The Scholastic Writing & Art Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Winning an award, especially at the national level, not only highlights your talent and dedication but can also give your college applications a strong boost.
For more than 25 years, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has served as the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art Awards. FCPS has gone above and beyond to support young artists in our community, hosting annual regional award ceremonies and exhibitions that recognized creativity from students of all backgrounds: public, private, and homeschooled alike.
In addition to celebrating students, FCPS assembled a panel of 18 professional judges from diverse fields each year, and even rotated in new specialists to ensure fresh perspectives. They also set the submission deadlines as late as possible to give students more time to refine their work. As a member of the Fairfax community, DigiKidz Academy deeply appreciates the tremendous effort FCPS has made to support and encourage our young artists.
Changes Starting in 2026
Beginning in 2026, FCPS will no longer serve as the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art Awards. If you’re planning to participate, here are the key updates you need to know:
- New Region: When you enter your ZIP code on the Scholastic Awards website, your region will now be “Region-at-Large East Art” instead of “Fairfax Region.”
- Earlier Deadline: Submission dates will shift earlier. For example, the 2025 FCPS deadline was January 7, 2025. For the 2026 awards, the submission deadline is December 2, 2025.
- No Regional Ceremony/Exhibition: There will no longer be a local awards ceremony or exhibition hosted by FCPS.
What Stays the Same?
Although the structure is changing, one important detail remains: the percentage of award winners will stay the same. You’ll be entering a larger pool of submissions, but your chances of recognition remain equal.
So keep creating, keep submitting, and keep sharing your vision with the world. The Scholastic Awards continue to be an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and dedication.
Let’s keep the creativity flowing!