FHS is performing above the state median on all SOL assessments including 91% in Reading, 88% in writing, 79% in math, and 79% in science.

The Fairfax High School mascot was a caricature of a Confederate soldier known as "Johnny Reb".

Because of complaints from students and parents throughout the history of the new campus, and at the suggestion of the school's Minority Achievement Task Force, principal Harry Holsinger removed the Johnny Reb symbol in 1985.

Student protests, rallies, and a lawsuit followed, which challenged the principal's actions as violating the First Amendment guarantees of free speech.

[10] The Fairfax High School Choral Department includes five ensembles divided by skill level and requires an audition.

The choral department also has four extracurricular groups the Show Choir, Fairfax Fame, Malebox, and Rebel Treble, an auditioned student-led mixed a Cappella ensemble.

Included in the Rebel Band is the Fairfax High School Drumline, which placed third in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) championships in North Carolina in 2006, third in 2010, and second in 2011.

In 2009, they performed in Dayton, Ohio for Winter Guard International and received 4th place in their preliminary group and 18th in semifinals.

The Marching Band won third place in the local Fourth of July Parade independence Day celebration, and was awarded $2000 in 2008.

At the end of the 2008 Marching Rebel season, the band received a 1- Superior rating at the VBODA Championships.

Because of the work of the Marching Band and Symphonic Band along with the work of the orchestral and choral departments, Fairfax was able to earn the title of Blue Ribbon School for the performing arts, which is achieved by Superior ratings at VBODA state marching festival, and a Superior rating for each of the top performing groups at District Festival.

At the competition on their spring trip in the year 2009 to Orlando, Florida, the Rebel band placed second in its class by a margin of less than one point and received the Silver Award Overall in Festival Disney.

In its 2009 season, the Marching Lions won all of the competitions they competed in and got awards for quality music and general effect.

At the VBODA state marching festival the rebels received a superior rating and got straight 1s from all of the judges.

The 2010 season was also a great success with the show "Nautilus", with the Marching Rebels winning 2nd place in class 3A at the Herndon USSBA regionals, falling short of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology by a fraction of a point, first place at the Oakton Classic, first place at the James Madison University parade of Champions, and straight 1s from all of the judges at the VBODA state marching festival.

The show, "Metamorphosis", was performed at James Madison University Parade of Champions and won them 1st place with a score of over 90 points.

Intermediate and Concert are 2 different orchestras designed to test and challenge the musicians at a higher level (VBODA pieces grade 4 and 5).

The Orchestra is also known for their pit appearances in school plays such as Beauty & the Beast and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Fairfax has an orchestra pit that can be covered and uncovered, but it is normally kept in the house floor position due to safety concerns.

[citation needed] Fairfax's nickname is the Lions, and the athletic teams currently compete in the AAA Patriot District and Northern Region.