Wondering where diversity thrives? Annandale High School stands as a testament to it. Here at Annandale High School, you are stepping into a world where different cultures converge and academic excellence is pursued.
Annandale High School first opened its doors on September 1, 1954. The Annandale community gets its name from a Scottish town and an English lord. Annandale was once a toll station on Little River Turnpike. It marked the start of rural Fairfax County.
Today, Annandale is a thriving community. It features shopping centers, churches, and Northern Virginia Community College. Approximately 40,000 people live here. Annandale is known for its friendly people and its high school.
The student body at Annandale High School has been recognized for its diversity since the 1980s. Students come from over 90 countries. They speak more than 50 languages. No single racial group forms a majority here.
In 1998, Annandale High School hosted the Race Initiative Advisory Board’s discussions on race and education. This event was part of President Bill Clinton’s One America Initiative. First Lady Michelle Obama and the First Lady of South Korea Kim Yoon-ok visited Annandale High School in 2011. They praised the school’s ethnic makeup in speeches.
Annandale High School offers many academic programs. These include AVID, EIP, ESOL, and the International Baccalaureate Program. Arabic is also taught here. Annandale is one of the few high schools in the country to offer Arabic.
The school newspaper, The A-Blast, has won awards for its online content. The A-Blast is a Washington Post Young Journalists Development Program Paper. Students receive guidance from Post staff. They visit The Washington Post headquarters for workshops.
Annandale High School’s football team has won six state championships. The Atoms won Patriot District titles in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009.
Several notable alumni have attended Annandale High School. These include CNN’s Jim Acosta and author Atia Abawi. Actor Tony Cavalero also went here. Mark Hamill who played Luke Skywalker attended Annandale.
Despite some negative ratings, Annandale High School students excel academically. The school is accredited in every area and demographic subgroup. Annandale offers 42 IB courses. Many students are enrolled in an IB course. Many students earn a passing score on their IB exams.
Principal Shawn DeRose says Annandale students performed really well academically last year. Annandale’s Standards of Learning scores in reading and math exceed the state average. The attendance rate has improved. Most students feel connected to at least one adult at school.
Annandale High School stands as a symbol of diversity. It embodies academic growth. Its rich history and commitment to inclusivity make it a special place. The Atoms continue to make their mark on the world.