Frequently Asked Questions

To apply, simply visit our Application Process page, where you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to complete and submit your application.

Yes. All Fairmont Schools campuses in California are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by Cognia. Fairmont is also a proud member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Tuition information is available on our Tuition Information page, where you can view the most up-to-date tuition rates and payment options.

Yes. Fairmont Schools is committed to making a high-quality education accessible for all students and offers need-based financial aid. Families interested in applying for assistance can contact the Financial Aid Committee at facommittee@fairmontschools.com for details.

Fairmont welcomes applications from all students.

For Preschool and Pre-K, applicants must complete a preschool packet and the Fairmont admissions assessment.

For Pre-K through Grade 8, applicants must submit two years of report cards, a copy of their birth certificate or passport, immunization records, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations (Math and English for Middle School).

For Grades 9–12, applicants must submit two years of report cards, a copy of their birth certificate or passport, standardized test results from the past two years, Math and English teacher recommendations, a Consent to Release School Records form, and complete both the Fairmont admissions assessment and a shadow day experience.

Yes. For Preschool through Grade 8, students take an assessment scheduled individually by the Admissions Director. For High School, Fairmont does not require a formal entrance exam. Instead, admissions decisions are based on report cards, standardized test results, teacher recommendations, and an on-campus interview.

Yes. All Fairmont students are required to wear school uniforms, which can be purchased through our approved uniform provider.

Yes. Fairmont partners with a professional food service provider to offer nutritious, balanced meals. Parents can add funds to their child’s meal account, and monthly menus are available on the school’s website.

Yes. All preschool students must be fully potty-trained and able to use the restroom independently.

There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to an elementary boarding school. Some of these reasons include the following:

• A more disciplined environment. Parents want to ensure that their children learn the proper values and life skills at a young age. Going away to boarding school can give students a chance to be away from home and learn how to manage their time and make good choices on their own.
• Higher academic standards. Some parents want their children to be challenged academically and receive a quality education. They may also want their children to experience different learning environments, such as smaller classes or one-on-one instruction with teachers who specialize in certain subjects.
• More opportunities for extracurricular activities and sports teams. Students at boarding schools often have access to more athletic programs than public schools because most boarding schools have large campuses with lots of space for playing fields, courts, and other sports activities like swimming pools, weight rooms, and gyms with basketball hoops or tennis courts.

Source

A Better Understanding of Other Cultures
Children who attend boarding schools learn about other cultures and gain a better understanding of how people live in other parts of the world. This is an important skill that will help them later in life when dealing with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Stronger Communication Skills
Boarding school students learn how to communicate with others in various situations and environments. They also develop strong communication skills by working together as a team and developing trust. These skills will help them when they enter the workforce or college later on in life.

Stronger Leadership Skills
Boarding school students learn how to lead because they are often placed in positions where they must take charge of others while they are away from home. For example, at school during holidays or breaks from classes, such as spring break.

Fairmont is a school where every child gets an A+ education. We employ caring, passionate educators who participate in rigorous training and mandatory yearly evaluation to ensure each child has an A+ teacher every year. Our secular, co-educational P-12 educational program balances time-honored fundamentals with innovative approaches to learning, taking into account intellectual as well as social and emotional growth.

We offer award-winning academics as well as numerous opportunities for children to explore their unique talents through the arts, athletics, and special programs like robotics, and speech and debate.

Fairmont is a safe place for high achievers, late bloomers, and everyone in between. We embrace a growth mindset and believe that the rewards of hard work, taking risks, and never giving up are worth it. We celebrate our diverse campus communities and foster a spirit of teamwork and mutual respect through all of our academic programs.

Fairmont Schools (Fairmont’s Boarding):
Fairmont’s boarding program allows students to mature in a safe, structured home-like environment. Students live and study alongside each other while enjoying a well-rounded immersion experience open to students in grades 9 – 12. A Fairmont community member lives in each Boarding home and serves as the “Resident Parent.” The program offers daily professionally-catered meals, a private van/shuttle service to and from school, and a safe and caring home environment. The boarding house is located less than 10 miles from campus.