Surveys given to 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade students at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) asks respondents to identify as “Female,” “Male,” “Non-binary” or “Another gender.”

The Youth Survey is a joint effort between Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Parents can preview the survey and, if they want, fill out an opt-out form to excuse their child from taking it.

The survey for 8th, 10th and 12th graders asks: “Are you transgender?” Answers include: “No, I am not transgender,” “Yes, I am transgender,” “I am not sure if I am transgender” and “I do not know what this question is asking.”

Students are then asked about their sexuality based on the options: “Heterosexual (straight),” “Gay or lesbian,” “Bisexual,” “I describe my sexual identity some other way,” “I am not sure about my sexual identity (questioning)” and “I do not know what this question is asking.”

Other questions ask students about their race or ethnicity, who they live with, what language they speak at home, if their parents or guardian have ever served in the military, any conditions or disabilities they might have, their grades, as well as drug and alcohol use

In the 8th, 10th and 12th grade survey, students were also asked about religious activity, feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

The district also gives out the Adapted Youth Survey for students accessing an adapted curriculum based on the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL). This survey asked students about their gender identity through pictures, along with the options “Boy,” “Girl” and “not sure.”

The survey also includes questions about feelings of sadness, worry, nervousness, loneliness, safety, drug use and sexual activity.

The Fairfax County Youth Survey is a joint effort between Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools. The survey is optional, giving parents the ability to opt-out.

The district’s own website states that it “provides a wealth of information about a variety of topics related to our youth that influence their physical and mental well being, from sleep and nutritional habits to substance abuse behaviors to symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.”

The Fairfax County website states that the survey “looks at behaviors, experiences, and other factors that affect the health and well-being of young people in Fairfax County. The results give an overview of the county’s youth and help measure how well the community is supporting healthy choices for teens.”