International Students
Choosing a school in a new country is a life-changing decision—one that opens doors to academic growth, personal transformation, and a world of opportunity. At the Fairfax Christian School, international students find a safe, supportive environment where they can excel in their studies, strengthen their English, and prepare for admission to top U.S. universities.
If you’d like to explore our international programs, curriculum, housing options, and admissions process, fill out the form.
We’ll send you all the information you need to take the next step toward an exceptional American education.
Your future begins here. Let’s take the next step together.
Welcome International Students
A Leading U.S. School for International Students
The Fairfax Christian School proudly welcomes international students from around the world. Since enrolling our first international student in 1963, we have grown into one of the premier private schools for international students in the Washington, D.C., area. With decades of experience supporting families from embassies, consulates, the IMF, World Bank, international organizations, global corporations, and F-1 visa students, we offer an exceptional and welcoming environment for students new to the United States.
Our international students are fully integrated into our academic and social community. We offer:
A comprehensive, credit-bearing English as a Second Language (ESL) program
Highly experienced faculty trained to support multilingual learners
Access to advanced coursework, including AP, Dual Enrollment, and Honors classes
Opportunities to learn alongside American classmates while also receiving targeted English support
International students participate in all aspects of school life—academics, clubs, fine arts, leadership opportunities, athletics, and community events—ensuring a complete American school experience.
State-of-the-Art Campus in Northern Virginia
In 2018, The Fairfax Christian School opened its expanded campus in Dulles, Virginia, one of the safest and most desirable regions in the United States. Our location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility:
5 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
35 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.
Located in the secure and beautiful suburbs of Northern Virginia
Students enjoy outstanding facilities, modern classrooms, advanced technology, fine arts spaces, science labs, athletic fields, and easy access to historic and cultural sites throughout Washington, D.C.
SEVP Authorization & F-1 Visa Enrollment
The Fairfax Christian School is fully authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll international students studying on the F-1 student visa.
We offer rolling admissions for international applicants, making it easier for families relocating to the United States or applying from abroad to join our community at any time during the year.
First Choice for International Students
For over 60 years, International families have chosen The Fairfax Christian School for our long history of excellence, personalized support, and welcoming environment. From our comprehensive ESL program to our homestay boarding option, we ensure that every student feels at home, succeeds academically, and thrives socially.
International families will find Northern Virginia to be an exceptionally safe and welcoming place to live and study. Consistently recognized as one of the safest and most desirable regions in the United States, Northern Virginia offers a high quality of life with beautiful neighborhoods, excellent public services, and world-class healthcare. The region is also home to the nation’s fastest-growing high-tech and innovation corridor, with major global companies, research institutions, and technology firms based just minutes from our campus. This vibrant, international community provides students with a secure environment, rich cultural experiences, and unparalleled access to the educational and economic opportunities of the Washington, D.C., area.
Whether you are relocating to Washington, D.C., representing a diplomatic mission, or seeking a high-quality American education for your child, The Fairfax Christian School is the ideal choice for international students.
An Award-Winning School
The Fairfax Christian School is honored to be the first K–12 school in the United States to receive the Presidential E-Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognizing our exceptional service to the international community. Our school has also been ranked #1 on Niche.com in numerous categories and continues to receive numerous accolades for academic excellence, safety, diversity, and college preparation.
These distinctions reflect the strength of our university-prep curriculum, the success of our Intensive English Institute (IEI), and our long-standing commitment to preparing students for admission to top universities in the United States and around the world.
“The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with the Fairfax Christian School’s dedication to providing quality education to students from around the world. The school’s adaptation of its curriculum to accommodate non–English speakers was also particularly notable.”
International Student
Curriculum
A Rigorous, University-Prep Education
Designed for Global Scholars
International students at The Fairfax Christian School receive a comprehensive, university-level curriculum designed to help them read, write, speak, and think at the highest academic standards. Rooted in a traditional Christian worldview and supported by exceptional faculty, our program prepares students not only to thrive in American classrooms but also to compete for admission to top universities in the United States and around the world.
Intensive English Institute (IEI) — Our English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Students who are still developing English proficiency begin in our Intensive English Institute (IEI), a university-prep program designed specifically for international learners. IEI offers:
Customized English instruction
TOEFL/Duolingo preparation classes
Courses in reading, writing, grammar, phonics, and speech
Targeted support for students who are not yet literate in English
International students take comprehensive placement exams upon arrival to determine the appropriate IEI level, ensuring they receive individualized instruction and progress quickly.
Once students complete—or place out of—IEI, they move directly into our mainstream curriculum, taking classes alongside American students.
Academic Integration With American Students
After completing IEI, international students enroll in the same rigorous academic pathways offered to all high school students, including:
Honors courses
20+ Advanced Placement (AP) courses
College Dual Enrollment courses that earn university credit
A complete, university-aligned college-prep track
This integration ensures that international students gain the academic experience, transcript strength, and English fluency required for admission to elite universities.
Special Courses for International Students
To help students transition successfully into American academics and culture, we also offer specialized introductory courses such as:
Introduction to American Science
Introduction to American History
Introduction to Christianity
American Culture & Etiquette
American Economic Freedom
These classes build foundational knowledge while helping students understand American customs, values, and academic expectations.
Advanced Mathematics Placement
International students take mathematics placement tests upon arrival and join American students in the appropriate level. Our extensive high school math program includes a complete University-Prep math sequence:
Basic Arithmetic & Pre-Algebra
Algebra I & Algebra II
Geometry
AP Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB/BC
Linear Algebra (university-level)
This accelerated sequence prepares students for STEM majors and top-tier university admissions.
A Curriculum Designed for Admission to Top U.S. Universities
The Fairfax Christian School’s curriculum builds the academic strength, language mastery, and cultural understanding international students need to excel at competitive American universities. Students develop:
Advanced English fluency
Strong analytical and writing skills
University-level math and science skills
Cultural competence and confidence
Leadership, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and character
A college-ready transcript through AP and Dual Enrollment courses
Our graduates attend leading institutions across the United States, often earning scholarships and placement in highly selective programs.
Extracurricular Opportunities & Academic Support
International students are encouraged to participate fully in school life. They may choose from a wide range of activities, including:
Music, theatre, and fine arts
Competitive athletics
Academic and cultural clubs
Leadership opportunities
Community service
Our Academic Success Program provides additional after-school academic support, allowing international students to meet with teachers, strengthen skills, or work ahead in their studies.
A Strong Academic Foundation for Global Success
With personalized English instruction, rigorous university-prep academics, AP and Dual Enrollment opportunities, and comprehensive cultural support, international students at The Fairfax Christian School are exceptionally well-prepared to succeed in American high schools, universities, and future careers.
Homestay Housing
A Warm, Supportive Home Away From Home
International students at The Fairfax Christian School become part of a caring community from the moment they arrive. Located just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport and close to the cultural richness of Washington, D.C., our homestay program provides a safe, welcoming, and truly American living experience.
Our students live with carefully selected FCS host families who provide comfort, guidance, and a warm home environment. Many of our host families have children enrolled at the school, helping each student feel immediately included and supported. We thoughtfully match each student with a family based on shared interests and personalities, ensuring a positive and nurturing fit. Typically, two students live together in each home, giving them a built-in companion and friend.
Host families offer access to wonderful amenities throughout Northern Virginia, one of the most vibrant and desirable regions in the United States. Students enjoy swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, shopping, restaurants, museums, sporting events, theaters, parks, and historic sites—all part of daily life in this exciting community.
On weekends, students stay with their host families, spend time with friends, or explore the Washington, D.C., area. Whether visiting world-class museums, enjoying local festivals, or discovering historic landmarks, students are never short of fun, enriching experiences.
At The Fairfax Christian School, our homestay program ensures that every international student feels welcomed, supported, and truly at home.