“Before joining the FACE drama program, my son, Liam (Age 10, Elementary), was intensely shy and often struggled to speak up in class, even when he knew the answer; he lacked the necessary confidence to express his ideas publicly. Within just one semester of the theatre residency, where he learned improvisation and character development, his teacher reported a monumental shift: he started volunteering to read aloud, initiating group projects, and even took the lead role in the school play’s showcase. The program didn’t just teach him how to act; it gave him the essential tool of embodied communication and the self-assurance to know that his voice, whether spoken or performed, holds genuine value. He’s now a completely different student—engaged, expressive, and ready to tackle challenges that he previously would have avoided entirely—and this transformation is absolutely attributable to the supportive, risk-taking environment that FACE provided in his school.” — Sarah M., Parent, Elementary Group

“The High School Creative Leadership Track was truly transformative for my daughter, Chloe (Age 16, High School). She was always artistically gifted, but the FACE program connected her passion for drawing with a professional understanding of graphic design and portfolio creation, treating her creativity as a serious career path rather than just a hobby. The mentorship she received from a local professional illustrator, who guided her through a collaborative community project, was invaluable. She learned about client briefs, managing deadlines, and pitching her ideas, skills that are immediately applicable to any professional environment. The program provided her with the technical skills, the business acumen, and, most importantly, the necessary confidence to apply to some of the nation’s top art schools, proving that FACE is serious about turning creative talent into tangible career capital.” — David L., Parent, High School Group

“Our family has been involved with the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education since its inception, and the difference their presence makes in our school environment is palpable, especially for our youngest, Noah (Age 6, Early Childhood). The early childhood visual art program, integrated directly into his kindergarten class, completely changed how he approaches complex problem-solving. When faced with a challenging math worksheet, he doesn’t panic; he instinctively starts sketching out possible solutions and diagrams the problem first, using the visual organization skills he learned in the art studio. This cross-curricular thinking is a direct result of the FACE methodology, which teaches children that creation and problem-solving are fundamentally intertwined processes. The warmth and professionalism of the teaching artists are exceptional, and they create a joyful atmosphere where every child feels seen and encouraged to express their unique perspective without judgment.” — Jessica K., Parent, Early Childhood Group

“As a former teacher myself, I appreciate the academic rigor and the deep pedagogical thought that goes into the FACE programs. My son, Ethan (Age 12, Middle School), participated in the science and sculpture residency, where he had to build a working kinetic sculpture to demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion. This was a far more effective learning tool than any lecture or textbook could offer, forcing him to apply physics concepts in a physical, functional way that demanded precision and artistic execution. The complexity of the project, and the need to troubleshoot structural failures repeatedly, taught him resilience and iterative design thinking better than any standard class. The FACE program successfully merges hard science with creative engineering, offering an unparalleled learning experience that truly prepares students for a future where interdisciplinary skills are absolutely essential.” — Robert H., Parent, Middle School Group