The Region 4 Office is pleased to announce that Mr. Justin Simmons, Administrator at Bryant AIM/ALC, has been selected as the new principal of South County Middle School, effective July 12, 2023.

Mr. Simmons has been supporting students for the past 15 years, starting his educational career as a college adviser at Title I public high schools in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2011 he moved to Virginia and joined the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) family, serving as a school counselor at Glasgow Middle School. He moved on to FCPS central office support as an education specialist in the FCPS College Partnership Program and then a program manager for the College Success Program. He returned to work in schools and transitioned to the leadership path when he served as assistant principal at Westfield High School (HS) and Holmes Middle School (MS).

Mr. Simmons is well-known and respected throughout FCPS and brings to South County MS a wealth of knowledge and experience from working in diverse schools and central office.  He brings with him not only a strong focus on academics, having focused on improving outcomes for students at both Westfield HS and Holmes MS, but also a focus on improving student behavior through authentic relationships and tiered supports.  He is a strong proponent of student voice and ensuring a welcoming and inclusive school environment for all students and staff. He understands and values the importance of working collaboratively with all stakeholders to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing environment. Equity is at the center of all that Mr. Simmons does. He is an educator who has embodied the philosophy of educating all students “by name and by need.” 

Mr. Justin Simmons is honored to serve as the principal of South County Middle School. He is excited to meet the Mustang staff, students, and families and is eager to build positive relationships with them all. In his spare time, Mr. Simmons enjoys spending time with his wife and their young son.  He also enjoys playing basketball, reading, and watching documentaries.

Mr. Simmons received both his degrees from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in African American Studies. Go Tar Heels!

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Justin Simmons as the new principal at South County Middle School.