The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Community Academy, a one-day educational program designed to provide Alexandria residents with an inside look at the local criminal justice system.

The Academy will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 520 King Street, Courtroom 4 on the 4th Floor. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Participants will hear from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, a Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Director of Special Programs, and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program Coordinator. Topics will include charging decisions, victim services, and the pursuit of fair justice.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Applications are due by March 18.

For further information, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-4100.

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The Spring 2026 Community Police Academy classes begin on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will end with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.  Sessions are on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  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. 

Application available now. 

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Applications for the Spring 2026 session are now closed. Check back this summer for news about the Fall session.

Learn about your Sheriff's Office by touring the jail, going behind the scenes at the courthouse, and meeting with deputies responsible for the care and custody of approximately 300 inmates. Also discover how the Sheriff's Office enhances public safety through a variety of specialized services and outreach programs.

The Sheriff's Community Academy is held twice a year and meets on four consecutive Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a graduation event on the final day. This informative four-week experience explores the role of the Sheriff's Office in Alexandria's criminal justice system.

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

Applications for the Alexandria City Academy are currently closed. Visit the  website or email CityAcademy@alexandriava.gov  for more information about the class or future opportunities.
 

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This Academy will educate 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 first responders.

Applications for the Community Fire Academy are currently closed. Please reach out to leslie.palucho@alexandraiva.gov for more information.

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Senior Services is excited to offer the Senior Academy to Alexandria residents and employees 60 and older starting on Wednesday, September 3. This four-week session takes place every Wednesday morning from 10:00 am to 12 Noon.  The weekly venues will change starting at City Hall, followed by Beatley Central Library, Police Headquarters, and Patrick Henry Recreation Center. The Senior Academy is a great way to learn about all the services and programs the city has to offer to older adults, learn how the city operates, and become engaged in your community in a variety of ways.  Attendees will hear from different city leaders and non-profits on topics including how the city formulates its annual budget to what recreational activities and continuing education opportunities are available for older adults.

The Academy is free and open to Alexandria residents who are 60+.  The class size is limited to 25.  See the flyer or download the form to register. If you have any questions call Senior Services at 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

The Alexandria Eco-City Academy provides an opportunity for Alexandrians to learn about the City’s climate goals, services, and programs, and empower them to help others take advantage of programs and take individual actions. This includes learning about the City’s Environmental Action Plan (EAP), the steps City programs are taking to achieve these goals, and the resources available to individual residents to do their part to achieve the goals of the EAP.

Sessions are a combination of lectures and interactive activities. Class topics will include Climate Change and Introduction to Eco-City; Government Energy and Residential Energy; Transportation and Environmental Services; Green Buildings, Land Use, and Open Space; Solid Waste and Water Resources; and Environmental Health and Air Quality.

WHEN: Classes begin on Monday, June 1, 2026. 

APPLICATIONS STATUS: Will open on late April/Early May 2026, on the Eco-City Academy page. 

Program Coordinator: Yulia Fernandez Marcos, Community Engagement and Climate Justice Manager.