Our History
As Falcons and as Huskies, we celebrate our rich history, shared purpose, and love for Flint Hill.
Since its founding, Flint Hill has been committed to providing a transformative education for students and sparking a passion for lifelong learning. Throughout our history we have met challenges and triumphs that equip us for who we are today.
"Our founding, like many other private schools that began in the 1950s, is complicated — a response to the desegregation of public schools led to the creation of many 'white flight' schools, including, at the time, Flint Hill Preparatory. And, while we have completely reorganized in structure, mission, and status — and have become a leader among independent schools for mission, vision, and core values — some of the seeds of that foundation remain paradoxical with the school we are and strive to be today and into the future. While we’re informed by and proud of many aspects of our past, we’re always striving to be better. I am proud to lead a community that has thoughtfully and meaningfully evolved embodying the growth mindset that we envision for our students."
- Patrick McHonett, Head of School
FOUNDING IN 1956
Flint Hill Preparatory was located at 3101 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, Virginia. The desegregation of public schools led to the creation of many “white flight” schools, including, at the time, Flint Hill Preparatory. We know the importance of acknowledging that exclusionary aspect of our founding as we also acknowledge the decades of important growth and evolution as Falcons and now as Huskies that have led us to our current mission, vision, and core values. We’re proud to be a part of an innovative community that strives to be better each day.
THE MILLER HOUSE
Over its history, Flint Hill has operated on four campuses. One element that has remained the same is Miller House, located at 10409 Academic Drive.
Architectural elements of the Miller House were originally part of the Willcoxon Inn, which was built in 1805. Currently, the Miller House is used as office space.
BECOMING FLINT HILL SCHOOL
Philanthropist, attorney, and real-estate developer John Tilghman "Til" Hazel transformed the landscape of Fairfax County and was the catalyst for Flint Hill’s resurgence in the 90s.
In 1989, Mr. Hazel led the acquisition and reorganization of Flint Hill Preparatory School and ushered in a new era of excellence and innovation in academics, arts, and athletics under the name Flint Hill School. In September 1990, Flint Hill opened its doors to students in grades Kindergarten through 12 with a new campus, now known as Hazel Lower School.
THE HUSKY PROMISE
Following a student vote in the early 90s, Flint Hill changed its mascot from the Falcons to the Huskies.
When Flint Hill students comprehend what it means to be a Husky, they understand the benefits of teamwork in the most profound and practical ways. More than merely our mascot, Huskies are part of our cultural ethos. It starts in the Lower School when students learn the Husky Promise:
“Today I promise to do my best; to respect myself, others and my world; to be a responsible and honest Husky; and to show compassion to all.”
Embedded in this promise are our core values and the fundamental belief that we each pull the sled so that we all cross the finish line together.
A NEW UPPER SCHOOL
In 2001, 64 seniors became the last class to graduate from the Academic Drive campus.
The Upper School opened for the 2001-02 school year, with facilities for science, visual arts, athletics, language, math, and the Learning Center. The new Learning Center was one of the first of its kind in the area, providing direct support for students with different learning needs.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
In 2005, Flint Hill celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding. At the time, the school had produced more than 2,000 alumni.
APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
In the 2011-12 school year, Flint Hill introduced its 1:1 technology program. The school was named an Apple Distinguished School, a designation recognizing outstanding schools and programs worldwide for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Flint Hill maintains a partnership with Apple, providing Lower School students with iPads and Middle and Upper School students with MacBook Air computers.
MOMENTUM CAMPAIGN
In 2019, Flint Hill launched and completed our "Momentum — Campaign for Flint Hill," the largest and most ambitious fundraising campaign in the School’s history, which led to the construction of Peterson Middle School, named in honor of the Peterson family. Students in grades 7-8 moved from Hazel Lower School to the new Peterson Middle School for the 2020-21 school year.
FLINT HILL SCHOOL TODAY
As of the 2023-24 school year, our enrollment is 1,066 students from grades JK-12, and our campuses and programs continue to grow. Our diverse school community includes 47% students of color and families representing 14 countries as well as countless neighborhoods throughout Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.