The programs provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the City government's wide range of functions, services, activities and issues through first-hand experience, interaction with staff, and how to become engaged and involved in the community. 

The Fall 2023 Session of the Alexandria City Academy will begin on Thursday, September 14 ending on Thursday, November 9. Graduation will be on Tuesday, November 14. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at various locations throughout the City.

Applications are now closed for the current Academy session. Please check back in early 2024 for more information about the Spring session.

For additional information email elaine.scott@alexandriava.gov. 

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This Academy will educate the Alexandria community members about fire safety and emergency medical response, while learning about the history, administration, operations, and apparatus of an urban public safety agency. Participants will also learn about a "day in the life" of a firefighter/medic.

The fall 2023 session of the Community Fire Academy will begin on Wednesday, September 20 and ends with a Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, November 18. 

The application process for the fall 2023 session of the Community Fire Academy is now open through Friday, August 25.

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The Alexandria Police Department is now accepting applications for the 49th Session of the Community Police Academy.

The Fall 2023 Community Police Academy will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Police Department’s Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Avenue in the Community Room. Classes begin on September 13, and will end with a formal graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 15. The classes are a combination of presentations and interactive activities. Class topics will include patrol operations, gangs, crime prevention, K9, criminal investigations and the Special Operations team. The curriculum covers the core elements that are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of police operations. 

The application process for the fall 2023 session of the Community Police Academy is now closed. Please check back in early 2024 for information about the spring session.

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This informative four-week experience explores the role of the Sheriff's Office in Alexandria's criminal justice system. Learn about your Sheriff's Office by touring the jail, going behind the scene at the courthouse, and meeting with deputies responsible for the care and custody of approximately 350 inmates every day. Also discover how the Sheriff's Office enhances public safety through a variety of specialized services and outreach programs.

Applications are now closed for the next Sheriff's Community Academy. Please check back in early 2024 for information about the spring session.

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Registration for the Senior Services Community Academy Fall Session is now open!

Classes will be held on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 The class dates are: September 6, 13, 20 and 27.

This four-week course is designed to provide Alexandria’s older adults 60+ with an opportunity to gain exposure to the City’s various government functions, learn about local organizations that provide services and programs to Alexandria’s older adults, and hear how to become engaged and involved in the community!

The Senior Academy is a free program for older adults 60 and over who either live or work in the City of Alexandria.

Registration is now closed. Information about the next session will be posted here in early 2024.

Enrollment is limited to 25 City residents age 60 and older.

Senior Services of Alexandria (seniorservicesalex.org)

Plans for a future 3-week Commonwealth's Attorney Community Academy will be posted here. The Academy will discuss a variety of topics ranging from lectures steered by assistant prosecutors, Victim Witness Advocates and information about advancements in Virginia Law. Each session will also allow time for question and answer discourse. Email Sarayu.Kulumani@alexandriava.gov for information on the next session.

Plans for a future session will be posted here. This course is an opportunity to become an Eco-City Ambassador, take actions to increase Alexandria’s sustainability, learn about environmental challenges and contribute to daily sustainable practices to reach the City’s objectives for the Environmental Action Plan 2040. Special tours may be included. 

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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact elaine.scott@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4317, Virginia Relay 711.