October 18, 2026

The BSF & LSF Annual School Fair at the University of the District of Columbia

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The BSF & LSF Annual School Fair is a forum for Washington metropolitan area families to learn about independent school education and to engage students, teachers, and administrators from more than 70 local and national independent schools and educational programs.

The School Fair is free, and open to the public.

2:00 PM

School Fair Begins

2:15 PM

Workshop Session I

3:15 PM

Workshop Session II

4:15 PM

Workshop Session III

5:00 PM

End of School Fair

The School Fair Guide (click here)

Join us at the University of District of Columbia, centrally located in the heart of the Washington metropolitan area. Easily accessible from various communities, our venue ensures convenience for all attendees. We're thrilled to be a nexus where diverse communities converge to explore and celebrate independent education.

Van Ness-UDC
Plan Your Metro Route

2026 School Fair Workshops

We invite parents, students, and educators to join us for a series of informative and enriching sessions designed to empower families in navigating the world of education. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics to cater to different interests and needs.
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2:15 pm

Completing the Admissions and Financial Aid Process
Innovation Hub
B-109

Jewell Samuel, J.D. Founder/CEO of the Edukeys, a not for profit helping families access independent schools, will share advise and best practices on applying and seeking financial aid from the parent’s perspective.

Affording Independent Schools, A National View
A Level
A-01

This panel will provide perspectives on paying for an independent school education . The panelists are:
Moderator LaMecca Coates, InspireED;
LTC Gary Leydig (Fork Union Military Academy);
Christine Mitchell-Robinson (Westover School); and Fay School.

3:15 pm

Five Tips for Finding the Right School for Your Child
Innovation Hub
B-107

Dr. Rona Frederick, Author of "Navigating School Selection 101: A Guide for African American Families", will share tips for how to identify schools that are the right fit for your child.

The Psychology of Independent School Admissions
Level 1
110
Executive Conference Room

Psychologist Dr. Linda McGhee will provide insight and lessons on admissions/academic testing and discuss considerations relating to wellness and mental health in the admissions process.

A Better Chance MEET UP at the BSF/LSF School Fair
B Level
Ballroom

A Better Chance (ABC) is a national leader in K-12 independent school access. ABC's Haydee L. Sun-Acosta and Margaret Stolte will present an information session about ABC’s programs, and application process.

4:15 pm

Closing the Gap: Money for Education
Innovation Hub
B-107

Financial Professional Mark Baker will provide financing models and tips to help families finance K-12 and post-secondary education. Learn money strategies to use right now.

Financial Aid at Independent Schools
A Level
A-01

Frankie Brown of the Sidwell Friends School and Kevin Mills of Serving Our Children will discuss financial aid.

2025 BSF & LSF
Annual School Fair Supporters

2025 Participating Schools
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Aidan Montessori School

Alexandria Country Day School

Annunciation Catholic School

Archbishop Carroll High School

Barrie School

Beauvoir School

Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys

Bullis School

Burgundy Farm Country Day School

Capitol Hill Day School

Cate School

Cheshire Academy

Christ Episcopal School

Christ School

Christian Family Montessori School

Church Farm School

Commonwealth Academy

Concord Hill School

Connelly School of the Holy Child

Dana Hall

Edmund Burke School

Elizabeth Seton High School

Episcopal High School

Fay School

Fork Union Military Academy

Fountain Valley School

Foxcroft School

Georgetown Day School

Georgetown Preparatory School

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Gonzaga College High School

Massanutten Military Academy

McLean School

Mercersburg Academy

Milton Hershey School

Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy

National Cathedral School

National Child Research Center

National Presbyterian School

Norwood School

Oakwood School

Oldfields School

Oneness Family School

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

Sandy Spring Friends School

Sheridan School

Sidwell Friends School

Springdale Preparatory School

St. Albans School

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

St. Anne’s School of Annapolis

St. Anselm’s Abbey School

St. Augustine Catholic School

St. George's School

St. John’s Episcopal Preschool

St. Margaret's School

St. Mark's School

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School

St. Paul School

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – TX

St. Thomas More Catholic Academy

St. Vincent Pallotti High School

Stanford Online High School

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

The St. James Performance Academy

The Washington School for Girls

The Webb Schools

The Woods Academy

Washington Episcopal School

Washington International School

Washington Waldorf School

Westover School

Woodberry Forest School

Wye River Upper School

BSF and LSF United For Families

Our missions

Our mission is to advocate for academically motivated African-American and underserved students. The Black Student Fund provides advocacy, academic support, retention strategies, financial assistance, instruction, evaluations, feedback, and monitoring. We create a nurturing environment that fosters success from admission to graduation through our member school partnerships.

The Latino Student Fund aims to provide year-round, out-of-school-time programs that foster a robust academic foundation for underserved PreK-12th grade students and their families in low-income, at-risk communities. They also aim to promote higher education and nurture future professional leaders through holistic support.

Black Student Fund and Latino Student Fund Logos