International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE)

Our doors welcome students from all backgrounds where they can engage in learning and can academically succeed in our school community.

The International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE) office facilitates the enrollment and placement of international students, foreign students, exchange students and students with more complex residency circumstances. Our multilingual staff provide families with a welcoming and supportive introduction to Montgomery County Public Schools and prepare parents with the information and resources they need to be engaged and supported partners in their children's education.

español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Who We Enroll

The following students must start their enrollment process at IAE:

International students ages 7 or older, whether a U.S. citizen or noncitizen, who have bona fide residency within Montgomery County and have not attended school in the United States or a U.S. school system in a foreign country at any time within the past two years.
Foreign students who maintain official residency in another country and are seeking admission into MCPS. This group includes holders of J-1 Visas (exchange students) and applicants of I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Student Visa Status.
U.S. citizens who attended a foreign school who need interpretation of school documentation and educational records for placement.
Students residing with parents who live in housing with a short-term lease.
Students residing with a non-custodial parent.
Students living with parents and awaiting completion of permanent housing that is not within 60 days.
Students residing in Montgomery County without parents and are requesting a waiver of tuition.
International students who have not received an equivalent out-of-state high school diploma.

Services We Provide

IAE provides the following services to incoming students and their families:

Verify students school eligibility.
Interview parents and students and review school records and other appropriate documentation.
Make grade placement decisions and evaluate foreign school credentials to grant high school credits toward graduation.
Assign students to the receiving school.
Refer students as needed to other services:
- EML/Two Way Immersion for assessment of English proficiency.
- EML Bilingual Counseling Services for academic, social and cultural support.
- Maryland Department of Health for completion of state health requirements.
- Department of Special Education for assessment and early determination of appropriate programs for students with special needs.
- MCPS Division of the Controller for tuition payment.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to facilitate the admissions of foreign students with F-1 or J-1 visas.