West Springfield High School (Virginia)

West Springfield High School was established in September 1966 to serve the growing suburban population of Fairfax County, Virginia. The first principal was S. John Davis, who later became the superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools and was appointed as Virginia's state Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1979.{{cite web |title=School History - West Springfield High School |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/about/history |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=S. John Davis - Fractured Fairfax |url=https://www.fracturedfairfax.com/S._John_Davis.html |access-date=2025-05-27}}

In 1988, a renovation project was initiated in response to student advocacy for improved school facilities. Construction was completed in 1991, adding new classrooms in the courtyard and remodeling the library, auditorium, Spartan Hall, and the Career Center. During this period, the school newspaper, The Oracle, featured student opinions both supporting and criticizing the renovations due to the disruptions caused.{{cite web |title=WSHS 1980s - Renovations |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/about/history/1980s/renovations |access-date=2025-05-27}}

A comprehensive $75 million renovation began in 2012, with construction starting in the summer of 2016. The project concluded in September 2019 and included the addition of a new dance studio, updated classrooms, a redesigned front office, an open and flexible library space, an expanded gymnasium, a new third-floor science department, and a renovated cafeteria. The exterior and side entrances were also modernized.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High Renovations Nearly One-Third Complete |url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2017/aug/02/west-springfield-high-renovations-nearly-one-third/ |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=West Springfield High Celebrates Renovation |url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/sep/21/west-springfield-high-celebrates-renovation/ |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=Renovation Work at West Springfield HS | website=YouTube | date=October 22, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6M46LxCUZA |access-date=2025-05-27}}

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the student enrollment at West Springfield High School for the 2023–24 academic year reflected the diverse population of the surrounding community in Fairfax County, Virginia. The student body was composed of:{{cite web |title=West Springfield High |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5101260&SchoolPageNum=11&ID=510126001557 |website=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

• 47.9% White (non-Hispanic)
• 18.2% Hispanic or Latino
• 13.3% Asian
• 12.1% Black or African American
• 7.5% Two or more races, Native American, or other ethnic backgrounds

This demographic distribution reflects both the historical residential patterns of the Springfield area and broader trends in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, which is known for its cultural and ethnic diversity.

West Springfield High School students consistently perform above state averages on Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. For the 2023–24 academic year:

• Reading: Approximately 77% of students demonstrated proficiency in reading, with a 100% overall pass rate.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High School Academics |url=https://www.niche.com/k12/west-springfield-high-school-springfield-va/#academics |website=Niche |access-date=May 27, 2025}}{{cite web |title=10 Reasons That West Springfield Stands Out |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/10-reasons-west-springfield-stands-out |website=West Springfield High School |access-date=May 27, 2025}}
• Mathematics: Around 76% of students reached proficiency in mathematics, with a 97% overall pass rate.

• SAT: The average composite SAT score for West Springfield students is 1270.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High School Academics |url=https://www.niche.com/k12/west-springfield-high-school-springfield-va/#academics |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240418045317/https://www.niche.com/k12/west-springfield-high-school-springfield-va/ |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=Niche}}

• ACT: The average ACT composite score is 28.

West Springfield High School offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) program designed to prepare students for postsecondary academic success. As of the 2024–2025 school year, the school offers 23 AP courses across core disciplines including English, science, mathematics, history, government, world languages, and the arts.{{cite web |title=Advanced Placement (AP) |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-placement-ap |website=West Springfield High School |publisher=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

According to U.S. News & World Report, the AP participation rate at West Springfield High School is 62%, with 73% of participating students earning a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High School in Springfield, VA |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/fairfax-county-public-schools/west-springfield-high-school-20457 |website=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The school also features early AP opportunities such as AP Human Geography (which can fulfill a World History and Geography requirement) and AP Seminar, which may count toward the Grade 10 English credit requirement.{{cite web |title=WSHS Spartan Weekly News - April 12, 2024 |url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/bulletins/395bff7 |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

West Springfield offers several dual enrollment (DE) courses in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), enabling students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.{{cite web |title=Dual Enrollment |url=https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/advanced-academic-programs/dual-enrollment |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The school provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in areas such as business and information technology, family and consumer sciences, and technology education, designed to prepare students for industry certifications and the workforce.{{cite web |title=Career and Technical Education (CTE) |url=https://www.fcps.edu/academics/career-and-technical-education-cte |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

West Springfield High School offers instruction in Spanish, French, and Latin as part of its World Languages Department.{{cite web |title=World Languages Curriculum |url=https://www.fcps.edu/academics/world-languages |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

Students can enroll in courses in visual arts, fine arts, theater, choir, orchestra, band, guitar.{{cite web |title=VPA Course Maps |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/1.%20VPA%20COURSE%20MAPS.pdf |website=West Springfield High School |access-date=2025-05-27}}

West Springfield provides a variety of services for students with disabilities, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans{{what?|date=July 2025}}, and access to inclusive classrooms and specialized instruction.{{cite web |title=Special Education |url=https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

West Springfield's school mascot is a Spartan soldier, and school colors are orange and blue. The school competes in the Patriot District, which is in the 6A Region C (Occoquan Region) of the Virginia High School League (VHSL). The following sports are offered:{{cite web |title=Athletics |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/athletics |publisher=West Springfield High School |access-date=24 March 2025}}

• Baseball
• Basketball (boys and girls)
• Cheerleading
• Cross Country (boys and girls)
• Dance Team (non-VHSL sport)
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Indoor Track and Field
• Lacrosse (boys and girls)
• Soccer (boys and girls)
• Softball
• Swim and Dive (boys and girls)
• Tennis (boys and girls)
• Track and Field (boys and girls)
• Volleyball (boys and girls)
• Wrestling
• Crew (non VHSL sport)

The West Springfield High School boys indoor track team won Virginia state championships in 1996, 1998, 2023, and 2025.{{cite web |title=Virginia High School League Record Book: 2024–25 |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_7KGbWzA0LxeHVlbXdYeERsamM/view?resourcekey=0-sLdnRcl0D4SpZL-cjlSYzw |publisher=Virginia High School League |access-date=2025-05-27 |page=98}}{{cite web |last=Facinoli |first=Dave |date=2025-03-21 |title=West Springfield boys edge out South Lakes for indoor Va. track-and-field title |url=https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/03/21/west-springfield-boys-edge-out-south-lakes-for-indoor-va-track-and-field-title/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=FFXnow}}

The West Springfield High School varsity softball team won the Virginia AAA State Softball Championship in 1983.{{cite news |title=Spartans Win State Softball Title |newspaper=Springfield Independent |date=June 9, 1983 |url=https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=SFI19830609.1.12 |access-date=2025-05-27}}

West Springfield High School has a long-standing tradition of excellence in both competitive debate and forensics. These programs offer students opportunities to develop critical thinking, public speaking, research, and argumentation skills.

The school participates in the Washington Arlington Catholic Forensics League (WACFL), which hosts tournaments throughout the academic year for schools in the Diocese of Arlington and surrounding areas. West Springfield students compete in a variety of events, including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Student Congress, Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Dramatic Interpretation.

In addition to WACFL, students also attend invitational tournaments hosted by prestigious universities along the East Coast. These include:

• The Yale Invitational at Yale University
• The Villiger Tournament at Saint Joseph's University
• The Patriot Games Classic at George Mason University

These tournaments are part of the broader national circuit and often serve as qualifiers for major events such as the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) and Catholic Forensic League (CFL) Grand Nationals.

West Springfield’s competitive success includes multiple state titles:

• The **Forensics Team** won its first **Virginia Group AAA state championship** in **2006**, and captured the title again in **2009**.{{cite web |title=VHSL Record Book |url=https://www.vhsl.org/record-book/ |publisher=Virginia High School League |access-date=May 27, 2025}}
• The **Debate Team** won the **Group AAA state title** in **2009**, showcasing excellence across events like Policy Debate and Lincoln-Douglas.

Participation in these programs has consistently helped students earn recognition at local, regional, and national levels, with several advancing to NSDA Nationals and receiving academic honors for speech and debate involvement.

The West Springfield High School Dance Team (WSDT) has received national recognition for its hip-hop performances and competitive achievements.

In 2010, WSDT won the National Dance Alliance (NDA) Medium Varsity Hip-Hop National Championship. The team went on to win six consecutive NDA Large Varsity Hip-Hop National Championships from 2011 to 2016, becoming seven-time NDA champions.{{cite web |last=Pieroni |first=Leanza |title=West Springfield Performs Thrilling Tribute To The King Of Pop |url=https://www.flocheer.com/articles/6022395-west-springfield-performs-thrilling-tribute-to-the-king-of-pop |website=FloCheer |date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=NCA/NDA Wall of Fame |url=https://www.varsity.com/nda/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NCA_NDA_Wall_of_Fame_DN.pdf |access-date=2025-05-27 |publisher=Varsity Spirit}} In 2013, the team was honored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for winning its fourth straight national title.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High School Dance Team Wins Fourth Nationals Title |url=https://patch.com/virginia/burke/west-springfield-high-school-dance-team-wins-fourth-n726049403c |website=Patch |date=March 14, 2013 |access-date=2025-05-27}}

In 2018, WSDT won the Dance Team Union (DTU) National Championship in the Hip-Hop division.{{cite web |title=West Springfield HS Dance Team |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/features/west-springfield-hs-dance-team |website=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=2025-05-27}}

In 2011, WSDT appeared on Season 6 of America's Got Talent after being selected as one of the top 12 YouTube audition acts. They advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated. The team’s unique choreography and professionalism received widespread praise during the competition.{{cite news |title=West Springfield dance team returns from 'America's Got Talent' stint |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/west-springfield-dance-team-returns-from-americas-got-talent-stint/2011/09/19/gIQAQIUvkK_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 19, 2011 |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=Recognizing the West Springfield Dance Team |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRECB-2011-pt15/html/CRECB-2011-pt15-Pg21302-4.htm |publisher=Congressional Record |access-date=2025-05-27}}

In 2019, WSDT became the first public high school team to compete on NBC’s World of Dance. They auditioned in New York City and were selected to appear on Season 3 of the show. The team advanced to the Duels round before being eliminated.{{cite web |title=From Springfield to 'World of Dance' |url=https://m.burkeconnection.com/news/2019/feb/27/springfield-world-dance/ |website=Burke Connection |date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=Dance team dazzles on World of Dance |url=https://theoracleonline.org/news/2019/03/25/dance-team-dazzles-on-world-of-dance/ |website=The Oracle |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The West Springfield High School Spartans baseball program has captured four state championships: the Virginia AAA titles in 1991, 1998, and 2010, and the VHSL Class 6 title in 2018.{{cite web |date=January 2023 |title=Virginia High School League Record Book, 26th Edition |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_7KGbWzA0LxeHVlbXdYeERsamM/view?resourcekey=0-sLdnRcl0D4SpZL-cjlSYzw |publisher=Virginia High School League |access-date=May 27, 2025 |page=23}}

The Spartan Baseball motto is "Season est de Tempore, tamen virtus Traditionis sustinet" (From Season to Season, the Tradition Continues).

The Spartan Cheerleading squad won the fall AAA state title in 2003. There was also a winter champion as the sport was moved from winter to fall that year.{{rp| 20}}

The school won the doubles state championship in 2022.{{Cite web |last1=Editor |first1=Ella De Young, Print Managing |last2=Young |first2=Ella De |date=2022-05-26 |title=Boys tennis players crush at state singles/doubles tournament - West Side Story |url=https://wsspaper.com/79037/sports/boys-tennis-players-crush-at-state-singles-doubles-tournament/ |access-date=2025-05-11}}

The boys' cross country team secured the Virginia AAA State Championships in 1989, 1993, 1994,1995, and 2019.{{cite web |date=January 2023 |title=Virginia High School League Record Book, 26th Edition |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_7KGbWzA0LxeHVlbXdYeERsamM/view?resourcekey=0-sLdnRcl0D4SpZL-cjlSYzw |publisher=Virginia High School League |access-date=May 27, 2025 |page=21}}{{cite news |title=Virginia cross-country championships: Sean Stuck leads West Springfield to first title since 1995 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 16, 2019 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/virginia-cross-country-championships-sean-stuck-leads-west-springfield-to-first-title-since-1995/2019/11/16/7403da2e-08bd-11ea-8ac0-0810ed197c7e_story.html |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The boys' track and field team won the AAA State Championships in both indoor and outdoor track in 1996, and the indoor title again in 1998.{{cite web |title=VHSL Group AAA State Indoor Championships History - Boys Event Champions |url=https://va.milesplit.com/articles/22003/vhsl-group-aaa-state-indoor-championships-history-boys-event-champions |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The girls' cross country team won the Class 6 state championship in 2022.{{cite web |title=Girls Cross Country wins States |url=https://theoracleonline.org/sports/2022/11/16/girls-cross-country-wins-states/ |access-date=May 27, 2025}} In 2023, the team successfully defended their title.{{cite web |title=Congratulations to FCPS' Fall 2022 VHSL State Champions! |date=January 12, 2022 |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/congratulations-fcps-fall-2022-vhsl-state-champions |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The West Springfield girls' swim and dive team won the Virginia AAA State Championships in 1995, 1996, and 1997.

The boys' swim and dive team won the AAA state titles in 1993 and 1994.{{cite web |title=VHSL State Championships – Boys History |url=https://va.milesplit.com/articles/15764/vhsl-state-championships-boys-history |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=MileStat |language=en}}

West Springfield High School fields competitive varsity teams in both boys' and girls' lacrosse, participating as members of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) in Class 6, Region C.

The girls' soccer team became the first in Virginia high school history to win back-to-back state titles, claiming the AAA championship in 1991 and 1992.{{cite news |last=Robinson |first=John |title=Virginia Girls Soccer |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/05/31/virginia-girls-soccer/8584e611-f873-4dbc-baeb-be6f69b93c19/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 31, 1992 |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The boys' soccer team won Virginia AAA State championships in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2023, and 2025.{{cite web |title=Virginia High School League State Champions – Boys Soccer |url=https://www.vhsl.org/soccer/ |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=Virginia High School League}}{{cite web |title=West Springfield wins boys' Class 6 soccer state championship |url=https://www.insidenova.com/sports/fairfax/west-springfield-wins-boys-class-6-soccer-state-championship/article_f8f716c0-0b71-11ee-b6ef-274d2ec6fb5f.html |website=InsideNoVA |date=June 15, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2025}}{{cite web |title=West Springfield goes back-to-back in boys soccer with Class 6 state title |url=https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/06/08/west-springfield-goes-back-to-back-in-boys-soccer-with-class-6-state-title/ |website=FFXnow |date=June 8, 2025 |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

In 1989, during the team's inaugural year, the men's varsity eight secured the Northern Virginia Championship on the Fountainhead Reservoir.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In 2018, the girls' crew team won the Virginia state championship title.{{cite web |last=Nam |first=Danial |title=Girls Crew wins State |url=https://theoracleonline.org/features/2018/06/07/girls-crew-wins-state/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=The Oracle}}

The women's 2nd varsity four (W-2-4) crew won state championships in both 2023 and 2024.{{cite web |title=Five FCPS Teams, 17 Individuals Win 2024 Spring VHSL Sports Championships |url=https://www.fcps.edu/news/five-fcps-teams-17-individuals-win-2024-spring-vhsl-sports-championships |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Fairfax County Public Schools|date=August 3, 2023 }}

In 2024, the boys' team made school history by winning the total team points trophy and the top varsity eight race at the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships.{{cite news |last=Facinoli |first=Dave |title=West Springfield boys win region swim and dive championship |url=https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/02/11/west-springfield-boys-win-region-swim-and-dive-championship/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=FFXnow}}

West Springfield High School's Scholastic Bowl team actively participates in academic competitions, including the nationally televised quiz show It's Academic. The team has made notable appearances in multiple seasons, showcasing their academic prowess.

In January 2024, the team competed against Parkdale High School (Riverdale Park, MD) and Rockville High School (Rockville, MD) on an episode of It's Academic aired on WETA PBS. The show, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest-running TV quiz show, features high school students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in head-to-head academic competitions. The West Springfield team was represented by students Parker Brown, Jonathan, and another team member, demonstrating their knowledge across various subjects. {{cite web |title=It's Academic: Parkdale, Rockville and West Springfield | website=YouTube | date=January 6, 2024 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wR0pWXmyp4 |access-date=2025-05-27}}{{cite web |title=It's Academic |url=https://westspringfieldhs.fcps.edu/features/its-academic |access-date=2025-05-27}}

Beyond television appearances, the team has achieved success in regional competitions. In the 2016–2017 season, they clinched the Patriot Conference Scholastic Bowl Championship, highlighting their consistent performance in academic contests. The team, sponsored by Social Studies teacher Stephanie Shimp, engages in rigorous preparation by reviewing past question sets and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity among its members. {{cite web |title=Scholastic Bowl team wins conference championship |url=https://theoracleonline.org/features/2017/03/20/scholastic-bowl-team-wins-conference-championship/ |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The Scholastic Bowl team continues to be an integral part of West Springfield High School's commitment to academic excellence, providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves and represent their school in esteemed academic forums.

West Springfield High School offers a comprehensive music program, including band, choir, orchestra, and guitar, serving nearly one-third of the student body.{{cite web |title=About the WSHS Music Program |url=https://wshsspartanband.org/about |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The school's band program comprises multiple ensembles: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band (Marching Spartans), and various chamber groups. The Wind Symphony is the premier concert ensemble and has performed at prestigious events, including the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference and the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis.{{cite web |title=2025 Festival Livestream and Video |url=https://festival.musicforall.org/2025-festival-livestream-and-video/ |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The Marching Spartans have won multiple U.S. Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) Group 5 (A and Open classes) championships, and have been recognized as Virginia and All-States champions since 2015{{when?|date=July 2025}}. Furthermore, the Marching Spartans received an overall superior rating at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) North Central Marching Assessment in 2024. {{cite web |url=https://www.vboda.org/index.php/component/easyfolderlistingpro/?view=download&format=raw&data=eNpFj8FugzAQRH8F-V5BaErbzSnqOY2UH0COWcCSg9Hu0kSq8u9ZA1FOtp93ZmcsbDbwz1CBaWNokMyO4f0TTBPddMFBOD9Ycr0funzPjMwJ1lwn5CkIp2HVm4mRFrlcIg_FirsJWV626lrXM0uvr0U22AumZwEmHdVCffP0URFhGK308zL9z8ui3OZHXCfxjPRWVqtZ6wM-zcoPMGkq-40kffajkcmG7ITOjmFuCAZvst7Gpl3j4W30hK8OGsqKWNen0mZ3num3Kgj_PF6XWhqpi7ELuvn-XDBYWWr3}}

The band has earned the title of Honor Band in 2000, 2006–2009, 2012–2020, 2022, and 2023. In 2024 the band was barred from being adjudicated at the VBODA assessment due to controversy over one of their pieces being ungraded by the Commonwealth of Virginia.{{cite web |title=West Springfield High School (Virginia) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Springfield_High_School_(Virginia) |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The orchestra program includes Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. The Symphonic Orchestra performed as an honor orchestra at the 2005 VMEA Conference. The Chamber Orchestra, established in 2008, caters to the school's most advanced string players.{{cite web |title=Our Orchestras - WSHS ORCHESTRA |url=https://www.spartanorchestra.org/about-us/our-orchestras |access-date=2025-05-27}}

WSHS offers a robust guitar program with six sections, including two concert Guitar Ensembles and a Jazz Guitar Combo. The Jazz Guitar Combo has performed at various events, such as the FCPS annual Retirement Ceremony in 2023.{{cite web |title=WSHS Spartan Weekly News - May 12, 2023 |url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/bulletins/359fe85 |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The choral program features four ensembles: Cantus (un-auditioned treble choir), Spartones (un-auditioned tenor/bass choir), Bel Canto (auditioned treble choir), and Madrigals (auditioned mixed ensemble). In November 2022, the Madrigals were selected to perform at the VMEA Conference in Richmond.{{cite web |title=JR COPY OF VMEA 2022 Schedule - FINAL |url=https://www.vmea.com/_files/ugd/d1062c_5aeef3ada741464c8e6355909ba2597e.pdf |access-date=2025-05-27}}

The West Springfield Theatre Department has taken part in the Cappies Critics program since it began in 2002. The department is known for its high-quality shows that have garnered many positive reviews.{{cite web|title=Reviews|url=http://www.cappies.com/shared/read_review.php?year=2009®ion=NCA&id=31&showid=31|work=Cappies Critic Program}} In 2013, West Springfield's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" received a Cappie for Best Lead Actress in a Play; and in the same year, won the VHSL state one-act competition for its show "The Other Room."{{cite news |last1=Germanos |first1=Janelle |title='Nerdicus' Advances to State Finals |url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/feb/14/nerdicus-advances-state-finals/ |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=Connection Newspapers |date=14 February 2014}} In 2010, "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" won a Cappie for Best Make-up.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cappies.com/nca/awards/2010winners.php|title=Cappies Critics Awards Winner 2010}} In 2022 West Springfield competed in the VHSL Theatre competition with "A Ballad of Dice & Disaster" and it would go on to place 3rd at the District Level, 1st at the Regional Level, and 3rd at the State Level for Class 6 Competition.{{Cite web |title=National Capital Area > Critic Awards > 2022 Season |url=https://www.cappies.com/nca/awards/2022 |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=www.cappies.com}}{{Cite web |title=VHSL Theatre |url=https://www.vhsl.org/theatre/ |website=VHSL Theatre|date=May 23, 2025 }}

West Springfield's 2024 production of Sweeney Todd School Edition won several Cappies Critics awards, including for special effects and/or technology, hair and make-up, lighting, orchestra, ensemble in a musical, lead actor in a male role in a musical, song, and musical.{{Cite web |title=National Capital Area > Critic Awards > 2024 Season |url=https://www.cappies.com/nca/awards/2024 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.cappies.com}}

West Springfield High School supports a robust student journalism program, featuring three primary student-run publications: The Oracle (newspaper), The Olympian (yearbook), and The Symposium (literary and art magazine). These publications are produced by students enrolled in Journalism and Photojournalism courses, with content decisions made independently by the student staff.

In 2023, West Springfield High School was recognized as a recipient of the First Amendment Press Freedom Award by the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Quill and Scroll Society. This award honors schools that actively support, teach, and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, emphasizing student-run media where students make all final decisions of content.{{cite web |title=16 schools awarded 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award |date=February 23, 2023 |url=https://jea.org/news/16-schools-awarded-2023-first-amendment-press-freedom-award/ |publisher=Journalism Education Association |access-date=May 27, 2025}} The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally recognized West Springfield High School for this achievement in April 2023.{{cite web |title=April 11, 2023 Board of Supervisors Meeting |url=https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=2817&view_id=7 |publisher=Fairfax County Government |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The Oracle, established in 1966, is the school's award-winning student newspaper. It operates as a designated public forum, with students making all content decisions without prior review by school officials.{{cite web |title=About - The Oracle |url=https://theoracleonline.org/about-2/ |publisher=The Oracle |access-date=May 27, 2025}} In 2022, The Oracle earned a First Class rating in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Media Championship's Newspaper Division, while its online counterpart received a Second Class rating in the Online News Division.{{cite web |title=WSHS Spartan Weekly News - March 31, 2022 |url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/bulletins/310ce7e |publisher=Fairfax County Public Schools |access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The Olympian is the school's yearbook, produced by students in Photojournalism classes. In 2022, it achieved a First Class rating in the VHSL Media Championship's Yearbook Division.

The Symposium is West Springfield High School's literary and art magazine, showcasing student-submitted writing, music, and art. Submissions are reviewed anonymously by the staff, and the magazine is distributed annually alongside The Olympian. In 2022, The Symposium received a First Class rating in the VHSL Media Championship's Magazine Division.

• Dave Albo, Republican politician
• Becky Ann Baker, actress
• Louis Bayard (Class of 1981), author
• Benjamin Bryant (Class of 1994, attended 1992-1993), broadcaster, writer, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker
• Antonio Bustamante (Class of 2015), professional soccer player
• Greg Calloway (Class of 2000), reality show winner
• Brian Carroll (Class of 2000), professional soccer player
• Jeff Carroll (Class of 2001), professional soccer player
• Mike Caussin (Class of 2005), professional football player
• James Dexter (Class of 1991), professional football player
• Nikita Dragun (Class of 2014), YouTuber
• Lars Eckenrode (Class of 2013), professional soccer player
• Patrick Forrester (Class of 1975), astronaut
• J (South Korean singer) (Class of 1996), Korean-American singer based in South Korea
• Jeremy Kapinos (Class of 2002), professional football player 2007–2012
• Sharif Karie (Class of 1997), middle-distance running track runner
• Kara Lawson (Class of 1999), professional basketball player, Gold Medalist 2008 Olympics, ESPN personality
• Laura (Cook) Lenderman (Class of 1989), US Air Force General
• Tony Muskett (Class of 2020), college football player{{Cite web |title=Tony Muskett - Football |url=https://monmouthhawks.com/sports/football/roster/tony-muskett/13743 |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=Monmouth University Athletics |language=en}}
• Bryn Renner (Class of 2009), professional football player
• Joe Saunders (Class of 1999), professional baseball player
• Mohammed Seisay (Class of 2008), professional football player
• Ryan Speier (Class of 1996), professional baseball player
• Virginia Thrasher (Class of 2015), professional sports shooter, Gold Medalist 2016 Olympics
• Bobby Wahl (Class of 2010), baseball player{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/06/AR2010060603038.html |title=West Springfield's Bobby Wahl owes his love of baseball to his grandfather|first=Preston|last=Williams |work=Washingtonpost.com |date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=March 3, 2014}}

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Category:Educational institutions established in 1966

Category:Public high schools in Virginia

Category:High schools in Fairfax County, Virginia

Category:Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League teams

Category:1966 establishments in Virginia

Category:Springfield, Virginia