Best Internet Providers in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

Computers and internet service are more important than ever as educational and professional opportunities continue to migrate online. Despite that shift, a disproportionate number of low-income families in the Alexandria area aren’t able to access these vital digital resources, a disparity known as the digital divide. The following lists aim to connect Alexandria families in need with the affordable devices, internet, and services necessary for academic and professional achievement: 

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Alexandria

• Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS): Every student in Alexandria deserves fair access to the benefits of public school, and ACPS works to meet that goal by providing a learning device to each enrolled K-12 student. Students in pre-K through first grade can take a tablet home, and students in grades two through 12 can borrow a Chromebook. Students can use these devices each day in the classroom and at home to complete assignments and develop digital literacy. 
• PCs for People: Financially eligible families in Alexandria can shop the PCs for People online store to purchase a low-cost laptop starting at $100. To qualify for PCs for People technology, individuals must demonstrate enrollment in a government assistance program or prove that their income is below the 200 percent poverty level. 
• Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): Students enrolled at any NOVA campus can check out a laptop for use during the semester. Students can use these computers for free but are responsible for paying for damaged machines and late returns.

If you aren’t eligible for one of the low-cost computer programs above, you can try your luck at a computer store in the Alexandria area. You can find a works-like-new refurbished computer at one of the following technology vendors near Alexandria for a fraction of the cost of a new device: 

• Lambro Inc.
• PC Retro
• Micro Center

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Alexandria

• Alexandria City Public Schools: Through the ACPS’s Digital Toolkit, students can access an assortment of apps designed to assist with organization and homework help. Each of the apps integrates with ACPS-distributed devices, providing students and parents with a consistent set of tools to use for their assignments. 
• Alexandria Library: Thanks to the abundant collection of virtual resources on the Alexandria Library website, your curious learners will never have a reason to be bored! Alexandria students of all ages who sign up for a free library card can access hundreds of e-books, a variety of homework help databases, and even virtual programming including storytimes, all at no cost. 
• Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC): Thanks to the volunteers working with the ATC, Alexandria students can access reading tutoring totally for free! The organization implements the Book Buddies method to teach reading, a technique developed at the University of Virginia to improve reading skills and reader engagement. The best news? The ATC provides this incredible service virtually, so your children can get the reading help they need from the comfort of home. 
• The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington: No matter what neighborhood they live in or what their transportation situation is like, kids in Alexandria can enjoy educational, arts, health, and character activities offered through the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington! Children can tune in from home by accessing the Clubhouse @ Your House virtual program. The majority of the virtual programming is live, so participants will still get the sense of belonging and support they’ve come to expect from in-person programs. 
• The City of Alexandria: If keeping your kids at home isn’t an option but the cost of child care is beyond what you can afford, the city government of Alexandria offers a range of programs to help you get financial assistance. All programs are done in partnership with Virginia’s Common Help initiative. Families can determine their financial eligibility by visiting the Common Help website.

Free Wireless Internet Access in Alexandria

• WiFiMap.io Map of Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in Alexandria
• ArcGIS Virginia Free WiFi Hotspot Locator
• Alexandria City Public Schools Map of Free Wi-Fi in Alexandria

The Alexandria Public Library and the Fairfax County Public Library systems make free internet available at all of their branches, including the following locations: 

• Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library — 717 Queen St.
• Duncan Branch Library — 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
• Sherwood Regional Library — 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln.
• John Marshall Library — 6209 Rose Hill Dr.
• Kingstowne Library — 6500 Landsdowne Centre

The digital divide unfairly holds low-income families in Alexandria back from the technology they need, but knowing where to access free Wi-Fi can help keep you connected no matter your income. Look through our Wi-Fi coverage map to learn more about the locations offering public, complimentary Wi-Fi near you:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Alexandria, VA

3701 West Braddock Road

Alexandria, VA 22302

1200 North Howard Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

1108 Jefferson Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

4480 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22302

6295 Edsall Road

Alexandria, VA 22312

1775 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

6295 Edsall Road

Alexandria, VA 22312

4607 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

4312 Wheeler Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22307

4312/4314 Wheeler Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22304