Criminal Justice

Course Info

FCPS Grade Level and Course Credit information is found at the links to the left. The Virginia Department of Education Curriculum may be found using the links to the right. 

•Criminal Justice Level I - VDOE Curriculum •Criminal Justice Level II - VDOE Curriculum 

Course Description

Level I Course Description

Students are introduced to the legal foundations and processes, and the principles, techniques, and practices for exploring careers within the criminal justice system.

Level II Course Description

Students learn the legal foundations and processes, the principles, techniques, and practices for exploring careers within the criminal justice system, and the history of terrorism in the United States. Students combine classroom instruction and supervised, practical experience throughout the school year.

Class Features

Criminal Justice I

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice System
  • Preparing for a Career in Criminal Justice
  • Understanding the Rule of Law
  • Exploring Policy
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Exploring the Courts
  • Applying Criminal Justice Communication Skills
  • Understanding Juvenile Justice

Criminal Justice II

  • Preparing for a career in Criminal Justice
  • Understanding the Rule of Law
  • Exploring Policy
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Exploring Corrections
  • Applying Criminal Justice Communication Skills
  • Exploring the Terror Threat

Professional Certification Opportunities

  • Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills

Potential Career Opportunities 

  • Correction Officer
  • Game Warden
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Federal/State Inspector
  • Hotel/Retail/Business Security
  • Industrial/National Security
  • Police Cadet, Dispatcher, Officer
  • Security Guard
  • Private Investigator
  • Attorney

Our teachers, Mr. Russell and Mr. Kayajanian, share information about the Criminal Justice program. 

For students' perspectives on the Criminal Justice program at Edison Academy, watch these videos. 

Features

Kevin Russell

August 30, 2017
Mr. Russell came to Edison Academy as a Criminal Justice teacher in 2017. Prior to joining the Academy faculty, he worked as a Deputy Sheriff, and with juvenile and adult probation, and held specialized positions such as Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Training Facilitator, Facilitator Trainer, Team Leaders, and Supervisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters degree in Administration of Justice and Security. Mr. Russell is a NOVA Dual Enrollment Adjunct for Northern Virginia Community College allowing qualified Edison Academy Criminal Justice students to earn college credit for their high school coursework in Criminal Justice class. 

SkillsUSA

September 09, 2020
SkillsUSA is a Career and Technical Education student organization (CTESO) for students, teachers and industry who work together to ensure America has a skilled workforce both now and into the future. SkillsUSA serves middle, high and college/post-secondary school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled services. SkillsUSA provides competitions, leadership training, community service, scholarship opportunities and more for student members at the local, district, and national level.

John Kayajanian

August 26, 2019
Mr. Kayajanian came to Edison Academy as a criminal justice teacher in 2019. Prior to joining the Academy, he worked as a Police Officer, and as a Deputy Sheriff in Alexandria, Virginia. He held specialized positions such as gang unit deputy, emergency response team member, and was trained in crisis intervention strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Studies and is completing a Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education.