Skip to main content

International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE)

Together, we are a community of culturally affirming professionals who, in collaboration with schools and community partners, help build and strengthen positive relationships with children and their families, especially those who may be facing language, cultural, or economic barriers. We proudly welcome thousands of new international students, unique enrollment, and their families into our diverse community throughout the year, connecting them to their school communities so they can fulfill their social and academic aspirations with pride and joy.

Who Must Enroll Through IAE

The following students must begin their enrollment process with the MCPS International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE) office: 

  • Students who have already completed kindergarten (age 6 or 7  by September 1) and are eligible for English Language Development Screening based on the Home Language Survey (HLS) responses. 

  • Foreign students who maintain official residency in another country and are seeking admission to MCPS. This includes:

    • J-1 visa holders (exchange students)

    • I-20 applicants (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Student Visa)

  • U.S. citizens who previously attended a school outside the United States require an interpretation of their academic records for grade 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, not within 60 days.

  • Students residing in Montgomery County without a parent or legal guardian who are requesting a tuition waiver. 

  • International students who have not earned an equivalent of a USA secondary education.

welcome

Services We Provide

The International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE) office provides the following services to incoming students and their families:

Enrollment and Eligibility:

  • Verify school eligibility requirements.

  • Interview parents and students and review school records and other appropriate documentation.

  • Determine grade placement.

  • Evaluate foreign transcripts and transfer high school credits in alignment with MCPS guidelines.

  • Assign students to their receiving school.

Student and Family Support 

  • Connect families experiencing unstable housing with the McKinney-Vento Unit for support.

  • Coordinate tuition review and payment through the MCPS Division of the Controller.

Referrals and Specialized Services:

  • EML / Two-Way Immersion Programs for English language proficiency screening.

  • SLIFE Program determine eligibilty for students with limited or interrupted formal education.

  • EML Therapeutic Services for academic, social, and cultural support.

  • Maryland Department of Health for completion of required state health requirements.

  • Department of Special Education for evaluation and program determination of appropriate programs for students with special needs. 

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to facilitate admission for students with F-1 or J-1 visas.

Required Information

To complete the enrollment process, families must provide the following required documentation:

Helpful Enrollment Resources

Academic Information

Additional Forms

International Admissions and Enrollment Office - Montgomery County Public Schools
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Rocking Horse Road Center (RHRC), 4910 Macon Road - Suite 147, Rockville, MD 20852
How To Contact Us  Phone:  240-740-4500  -  Email: OR-Internationaloffice@mcpsmd.org
Staff Directory