Falls Church City Public Schools, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, have earned a reputation for excellence in education and a collaborative atmosphere in which challenges are tackled as a team. During my two decades of professional experience in FCCPS, I have had numerous affirmations of being in the right place. These include presenting alongside expert educators to the school board on instructional technology, collaborating with principals to implement personalized technology strategies, observing dedicated faculty addressing individual student needs, and coaching the high school robotics team, Team 1418. The district’s emphasis on innovation and enthusiasm makes each day rewarding, and I feel privileged to be part of a system that continuously strives to inspire and empower students.
A cornerstone of my experience at FCCPS is the relationships I’ve cultivated, which have enriched me as an educator, leader, father, friend, and neighbor. Since joining in 2004, the inclusive and supportive culture has been evident, exemplified by mentors like Mr. Peter Rose, a distinguished educator who lived and worked in Falls Church and whose children attended FCCPS schools. His deep ties in the community encouraged me to dream of a day when my family would be engaged members of the district and city. Those relationships, both personal and professional, taught me about collaboration, empathy, and lifelong learning.
The vision came true in 2010 when my family moved into Falls Church upon my daughter’s enrollment into kindergarten at Mount Daniel School. Although many neighborhood elementary schools provide nurturing environments, FCCPS’s commitment to excellence extends through middle and high school, which is a critical factor in our decision. Growing up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, I appreciated Falls Church’s unique position as a close-knit community amidst larger counties. My wife and I were determined to have our daughter benefit from FCCPS’s exceptional education and the enduring relationships it fosters. It was about academics and raising our child in an environment where she would thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Looking back on our decision to live in Falls Church for the last fourteen years, this is the right choice. The city offers a high quality of life, with a small, close-knit community atmosphere and diverse local businesses. The small-town charm is a priority for the majority of residents. In 2024, Falls Church was named the healthiest community in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, with a standout in population health, economy, and infrastructure. Its walkable neighborhoods and proximity to everything significantly enhance the residents’ lives. Families can raise their children safely and securely with top-tier health and recreational and educational opportunities.
This strategically situated location near Washington, D.C., offers vocationally and culturally extensive opportunities. This appeal is evident by the number of young adults who return to Falls Church at career beginnings. FCCPS experiences the benefit of alumni who return to teach and serve the school system which prepared them so well. This cycle of returning talent creates a rich tradition of continuity and growth, further strengthening the bond between the schools and the community. Although my daughter is only in her first semester as a college freshman, she already wants to return to Falls Church to begin her career and raise a family, a testament to the city and schools’ positive impact on her preparation in life and academics.
FCCPS continues to be recognized as the best place to work and enroll your kids. In 2023, The Washington Post honored FCCPS as one of the top work places in the Washington, D.C., area based on employee feedback about workplace culture, alignment, execution, and connection. The district has also been consistently recognized for its innovative instructional programs and community engagement initiatives, further sealing its reputation as a leader in education. Although these are incredible accolades, I always knew we (my daughter and I) were in the best place to be.
The sense of community in FCCPS extends outside the classroom into events and projects that bring students, families, and educators together. Programs such as GIVE Day and Sustainability in Action get students involved in significant service projects within the community, building a sense of cooperation and civic responsibility. While at school, students learn not just how to excel academically but also how to give back to their society. It’s this culture of inclusivity and support that’s alive and well across the district, where educators are empowered to innovate and inspire, whether it’s by implementing cutting-edge instructional technology, designing personalized learning experiences, or leading extracurricular programs like robotics, which is near and dear to my heart. The students at FCCPS extend beyond academics and their classrooms by participating in at least one sport or extracurricular clubs.
FCCPS knows how to balance tradition with innovation. The district honors its rich history and guiding values while embracing new ideas and technologies that enhance the educational experience. As a coach for Team 1418, I’m proud of how FCCPS encourages students to push boundaries, solve real-world problems, and prepare confidently for the future. These experiences enrich students’ lives and reinforce the district’s reputation as a leader in STEM education. Programs like robotics prepare students for careers in technology and promote critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and creative problem-solving.
The City of Falls Church is a perfect balance of tradition and progress. As a resident, I appreciate how the city strives to retain its Little City character while keeping pace with its residents’ ever-changing needs. There are many opportunities for residents to become involved. I was an active member of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program for several years, where I not only provided a perspective of FCCPS, but also as a neighbor. Its small-town character preserves that sense of belonging and connection, so it is increasingly hard to find beyond this unique independent city. Aspects of the city we are most proud of are great walkability, exemplary public services, and an eye towards sustainability, and this is indeed a great place to raise one’s family.
Choosing to live, work, learn, and play in the city of Falls Church has transformed the lives of my family. FCCPS provided an incredible education for my daughter that helped her become a confident, compassionate, well-rounded adult. The relationships we have built in the district and the community have enriched our lives in ways too numerous to count, and I am grateful each day for the opportunities FCCPS has provided. From community events to the lifelong friendships we have developed, Falls Church has become more than a home; it’s a cornerstone of our lives.
Looking ahead, I am excited to witness the continued growth and evolution of FCCPS and the City of Falls Church. As an educator, resident, and parent, I am deeply committed to supporting this vibrant community that has profoundly enriched my life and my family’s. Whether through coaching robotics, collaborating with colleagues, or actively engaging as a community member, I take pride in contributing to the legacy of excellence that defines Falls Church. It’s where innovation meets tradition and relationships are core to success and forward motion. Together, FCCPS and Falls Church represent the ideal community that values education, fosters inclusivity, and inspires a community of support.
About Steven Knight: As the Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Career and Technical Education for Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS), Steven has dedicated over 20 years to fostering educational excellence and innovation. He is passionate about integrating technology into the classroom and has been instrumental in shaping FCCPS’s approach to personalized learning, instructional technology, and STEM education.
When he joined FCCPS in 2004, Steven quickly established himself as a collaborative leader and advocate for student success. His career has been marked by numerous achievements, including spearheading district-wide initiatives to enhance technology use in schools, coaching the award-winning high school robotics team, Team 1418, and mentoring educators on innovative teaching practices. Steven was recognized for his hard work and dedication in 2023 as the Professional Specialist of the Year. Under his leadership, FCCPS has become a model for integrating technology to meet the diverse needs of all students.
His commitment extends beyond his professional role. A resident of Falls Church since 2010, Steven is deeply connected to the community. His daughter, a proud graduate of FCCPS, benefited from the district’s exceptional education, further solidifying his belief in its mission. “Whether collaborating with colleagues, presenting to the school board, or supporting students in extracurricular STEM activities, I remain focused on ensuring FCCPS remains a place where innovation meets tradition and students are prepared for a bright future,” he says.