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. 

The application period for the Alexandria City Academy Spring 2025 session is now 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.

The Fall 2025 session of the Community Fire Academy will begin on Monday, October 6th, and run through Monday, November 10th.

The application for Fall 2025 is open through September 20. 

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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.

The Spring 2026 session will be held March 7, 14, 21 and 28. Please check back soon to apply!

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The Fall 2025 Community Police Academy classes begin on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and will end with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.  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. 

Please check back for Spring 2026 dates.

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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 Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria invites members of the community to participate in the Spring 2026 Community Academy. This one-day program is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the services provided to victims and witnesses throughout the legal process. For further information, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-4100.

The new edition of the Eco-City Academy will be held every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall at 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA in the 1900 Conference Room. Classes begin on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 and will end on Thursday, February 13th, 2025. The classes are a combination of presentations 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 & Open Space; Solid Waste & Water Resources, and Environmental Health & Air Quality. 

The curriculum covers the core elements that are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of the steps City programs are taking to achieve the goals of the City’s Environmental Action Plan. 

Applications for the Spring 2025 session are now closed.