“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.”
The Fairfax Christian School is the first K–12 school to receive the Presidential E–Award from the U.S. 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 worldwide.
The school welcomes international students from across the globe. We accepted our first international student in 1963. In the 1970s, we added our Intensive 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 premiere 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.
Our international students are fully integrated into our student body. English language classes (ESL) are taught by our faculty during the school day, and all international students attend some classes without local students.
In 2018, the Fairfax Christian School moved to a new larger campus located in Dulles, Virginia, which provides students exceptional facilities in a tranquil environment. Just a five-minute drive from Washington-Dulles International Airport and a thirty-five drive from downtown Washington, D.C., the Fairfax Christian School is nestled in the safe Washington suburbs of northern Virginia.
The Fairfax Christian School is authorized to enroll international students who have received their F–1 U.S. student visa by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Rolling admissions are available for international students.
Fast Facts
Fast Facts:
Rolling admissions for international students
Intensive English Institute program with over 23 daily classes (No TOEFL score needed)
Over 30 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
Students from 30 different counties
80% of students are local students from the United States
100% of students are accepted at four-year universities
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
Why Choose the Fairfax Christian School?
Over 58 years of experience working with international students and preparing them for top universities
University–prep Intensive English Institute (IEI) program includes multiple levels of Reading with Phonics, Grammar & Writing, Speech & Debate, United States and World History, Science, United States Culture, Foundations in Western Civilization and TOEFL Prep
Exceptional athletic, music, theater and art 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
COVID Travel Policies
All students are required to follow the CDC guideline when traveling. These have changed frequently and may be viewed at the link below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Curriculum
At the Fairfax Christian School, students receive an intensive, comprehensive curriculum that ensures students read, write, and speak at a university level. All curriculum at the Fairfax Christian School is selected to best prepare students to attend top universities while maintaining a traditional, Christian worldview.
The Fairfax Christian School offers an 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, through TOEFL Prep, which allows each student to have a customized program that ensures students 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.
Extras
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.
Student Housing
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. Each family is carefully selected and matched to each student based on their interests. 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!