"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."
— US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker
The Fairfax Christian School welcomes international students from across the globe. We accepted our first international student in 1963. In the 1970s, we added our Inensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program. In the 1980s, we began taking students into our homestay boarding program. The Fairfax Christian School is the premier school for international students studying in the Washington, D.C., area. We accept students from Washington–based embassies and consulates, IMF, World Bank, international organizations and businesses with employees in the Washington, D.C., area, and F–1 visa students.
The Fairfax Christian School is the first K–12 school to receive the Presidential E–Award from the US Department of Commerce for our work with the international community. Our university–prep Intensive English Institute (IEI) program prepares students for success in top universities in the United States and around the world.
Located in the safe Virginia suburbs, near Washington–Dulles International Airport, the Fairfax Christian School's new campus provides students exceptional facilities in a tranquil environment. International students live with a local host family, or with friends or family members in the Washington, D.C., area.
The Fairfax Christian School is authorized to enroll international students who have received their F–1 US student visa by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). International students may apply year–around.
Fast Facts:
Rolling admissions for international students
Intensive English Institute program (No TOEFL score needed)
21 Advanced Placement Classes and Dual Enrollment for university credit (a score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT required)
Form I–20 issues upon acceptance
International F–1 transfer students currently enrolled in other US school accepted
12th grade and Year 13 students accepted
Short term stays available
Student from 30 different counties
Why Choose the Fairfax Christian School?
Over 55 years of experience working with international students and preparing them for top universities
University–prep Intensive English Institute (IEI) program includes multiple levels of: IEI Reading with Phonics, IEI Grammar & Writing, IEI Speech, IEI History, IEI Science, United States Culture, Foundations in Western Civilization and TOEFL Prep
Exceptional athletic, music, theater and arts programs
18 miles west of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. It is also a center for technology, international business, art and tourism. Near Washington-Dulles International Airport
Northern Virginia is the wealthiest region in the United States. Students live in affluent homes with access to beautiful parks, top museums, superb restaurants, and luxury shopping
At the Fairfax Christian School, students receive an intensive, comprehensive curriculum that ensures students read, write and speak at a university level.
The Fairfax Christian School's offers Intensive English Institute (IEI) program using a university–prep curriculum for students who are not yet literate in English. IEI offers a vast array of English classes, though TOEFL Prep, which allows each student to have a customized program that ensures student master all necessary skills. Once students complete or place out of the IEI classes, they take honors and Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment classes with our American students.
Additional classes for international students include an Introduction to American Science, Introduction to American History, Introduction to Christianity, American Culture (including etiquette), and American Economic Freedom.
International students take comprehensive placement tests when they arrive at the Fairfax Christian School. Then they are placed in the appropriate classes for their IEI courses in reading, writing, grammar, phonics and speech.
Mathematics placement tests are also given. Students take their mathematics classes with our American students. These include classes include basic arithmetic, Pre–Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Advanced Mathematics (Pre–Calculus, Functions, Analytical Geometry), AP Calculus BC and Linear Algebra.
Fairfax Christian School's international students receive a foundation that makes them well prepared to enter and compete in America's top universities.
International students have a range of after school and extracurricular activities to choose from including music, drama, competitive sports and clubs. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
Academic Success is available to our international students. This after school academic program, allows students to meet with teachers to get additional academic help or to work ahead.
Across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia is the wealthiest region in the United States. The Fairfax Christian School is a ten minute drive from Washington–Dulles International Airport. International students live with our American families with access to top amenities including swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, shopping, restaurants, museums, sporting events, theaters, parks and historic landmarks.
Our international students board with homestay families who are carefully selected and matched to each student based on their interest. Usually, two students are placed with each family. Many families also have their own children in the Fairfax Christian School. There is a strong network of support, so students won't feel alone.
On weekends, students stay with their host families. They can get together with friends or explore the Washington, D.C., area. There is always something fun to do in Washington!