BFA is the Heart of Our Community
School has changed a lot since BFA Fairfax was built in 1903 and welcomed its first class of 200 students in 1904.
Founded through the generous endowment of local railroad magnate Hiram Bellows, BFA has continued to fulfill its original mandate to “further the education of children and young people so as to fit them for usefulness.” Mr. Bellows was acutely aware of the profound effects of technology and scientific advancement on the parameters of education, decreeing that the Academy should equip the students with “means and facilities for education as the times demand.” Hiram Bellows envisioned a modern academy of learning and the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee believes that a significant investment in upgrading our school will preserve the BFA legacy for years to come.
Teaching and learning today requires an environment that extends beyond our ability to ask the right questions and seek solutions for the world’s most difficult problems. Our students not only have to be problem solvers, they also have to be problem finders. We recognize that our teaching and learning cannot be limited to the four walls of a classroom. Our schools are personalizing learning for every student in ways that are relevant and engaging.
We know our students are entering a rapidly-changing world. The foundational skills, knowledge, and concepts traditionally taught in school are still tremendously relevant today. However, students must also demonstrate competence in additional areas in order to be successful after they graduate high school. Skills such as collaboration, critical-thinking, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential characteristics of a 21st Century learner. Maker learning through innovation labs is one of the ways students develop these abilities.
Times have changed and schools are slowly embracing change as well. What has not changed is the heart of our community. BFA's buildings and grounds have been at the center of Fairfax town life for nearly 115 years. From athletic events to theatrical productions, from craft fairs to voter polls, the school is the gathering place for nearly all activities and celebrations in our town. One of the goals of this project is to create more opportunities for the school and community to thrive together for the next 100 years.
We invite you to join us in this important journey.
Founded through the generous endowment of local railroad magnate Hiram Bellows, BFA has continued to fulfill its original mandate to “further the education of children and young people so as to fit them for usefulness.” Mr. Bellows was acutely aware of the profound effects of technology and scientific advancement on the parameters of education, decreeing that the Academy should equip the students with “means and facilities for education as the times demand.” Hiram Bellows envisioned a modern academy of learning and the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee believes that a significant investment in upgrading our school will preserve the BFA legacy for years to come.
Teaching and learning today requires an environment that extends beyond our ability to ask the right questions and seek solutions for the world’s most difficult problems. Our students not only have to be problem solvers, they also have to be problem finders. We recognize that our teaching and learning cannot be limited to the four walls of a classroom. Our schools are personalizing learning for every student in ways that are relevant and engaging.
We know our students are entering a rapidly-changing world. The foundational skills, knowledge, and concepts traditionally taught in school are still tremendously relevant today. However, students must also demonstrate competence in additional areas in order to be successful after they graduate high school. Skills such as collaboration, critical-thinking, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential characteristics of a 21st Century learner. Maker learning through innovation labs is one of the ways students develop these abilities.
Times have changed and schools are slowly embracing change as well. What has not changed is the heart of our community. BFA's buildings and grounds have been at the center of Fairfax town life for nearly 115 years. From athletic events to theatrical productions, from craft fairs to voter polls, the school is the gathering place for nearly all activities and celebrations in our town. One of the goals of this project is to create more opportunities for the school and community to thrive together for the next 100 years.
We invite you to join us in this important journey.