Robinson Secondary School

James W. Robinson, Jr.
Secondary School
Location
5035 Sideburn Road

Fairfax
,
Virginia
22032

United States

38°49′01″N 77°18′11″W / 38.817°N 77.303°W / 38.817; -77.303
Information
School typePublic, secondary school
MottoThe Home of Champions
EstablishedMay 7, 1971 (1971-05-07)
School district
Fairfax County Public Schools
Principal
Tracey Phillips[1]
StaffApproximately 350
Teaching staff
248.80 (FTE) (2016–17)[2]
Grades7–12
Enrollment3,918 (2016–17)[2]
Student to teacher ratio
15.83∶1 (2016–17)[2]
CampusSuburban
Colors  Royal blue
  Gold
AthleticsVHSL 6A, Occoquan / Region C
Athletics conference
Patriot
MascotRams
NewspaperValor Dictus[3]
YearbookAbove and Beyond
Feeder schools
Fairview Elementary School
Terra Centre Elementary School
Bonnie Brae Elementary School
Oak View Elementary
Laurel Ridge Elementary
Websiterobinsonss.fcps.edu

James W. Robinson, Jr. Secondary School, commonly known as Robinson Secondary School, is a six-year public school in Fairfax, Virginia, United States.

Opened 55 years ago in 1971, Robinson is located south of Braddock Road near George Mason University, and is administered by the Fairfax County Public Schools. It offers the International Baccalaureate program,[4] and has approximately 3,800 students in grades 7–12.[5][6] Robinson's school colors are royal blue and gold, and the school mascot is a ram.

History

Robinson was named after Medal of Honor recipient James W. Robinson, Jr.,[7] the first resident of Virginia to be awarded the medal during the Vietnam War. Sergeant Robinson, age 25, was fatally wounded under heroic circumstances in South Vietnam sixty years ago in April 1966, while serving in the infantry in the U.S. Army.[8]

Robinson Secondary School

The school opened its doors in September 1971, taking its students from Fairfax, W.T. Woodson, Oakton, and West Springfield high schools. It was the second of Fairfax County's "secondary schools," or "superschools," which housed grades 7–12. Lake Braddock, which opened two years later in 1973, was the third of these schools from this era. The first was Hayfield, near Mount Vernon, which opened in 1968, and the most recent is South County in Lorton, which opened in 2005, taking its students from former Hayfield territory. South County has since reverted to high school status with the opening of South County Middle School near the school's athletic gym.

Awards and recognitions

Robinson won the 2018–19 Wells Fargo Cup race,[9][10] which is presented annually to Virginia public high schools that have "demonstrated extraordinary success in academic activities throughout the year". This was the first time Robinson has won the Wells Fargo Cup for Academics.[11][12][13]

In 2025, Robinson won the Virginia High School League's Class 6A National Guard Cups[14] for the best overall interscholastic competition record in both academics and athletics during the 2024–25 school year.[15]

Demographics

For the 2024–25 school year, Robinson's grade 9–12 student body was 54.65% White, 13.35% Asian, 18.08% Hispanic, 6.62% Black and 7.30% other races.[16] The grade 7–8 student body was 57.85% White, 12.13% Asian, 15.78% Hispanic, 6.45% Black and 7.80% other races.[17]

Music Department

Robinson Secondary School has earned a reputation for musical excellence, with its ensembles frequently achieving superior ratings at state and national competitions.

Ensembles and offerings

The program includes a variety of ensembles, catering to students with diverse musical interests and skill levels:

  • Bands – The school has several concert bands, including Symphonic Band, Concert Band, as well as an award-winning marching band known as the Robinson Marching Rams.
  • Orchestras – Students can participate in multiple string orchestras, such as the Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, which consistently receive high rankings in competitions.
  • Choirs – The choral program features multiple vocal groups, providing students with opportunities to develop vocal technique and performance skills.
  • Jazz and Contemporary Ensembles – The school offers jazz band and contemporary music groups, allowing students to explore different musical genres.

Achievements and recognitions

Robinson's music ensembles have been recognized at state, national, and international levels. The marching band frequently competes in the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative (VMBC) and Bands of America (BOA) events. Robinson has been recognized as a "Thirty Year Virginia Honor Band", earning a membership in the VBODA Hall of Fame. The Robinson Symphonic Band has appeared at five VMEA state conferences, one ASBDA convention, four National Concert Band Festivals and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Many students earn placements in District, Regional, and All-State Honor Ensembles. Robinson also attended the 79th annual Midwest Clinic.[18]

Athletics

LSD scandal

In 1991, Robinson was the center of an LSD trafficking scandal in which a drug ring sold more than 100,000 doses of LSD over two years.[19] The ring was exposed when a 16-year-old Robinson student shot and wounded a Fairfax police officer.[20] In the course of the investigation it was revealed that six Robinson and Lake Braddock graduates were receiving large quantities of the drug through the mail.[21] One of the men who was facing the harshest penalties faked suicide and fled the area, only to be caught two years later in St. Louis and sentenced to 24 years in prison with no possibility of parole.[22]

Notable alumni

Entrance to the school

References

  1. ↑ "Secondary School Administration". James W. Robinson Secondary School. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019 – via robinsonss.fcps.edu.
  2. 1 2 3 "Search for Public Schools - Robinson Secondary (510126000561)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Valor Dictus". valor-dictus.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  4. ↑ "High School Academics | James W. Robinson Secondary School". robinsonss.fcps.edu. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Robinson Secondary School – Middle: 202526 Membership Statistics By School". SchoolProfiles.fcps.edu. May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Robinson Secondary School – High: 202526 Membership Statistics by School". SchoolProfiles.fcps.edu. May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Our Namesake | James W. Robinson Secondary School". robinsonss.fcps.edu. Archived from the original on January 1, 2026. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Medal of Honor Recipients". Archived from the original on April 24, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Wells Fargo Cup for Academics Winners Announced". RealRadio804.com. June 11, 2019. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Robinson Secondary Wins 2018–19 Wells Fargo Cup for Academics" (Press release). Fairfax County Public Schools. June 11, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Robinson Secondary Wins 2018–19 Wells Fargo Cup for Academics | James W. Robinson Secondary School". robinsonss.fcps.edu. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Virginia High School League – Posts". www.facebook.com. Virginia High School League. June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Wells Fargo Cup". Virginia High School League. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  14. ↑ Jonathan. "National Guard Cup". VHSL. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  15. ↑ "🏆 Robinson Secondary School Wins 2024–25 VHSL National Guard Cup for Athletics and Academic Activities | Fairfax County Public Schools". www.fcps.edu. June 26, 2024. Archived from the original on September 5, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  16. ↑ "FCPS - School Profiles - Robinson SS - High - Demographics". Archived from the original on December 7, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  17. ↑ "FCPS - School Profiles - Robinson SS - Middle - Demographics". Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Midwest Clinic Performing Organizations - Jam..." Midwest Clinic. Archived from the original on September 14, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  19. ↑ "LSD Ring Alleged at Va. School". Retrieved November 30, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  20. ↑ Heath, Thomas (September 21, 1991). "3rd Man Pleads Guilty In Fairfax LSD Case; Defendant Admits He Sold Drug to Juveniles". Archived from the original on August 3, 2009.
  21. ↑ Howe, Robert F. (November 15, 1991). "1 CONVICTED, 1 ACQUITTED IN VA. LSD TRIAL". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on February 27, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Drug Ring Leader Who Faked Suicide Gets 24 Years". December 18, 1993. Archived from the original on August 3, 2009.
  23. ↑ Heaps, Bailey (September 1, 2006). "Players to Watch". thehoya.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Blog: Former Linebacker Adams '07 Scales Mount Kilimanjaro With Quadruple Amputee | Holy Cross Magazine". magazine.holycross.edu. Archived from the original on August 1, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Bonnie X Clyde Talk Recent Success, New Collaborations in Exclusive Interview". thatdrop.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Shawn Camp Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Paul Clemens Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Courtney's Graduation Has Several Effects | Ellington". m.connectionnewspapers.com. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  29. ↑ "First-time marathoners win 33rd running of Marine Corps Marathon". www.army.mil. October 28, 2008. Archived from the original on April 26, 2025. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Steve Dunn Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  31. ↑ Goff, Steven (June 11, 2015). "Jill Ellis played soccer with boys. Now she leads U.S. in Women's World Cup". Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Famous Rams | James W. Robinson Secondary School". robinsonss.fcps.edu. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Player Bio: Dan Gill". Stanford Cardinal - Official Athletics Website. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  34. ↑ Shipley, Amy (June 25, 2004). "Fairfax's Gill Moves Into Olympic Picture". Washington Post. p. D04. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  35. ↑ "About John Gilstrap". John Gilstrap. Archived from the original on March 17, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Mike Imoh - Football 2005". Virginia Tech Athletics. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Mike Imoh Pro Football Record". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Lucas Kozeniesky - 2016-17 - Rifle". NC State University Athletics. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Lucas Kozeniesky". USA Shooting. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  40. ↑ Melnick, Kyle (August 5, 2020). "As Robinson's Tristan Leigh finishes his recruitment, younger brother Aidan begins his own journey". The Washington Post.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  41. ↑ Buck, Joshua & Bolden, Jay. "NASA, Space Station Partners Announce Future Crew Members". Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  42. ↑ "House of Delegates". house.vga.virginia.gov. Archived from the original on March 23, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Javier López Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Virginia High School Hall of Fame" (PDF). Virginia Coach. Vol. 23, no. 1. Virginia High School Coaches Association. February 2009. p. 24. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 8, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  45. ↑ "Top 100: Rob Muzzio, Robinson, Track and Field, 1982 | Ellington". m.connectionnewspapers.com. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  46. ↑ Cress, Doug (April 3, 1983). "Rob Olson: 3 Strikes And He's In". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Joel Patten Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  48. ↑ Vingan, Adam (April 7, 2012). "WWE Superstar, Fairfax Native Alex Riley Returns To Roots". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  49. ↑ Dickson, Rachael; Staff, Patch (April 20, 2011). "'Burke Will Always be Home' for WWE Superstar Byron Saxton". Burke, VA Patch. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Head Lacrosse Coach Scott Urick and Associate AD Matt Rienzo Host Lacrosse Clinic at UDC Field". Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  51. ↑ Ramanathan, Lavanya (October 18, 2012). "Could these four be comedy's next big things?". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on January 6, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Chris Warren Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2026. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
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