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Foreign Exchange

Policies

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) accepts Foreign Exchange Students based on established Policy and Procedure. Policy 3142 and procedure 3142P, which dictate acceptance requirements for both students and sponsoring organizations/individuals. FWPS does not offer "out-bound" programs, but can provide interested students with a listing of Foreign Exchange Organizations currently registered with the Secretary of State’s Office in Olympia.

Application Process

All Exchange Organizations wishing to place foreign students in our high schools for an academic year or semester (fall semester only) must be pre-qualified during the month of March, each year. A listing of what needs to be submitted can be downloaded here: Foreign Exchange Organizations Checklist.

All prospective Foreign Exchange students must apply and be approved in person at FWPS:
33330 8th Ave South,
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-945-2000

All potential J-1 foreign exchange students must meet the same criteria. The FWPS Pre-enrollment Application/Checklist for prospective foreign exchange students can be downloaded here: J-1 Pre-Enrollment Application.

Federal Way High School, Decatur High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Todd Beamer High School have openings for two exchange students at each school. Each organization or individual is allowed to place a maximum of two students at each high school, annually.

“Approved” organizations and individuals wishing to sponsor students may begin submitting applications to the FWPS at the Educational Service Center in April for the following school year. The deadline for submitting applications for a fall placement is June 15.

Students in the United States as visitors (B1/B2 visa status) may not enroll in the public schools.

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