As students streamed through the bustling halls of Fauquier High School (FHS) on Aug. 13, they were met with a fresh and enthusiastic presence around the school: Assistant Principal Nicholas Brousse. With his approachable nature, diverse background and deeply rooted passion for education, Brousse is quickly becoming a valued and vibrant addition to the Falcon family.
Originally from the scenic state of Pennsylvania, Brousse graduated from Carlisle High School before earning his degree from Shippensburg University. His journey began not in a classroom but on Capitol Hill, where he worked in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of politics. However, when it came time to start a family, he sought a career that was both fulfilling and “family-friendly.” That search ultimately brought him to the world of education.
“My mom said, ‘Don’t do it,’” Brousse recalled with a laugh. “But my dad, who was also in education, said, ‘Yes, do it. You’d be great.’ So I listened to him—and here we are.”
After transitioning into teaching in Fredericksburg, Va., Brousse fell in love with the classroom environment. He taught engaging and content-rich courses such as Government, World War II history and AP Human Geography.
“Those were awesome classes,” Brousse stated. “The curriculum was naturally interesting and incredibly relevant to current events, which made it easier to keep students engaged.”
His time in the classroom shaped a deep appreciation for the tireless effort educators put in every day. “Teaching is an all-consuming job,” he said. “The ninety minutes you see in class comes from hours of preparation behind the scenes.”
Eventually, inspired by his father’s long-standing career in school leadership, Brousse felt called to administration. “He made a lasting impact—not just on his school—but on the entire community,” he said. “That stuck with me.”
So why FHS?
“FHS has a strong, proud tradition,” Brousse said. “There’s a real sense of identity here. Students take pride in their school, and that’s powerful.” He added, “At the same time, I see students pushing themselves academically, striving for excellence, and supporting one another. That balance of heritage and hard work is what drew me here.”
Outside of his administrative role, Brousse leads an energetic and family-centered life. He and his wife are the proud parents of four daughters, ranging from third to seventh grade, who keep their household lively and full of activity. Their family also includes two surprisingly lovable pet rats.
“I was against it at first,” he admitted. “But they’ve turned out to be the best pets ever,” noting their curious, affectionate, and smart nature.
When he has a rare moment of downtime, Brousse enjoys going out to dinner with his wife, fishing and unwinding with a good show. He recently finished “The Gilded Age” on HBO and recommends it for those who enjoy rich historical dramas. As a fan of modern country and country-rock music, he counts artists like Morgan Wallen among his favorites, even if his music choices sometimes earn playful criticism from his wife. Thanks to Brousse’s Capitol Hill roots, he also keeps up with the news through political podcasts and describes himself as a bit of a “politics junkie.”
Fun fact? Brousse was once a competitive cross-country and track athlete in his younger days. “Long ago,” Brousse added with a grin.
As an administrator, Brousse’s leadership philosophy is thoughtful, student-centered, and purpose-driven. “Our job—mine and every faculty member’s—is to help each student reach their full potential. Everyone’s path is different and that’s okay. Our success isn’t defined by straight A’s or perfect test scores. It’s defined by how well we prepare students to lead meaningful, purposeful lives after graduation.”
He hopes students know his door is always open, whether they have an idea, a concern, or just want to chat. “If you see me in the hall, say, ‘Hey Mr. Brousse, can I talk to you?’ Absolutely. We’ll find time.”
His message to the student body as he begins his journey at FHS is clear and empowering: “Work hard. Talent is irrelevant. The people who succeed are the ones who put in the effort, stay consistent, and never give up.”
With his enthusiastic outlook, strong sense of community, and heartfelt commitment to student success, Assistant Principal Brousse is sure to make a lasting impact at Fauquier High School.
