The City of Falls Church was founded in 1948 as an independent city primarily to operate its own independent school system. The U.S. Department of Education has recognized all schools in the system for Excellence in Education and has given George Mason Middle School its Blue Ribbon Award. All classrooms have computers.
All students have Internet access.
In 1982 Falls Church became the first Virginia school system to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate academic program which requires community service, a senior thesis and academic courses in all subject areas. Students may take specialized tests during their senior year to qualify for college credit. Students participate in Single A District sports in the Virginia High School League. Seventh grade students are required to take a foreign language. Spanish is taught to students in grades 2-5.