International Students

Welcome to Highland! Your home away from home

Some students dream of more than a great education. They dream of a place where they can grow, belong, and discover the world while becoming more fully themselves. For students from around the globe, Highland School is exactly that kind of place.

Since 2009, we've welcomed international students from Germany, France, Brazil, Spain, Scotland, Belgium, Norway, South Korea, and China, among others. Each one has brought something special to our campus: new perspectives, new friendships, and new stories that make our community richer. If you're exploring a school in the United States, we'd love for you to consider making Highland yours.

More than a school. A community you'll love

International students don't just attend Highland, they become part of it.

From the moment you arrive, you'll be encouraged to dive into everything that makes Highland special, like challenging classes, sports, the arts, clubs, and the everyday moments that turn classmates into lifelong friends. The students who thrive here come ready to participate, not just observe. They lean in, try new things, and discover who they are along the way.

Our campus is small enough that no one disappears in a crowd. Teachers know you by name. Classmates remember your story. And before long, Highland starts to feel less like a place you visit and more like a place you belong.

Why Highland is an ideal destination

Highland School sits in the historic town of Warrenton, Virginia, just 45 miles from Washington, D.C. That location gives international students the best of both worlds: a safe, welcoming small-town community and easy access to one of the world's great capital cities.

Through school field trips and outings with host families, our international students explore:

The world-class museums of the Smithsonian
Iconic monuments and landmarks
Cultural attractions, performances, and events across the region

It's a setting that turns a year abroad into an unforgettable immersion in American life, history, and culture.

A family to call your own

Living far from home is a big step, and you won't take it alone. While studying at Highland, international students live with carefully selected host families who become an essential part of the experience.

Our host families come from all walks of life. Some have young children, some have teenagers, and some are empty nesters, couples, or single adults without children at home. What they all share is a genuine warmth and a desire to open their hearts and homes.

Every host family is thoughtfully identified, screened, and interviewed by our placement partners to ensure each home offers a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. More than a place to stay, your host family becomes a daily support system, and the foundation for real cultural connection and understanding. Stays align with Highland's academic calendar, so you'll be cared for throughout the school year.

The students who thrive here

International students flourish at Highland when they arrive ready to embrace the experience fully. The students who succeed in our program tend to share a few key qualities:

Strong English skills: comfortable with written and spoken English
Flexibility and open-mindedness: eager to adapt and try new things
Maturity: ready to take on the responsibility of studying abroad
Academic ambition: motivated to succeed and grow
A community spirit: excited to integrate into school life and connect with a host family

If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in.

An education that opens doors

Highland combines a warm community with serious academic strength. Our Upper School offers 16 Honors courses and 13 Advanced Placement classes, giving ambitious students the chance to challenge themselves and stand out.

That preparation pays off. Our graduates have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in Virginia, including The University of Virginia, the College of William & Mary, and Virginia Tech, and across the country, including Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, Dartmouth, University of North Carolina, and Yale, among many others. When you study at Highland, you're not just spending a meaningful year abroad. You're building a foundation for an extraordinary future.

Visa and tuition details

We know the practical side matters, so here's what international families should know.

SEVP certified: Highland is authorized to sponsor F1 visas.
Visa types: International students attend Highland on either an F1 or J1 visa.
Tuition for F1 students: F1 visa holders pay full tuition plus a $9,000 international fee.

If you have questions about which visa is right for your situation, we're happy to help you understand your options.

Take the next step

Ready to begin your journey at Highland? We'd love to meet you and answer any questions about life on campus, host families, the application process, or anything else on your mind.

Reach out to Donna Tomlinson, our Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement via email to dtomlinson@highlandschool.org or call Donna at 540-878-2740.

Your place in the Highland community is waiting. We can't wait to welcome you!