The City of Alexandria invites the public to participate in its Academy programs. Learn how local government, partner agencies, and the community work together to create a well-managed place for residents, businesses, and visitors to enjoy. 

These free programs are designed to inform, educate, engage, and encourage participants to become more actively involved in fostering a thriving Alexandria. Learn how City departments work together to provide a safe, secure, and sustainable community.   

Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2023 sessions. 

Alexandria City Academy 

The spring session will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for nine weeks, starting March 9. This course gives participants the opportunity to hear about City government in a wide range of functions, services, activities, and issues. Consider learning more about government operations and applying for this opportunity. Details and application are available at https://www.alexandriava.gov/CityAcademy. 

Alexandria Community Fire Academy 

The spring session will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. for nine weeks, starting March 16. This course will educate participants about fire safety and emergency medical response; department history, administration, operations, as well as the apparatus of an urban public safety agency. Experience a ‘day in the life’ of members of the Alexandria Fire Department. Details and application are available at alexandriava.gov/go/4250. 

Alexandria Community Police Academy 

The spring session will be held on Wednesday evenings, starting March 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for nine weeks. This course provides an opportunity for Alexandria residents to learn various aspects of policing. Sessions are a combination of lectures and interactive activities. Class topics include patrol operations, gangs, K9, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations, and more. Details and application are available at alexandriava.gov/go/4243. 

Alexandria Sheriff’s Community Academy 

The spring session will be held on Saturday mornings, starting March 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Through a combination of presentations and interactive activities, students will learn about jail operations, judicial and special operations, civil process and warrant service, and inmate services and programs. Upon completion, participants will be better able to comprehend the vital and unique role that the Sheriff’s Office plays in the community's public safety. Details and application are available at alexandriava.gov/go/2731. 

Alexandria Senior Academy 

The next session will be held in the fall of 2023. Classes are held on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for four weeks. This course is designed to provide Alexandria’s older adults, ages 60 and up, 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! Visit Senior Services of Alexandria for more information. 

Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Community Academy 

Information about the next session will be updated later this year. Find out more information at alexandriava.gov/CommonwealthsAttorney.

Alexandria Eco-City Academy  

Information about the next session will be updated later this year. 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. 

All Academy programs are open to those who live or work in the City of Alexandria; some have age restrictions. Please read each Academy program details for specifics. Applications for spring sessions will be accepted through the date indicated on each application. 

Class sizes are limited. Visit alexandriava.gov/Academies for more information, including deadlines and application forms. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

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