Why choose us

In 1953, Kenneth Holt saw the limits of traditional schooling and took action, launching a summer program at his Anaheim home that gave students more freedom, deeper understanding, and real-life opportunities to learn.  

The response was huge. By September, his passion had grown into a thriving school, setting the foundation for Fairmont Schools’ legacy of excellence.  

Fairmont Preparatory Academy opened its doors in 1994, welcoming high school students in Grades 9 to 12 to a campus built for academic excellence and bold ambition.  

Since its first days, The Prep has blended academic rigor with a welcoming, college prep culture, creating a space where everyone can thrive and work towards their desired ambitions.  

Our school community proudly celebrated the successes and achievements of our first graduating cohort, empowered to enter prestigious colleges in the US, including Ivy League and top UCs. 

The Prep cemented Fairmont’s reputation as one of California’s strongest math and science schools with the launch of a forward-thinking and specialist-led Advanced Mathematics Program, leading the way in STEM instruction.

The launch of STEM-focused pathways marked a turning point. Originally called Medical Magnet, the course soon transitioned to Advanced Science and Engineering Program.  

Beginning in Grade 9, ASEP students worked with research-grade technology, collaborated on engineering challenges, and pursued advanced coursework that grew confidence and deep scientific understanding. They completed hands-on projects that brought learning to life.

Since then, graduates from this program consistently earn places at the nation’s most prestigious colleges, with acceptance rates above the national average.  

From this year, Fairmont Prep Athletics stepped up as a true powerhouse in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section. Over the years, Prep athletes built a culture that balanced ambition with integrity on the court, in the pool, and out on the field.  

Today, students keep raising the bar, earning roster spots at NCAA Division I programs and other top collegiate athletic institutions across the country.  

The Advanced Business Program transformed opportunities at The Prep. Students jumped into real-world business, marketing, finance and entrepreneurship from day one—learning to think strategically, build sustainable models and pitch bold ideas. Every lesson challenged students to lead, collaborate and make ethical decisions that matter. With hands-on projects and expert guidance, students built the confidence and skills that set them apart.

Graduates from ABP consistently earn places at top business, finance and economics programs across the country, with acceptance rates far above national norms. 

This was a transformative milestone for Fairmont schools as they became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.

As a member of ISP, Fairmont maintained its unique ethos while also reaping the rewards of being part of one of the world’s largest and most respected school groups.

These benefits included a variety of international learning opportunities for our students, such as cultural exchange programs, and global collaboration projects and competitions, which provide students with experiences and connections that span borders and cultures. The world just became our classroom.

Fairmont Prep Academy raised the bar for science learning by building state-of-the-art physics, chemistry, and biology labs, spaces packed with tools and technology usually reserved for college campuses.  

From here onwards, students stepped into real research, experimented with advanced equipment, and led hands-on investigations that bring science to life.  

At our American High School in California, students excel when it comes to college acceptances at the nation’s most selective universities. Some highlights from 2025's cohort:

•  Harvard: Fairmont’s acceptance rate 10.53% vs 3%     average

•  Yale: Fairmont's acceptance rate 9.09% vs 4.5%        average

•  Stanford: Fairmont's acceptance rate 10% vs 3.6%     average

•  Johns Hopkins: Fairmont's acceptance rate                 27.78% vs 7% average

Students achieve exceptional college outcomes, with 96% applying to a Top 100 school receiving an offer of admission and exceeding national rates at elite universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, UCLA, NYU, and USC.  

Learners set goals, track progress, and drive outcomes with expert counsellors who know when to step in and when to let them lead. They benefit from college prep workshops, one-to-one guidance, on-campus college fairs welcoming around 200 institutions, and tailored support based on the chosen learning pathway and future aspirations. 

International students gain from additional support, including English-language and transition guidance integrated with academic planning. 

Students push boundaries every day, progressing with a forward-thinking and WASC-accredited High School curriculum that’s built for the future. Every course is UC-approved, so students shape a personalized pathway, Honors and Advanced Placement classes included, to reach their goals.  

Ambitious learners dive into flagship STEM, Advanced Business, or Visual and Performing Arts Programs, taking on specialist and university-level classes that spark curiosity and confidence. With these bold academic routes, students accelerate their learning, lead projects and set the stage for standout college studies and careers.  

Student life at The Prep is vibrant, energetic and full of opportunity. Varsity athletes compete in the prestigious CIF-SS league, training with expert coaches and building teamwork and resilience.  

More than 50 clubs, from robotics and debate to drama and art, give every learner a place to connect, collaborate and shine. Club Rush brings campus to life, as students launch new organizations and recruit passionate members.

Leadership flourishes through Husky Vision, Student Council and National Honor Societies, empowering students to drive change and inspire their peers. Academic competitions, service projects and special days including Spirit Week and International Day spark curiosity and build college readiness, with many experiences offering the chance to earn college credits. 

Fairmont Prep Academy Athletics is all about elite competition, teamwork, and character. Learners train and compete choosing among 16 CIF sports, with half of the student body playing at least one sport.

Varsity-level programs and expert coaches, many with collegiate or professional experience, challenge athletes to step up, lead, and honor sportsmanship. Prep athletes regularly go on to play at the college level, and the average GPA for student-athletes is an impressive 3.88.

Talented students can join  our elite hockey program, uniquely combining high-level academics with premier hockey development.  

At The Prep, learners lead with curiosity and confidence, mastering Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), or American Sign Language through AP and Honor courses.

With 35% of the student body coming from around the world, campus life is a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and ideas. Students connect, collaborate, and celebrate together, creating a community where every voice is heard and every culture thrives. 

Individualized support, coordinated services, Flex Period, mental health counseling, and SEL-trained staff ensure every learner gets what they need to succeed - academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers track progress and adjust instruction in real time, using evidence and feedback to guide purposeful good struggles.  

International students benefit from the International Foundation Center (IFC), offering adapted language-support coursework, so they build English proficiency while earning credit-bearing classes. Adapted high-school classes in English, Science and History blend academic content and language support, and are credit-bearing and UC-approved. 

At Fairmont Private School in Anaheim, students build life competencies that matter - communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing. Every day, they step up and lead, whether they're collaborating in class, taking charge in clubs, or serving the community.  

SEL-trained teachers guide students to grow in confidence and self-awareness, while leadership roles and service projects help them practice empathy, adaptability, and purpose. With 80 hours of community service required to graduate, students learn what it means to be responsible citizens. 

The ISP life skills wheel is woven into everything we do, so students develop strong cognitive, global, self-leadership, interpersonal, and digital skills. 

Through Fairmont Schools' Homestay Program, international students are welcomed by supportive, pre-checked, and thoroughly trained American host families or in our externally provided boarding option.  

With 24/7 support from our dedicated team, students build English fluency and independence while enjoying a private bedroom with a dresser, desk and closet, access to a shared bathroom and high-speed internet. Shared meals create meaningful bonds, and special events help students fully integrate and enjoy every aspect of school life. 

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalized learning journey, guided by the transformative Learning.First™ approach, unique only to the ISP family of schools. They learn through 5 pillars enriched by worldwide collaborations, solving real-world problems with peers across continents.

This powerful combination of academic achievement, multilingual learning, and international opportunities creates unparalleled future pathways, preparing students for top universities and global careers.