Aviation Named Exemplary Program in Virginia

Virginia Department of Education has named the ACC aviation program the Region 4 winner of the 2026 Secondary Exemplary Program award!  Congratulations to Mr. Frazier who continues to win honors for his outstanding program.

The program was recognized for blending rigorous academics with hands-on aviation training, integrating math, science, and literacy into real-world applications such as flight planning, weather analysis, and aeronautical decision-making. Students train using advanced flight simulators and unmanned aircraft systems while preparing for nationally recognized credentials, including the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification.

Outcomes demonstrate strong student achievement. From 2019–2025, 129 students completed FAA aeronautical knowledge exams, with 100 passing (78% pass rate). In 2025, the program’s largest cohort achieved a 91% pass rate on the Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The program emphasizes industry partnerships, mentorship, and experiential learning, connecting students with aviation professionals, airlines, military representatives, and aerospace organizations.

Graduates pursue diverse pathways, including collegiate aviation programs, FAA pilot licensure, aviation careers, and military training. Notably, alumni have advanced to institutions such as the U.S. Naval Academy and into Navy pilot training.

Aligned with Virginia’s 3E Readiness Framework (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment), the program provides a scalable model for high school aviation education. Its combination of credential attainment, real-world training, and workforce alignment positions Arlington Career Center as a leading producer of FAA-certified students in Virginia and a key contributor to the future aviation and aerospace workforce.