive a state certificate.

Email the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) with any questions about Registered Apprenticeship or Action Forms.

How do I get my license?

Contact the the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for questions about licensure or journeyman's testing

 

Directions, Missed Classes, and Class Schedule Changes

What if there’s an issue at work that forces me to miss a session of a class?

For classes that require a minimum amount of attendance, this would be considered an excused absence.

Excused absences are:

  • Only granted when documented by a letter from the employer on company letterhead.
  • Eligible to be made up.
    • The request to make up missed hours and/or class work must be presented to the instructor within two weeks of the absence.
    • Students with excused absences that are not made up will not get hours credited.

Why would a class be cancelled?

Reasons a Class May Be Cancelled

  • Adverse weather conditions.

  • A facility emergency that impacts the ability to meet in person.
  • The instructor is not available for any reason (example: the instructor is ill or has a personal emergency)
  • Not enough students enrolled in the class. In this case, the class will either be cancelled or postponed.
What Happens Next?
The Class Meets Multiple Times

If a class is cancelled, it will be rescheduled.

The Class Meets One Time

If the class you registered for is scheduled to meet only one time, a refund will automatically be issued in the same manner the payment was received (i.e., if paid by credit card, the refund will be processed to the credit card; if paid by check, a check will be cut).

Refunds may take approximately 4-6 weeks to process.

 

What if the school is closed (due to adverse weather conditions, facility emergency, etc.)?

Online Classes

Online classes are not impacted due to adverse weather or facility emergencies. Online classes have different cancellation procedures.  See ACE Cancellation and Withdrawal policy for specifics.

In-Person Classes

ACE follows FCPS procedure for in-person classes with a few exceptions. When schools are delayed two hours:

  • ACE adult classes will begin on time.
  • K12 classes are cancelled.
If in-person classes are impacted, 
 
  • An alert is posted on the FCPS website about closures (look for references to Adult and Community Classes in that notice).
  • If you sign up for News You Choose, FCPS will email you automatically about any facility closing notices.
Adult ESOL Classes
 

Adult ESOL students can call 703-658-1274 for specific adult ESOL weather-related class information.

Summer Learning Classes

Summer Learning has its own Cancellation and Withdrawal policy.

How will I know what room to go to when I get to the FCPS location?

Your registration confirmation includes the room assignment. When you come to the class location, look for signage posted in the hallways that will direct you to the correct classroom.

For Behind-the-Wheel classes, review your receipt with directions on where to meet outside the FCPS building.

What about winter break, spring  break, and long holiday weekends?

FCPS ACE offers classes all 12 months of the year. In-person classes are held at multiple locations throughout Fairfax County, primarily in FCPS high schools. Depending on the type of school break that FCPS schools announce, ACE classes may be impacted at some locations.

See the FCPS school calendar for a complete list of FCPS school breaks.

Please be aware that ACE classes scheduled over a formal break in K-12 classes may impact an ACE class. Contact your instructor or the department to confirm class meeting days.