Fayetteville Public Schools

American Public Schools

In the US, children attend free public school from age 5 through 18, beginning with half- or full-day kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade.

  • Elementary School: Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • Middle School: 5th and 6th grades
  • Junior High School: 7th and 8th grades
  • High School: 9th through 12th grades

High school grades also have traditional names:

  • 9th grade: Freshman
  • 10th grade: Sophomore
  • 11th grade: Junior
  • 12th grade: Senior

About Fayetteville Public Schools

In the 2018-2019 school year, Fayetteville Public Schools enrolled 800 English language learners and 1,500 students who spoke a language other than English at home. More than 55 languages are spoken by students in Fayetteville schools, 

Fayetteville's Public School System has an English Language Learners team that empowers English Learners to learn English and to meaningfully and equally participate in school so they can achieve their full academic potential. They equip district and school staff with the tools and resources to provide high-quality experiences for English Learners of all ages, and engage families and the Fayetteville community to promote partnerships that recognize and celebrate the diversity of language and culture. 

Learning English in School

English Learner students are integrated with other students in the regular classroom for most of the day. Their English Language teacher will develop a personalized English learning plan that may involve group language classes or having a personal tutor in the classroom. The English Language teachers are certified professionals who teach from a curriculum that is age- and ability-appropriate for your child. The program will adapt as your child becomes more comfortable with the language.

Adult Education through FPS

Fayetteville Public School's Adult Education program offers English learning classes and American Citizenship classes, as well as job training, high school diploma equivalency classes, and more. The program is located at Jefferson Center, 612 S. College Avenue.

Which School will your Child Attend?

Fayetteville is divided into School Zones, and students attend the schools within the zone in which their home is located. There are different zones for elementary, middle school, and junior high schools. All Fayetteville students attend the same high school. You will get confirmation of which school your child will attend when you register your child for school. 

School Calendars

Most American schools hold classes from mid-May to Mid-August. Students do not attend class on school holidays, which include Spring Break, Fall Break (usually around Thanksgiving in November), the winter break (usually two weeks around the winter holidays in December through January 3), on national holidays, or during the summer months. 

There are additional days off for teacher training and meetings. District calendars for each school year are provided by Fayetteville Public Schools.

Registering for School

Students who arrive in the middle of the school year can register at any time. Otherwise, students register for the upcoming school year in August. Students may register in person at the Fayetteville Public School Administrative Annex, 200 Ray Ave. View registration dates and details at FPS Central Registration Office homepage.

Students may also register online in either English or Spanish.

How to contact the FPS Central Registration Office:

Open weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

What you may need to bring to registration:

  • Proof of residency: a utility bill or lease agreement showing your home address so they can place your child in the correct school.
  • Immunization records: Fayetteville schools require proof that your child has received immunization against certain diseases, depending on the child’s age. You can receive an official record of these immunizations from your child’s doctor. 

At registration, school staff will help you fill out forms to enroll in the correct school for your student(s), and provide you with information about the school lunch program, school bus service to transport your child to and from school, and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). If your child is learning English, he or she will be tested so educators can learn their level of proficiency with the language, and assigned an English Learner class based on their ability.

During registration, or in the first few days of school, you will receive many materials related to your child’s education that you will need to review and perhaps sign and return, including Parent and student handbooks, and permission forms for photography, transporting your child to field trips or activities, or use of smart phones or computers in school.

Interpreter Services

For non-English speaking parents, the schools may arrange for an interpreter or translation software to help you communicate with your school’s staff. If you have difficulty understanding English, be sure to request this service in advance and the school staff will be happy to make the arrangements for you.

Getting Involved with your Child’s School

  • Attend Parent/Teacher conferences to meet one-on-one with your child’s teachers
  • You can volunteer to help the teacher in class or assist with a school event such as a book sale, holiday party or performance.
  • Join your school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Supplies

Elementary and Middle Schools provide a list of supplies that families need to provide for their student and the student's classroom. Fayetteville Virtual Academy provides a supply list for K-6th grade, while paper copies are often available at local Walmart stores.

Educational Websites

Here are some fun and educational websites to explore with your child: