It's a Great Day to be a Cougar!

10 Reasons We Stand Out

At Kilmer, we serve students in grades 7 and 8. Known for our diverse student body and strong academic programs, we emphasize academic excellence and personal growth. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, to support well-rounded student development. We are dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing our students for success in high school and beyond.

Expanding Algebra Access

We are part of the FCPS Algebra Access Network Improvement Community (AANIC), which focuses on increasing Algebra enrollment countywide to better prepare our students for rigorous courses in high school. Currently, 81% of our 8th-grade students are enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher, marking an 8% increase since 2021-22.

Award-Winning Music Program

We are proud recipients of the 2024 Virginia Music Education Association Blue Ribbon Award. This is the highest recognition given to school music programs in Virginia, celebrating our achievements in band, orchestra, and choral performance. All our top-performing groups must receive a final Superior rating at the VMEA District Concert Performance Assessment to qualify. Fun fact: We are one of only ten middle schools in Virginia to have received this honor more than 10 times since 2013.

Positive Referrals for Great Choices

Last spring, we launched our Positive Referral Program to recognize students who make positive choices and contribute positively to our school community. So far, we've given out more than 1,000 Positive Referrals. As the only FCPS middle school with such a program, we were recognized by the Tommy + Kelly Show as part of their Teacher Tour.

Growing Young Scholars Cohort

We created our Young Scholar Cohort in the 2023-24 school year. Last year, we started with 25 members, and this year, the cohort has grown to over 53 students. Our program provides wraparound strategies, goal setting, and enrichment for Young Scholars who are taking one or more honors classes.

Commitment to Advanced Learners

At Kilmer, we focus on developing talent and meeting the needs of our Advanced Learners. Nearly 77% of our students participate in one or more honors courses, reflecting a 10% increase since 2022-23. Our multilingual learners taking honors courses have increased by 30%, and students receiving special education services have shown a 15% increase since 2022-23.

Famous Alumni

We're proud to share that Ilia Malinin, the 2024 World Champion figure skater and two-time U.S. Champion, attended our school from 2016-18. Ilia made history by being the first and only skater to land a quadruple axel.

Top Science Olympiad Team

Our Science Olympiad Team won first place in the 2024 Virginia Science Olympiad Regionals Competition at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Through Science Olympiad, our students collaborate in hands-on events across STEM disciplines, developing their skills as future scientists.

Thriving National Junior Honor Society

Our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is thriving, with 159 members inducted last year. Our NJHS comprises 8th-grade students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 and demonstrate scholarship, character, citizenship, leadership, and service. This year, we extended invitations to 319 eligible students. To be inducted in the spring, students must complete a Community Service Project and reflection.

Student Ambassadors Leading the Way

Our Student Ambassador Program includes 103 students who embody leadership and have a strong desire to help their fellow Cougars. Our ambassadors give tours to new students and serve as lunch buddies to help them transition smoothly into our school.

Supportive PTA for All

Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is essential to our community. The PTA sponsors various programs, including funding our Kilmer Food Pantry at $2,000 a month. Each month, our volunteers pack bags of food, supplies, and clothing to support over 60 families in need.

Kilmer Middle is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where young minds are nurtured and spirits are uplifted. Join us on our journey of discovery and growth, and experience what it means to excel as a Cougar.