Don't believe all the 5-star reviews the owner, Naheed Ghassemi, writes for herself with her fake profiles. Check out the Yelp reviews for Ana Visage Institute, the school's original/former name. That's why they changed the name of the school, too many bad reviews so they just closed and reopened under a different name. The review here asking why people come back if they had a negative experience is OBVIOUSLY the owner...First of all, the owner is completely crazy in my experience. She can't hold on to staff because of the way she treats them or they run into pay issues with her. All of the teacher/staff turnover makes it really hard to get a decent education. That's assuming you have a teacher at all, sometimes there are stretches of months where there is no teacher and you are left to self-study. They don't care because they know they already have your money & you are stuck with them through your financial aid. Naheed is so cheap, all of the money she makes from tuition she barely invests back in to the school. The kits you'll end up paying at least $1.000 for probably cost her $50. If you go to DSI or Esthetic Institute, you'll get brand name professional products (Dermalogica or Bioelements) but at AVI you get cheap, low-quality generic products no one's heard of. Everything that's not products in the kit are the cheapest things she could find on Amazon. She takes full advantage of the students "working" in her "spa". She misleads clients into thinking they're getting services by licensed people and charges them full price, so she makes even more money off the students. She tries to force students into doing body massage services, which are not in an Esthetician's scope of practice at all. Body massage appointments. If you refuse to take it, she will scream at you, threaten to kick you out of school, or maybe even take away hours from you that you rightfully earned. They falsify hours there to get paid. If you don't have enough hours, they don't get paid so no matter how much you show up to school, you'll still get hours somehow. There are actually 3 bathrooms that I know of on the whole school site. but Naheed only allows ALL of the students to only use the 1 bathroom (and for no particular obvious reason). I mean the 20 girls she had for basic, all of the Master students (although there weren't very many because so few actually return for Master) & the permanent makeup students. She only has 1 mini fridge for all of these students. She has no problem over crowding the classes because she'll never turn away money, but she will never invest in allowing the students to use another bathroom (THAT SHE ALREADY HAS), a full size fridge to accommodate this many people, or getting clean drinking water available. Instead she had an old water cooler that she refilled with stagnant tap water and labeled it as spring water. The other schools have limits on their class sizes, they start these classes about every 3 months & everyone starts from the same point. AVI will let you enroll at any time, which at first sounds great. But that means if they're on chapter 20, so are you, and that will be your confusing, overwhelming introduction to school. That also means that every time a new student comes, which happens all the time, the teacher has to go over the same chapters again and again that you've already been over and you'll miss out on chapters you haven't done yet and you probably never will. They give almost no state board training. This school has a reputation for the girls showing up to state board having no clue what to do. Their angle is taking advantage of international women, promising them student visas and nice jobs. They also offer "flexibility", saying that they're open after hours to accommodate people's schedules but that is all at their discretion. They'll promise you anything but if it's not in your contract, watch out. They also try to make students sign things later that are not in their best interest. If you don't know any better, you'll be taken advantage of. They'll tell you anything to make you sign up and after that, they'll do whatever they want and they don't care. RUN! read more

Educational Excellence The curriculum is comprehensive and well-structured, blending in-depth theory with hands-on practical training. Subjects like skin analysis, facial treatments, hair removal, and makeup application are taught with clarity and precision. Instructors are knowledgeable, experienced, and deeply committed to student success. They not only teach techniques but also emphasize safety, sanitation, and client care--essential foundations in this industry. Skill Development As an esthetician student, I've gained confidence in performing various skincare services through guided practice on mannequins and live models. The school provides access to industry-standard equipment and professional-grade products, helping students become familiar with tools they'll use in real-world settings. We're also trained in the latest skincare technologies and trends, ensuring we stay current in a constantly evolving field. Professional Growth Beyond technical skills, the program fosters a professional mindset. We learn about client communication, business fundamentals, and the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic. The school encourages students to develop their own unique approach and supports us in building a personal brand, which is crucial for those aiming to work in spas, salons, or even start their own practice. Supportive Environment The learning environment is collaborative and encouraging. Fellow students and instructors alike create a sense of community that makes it easier to grow, make mistakes, and learn. There's a clear emphasis on mentorship, and the school offers career guidance and networking opportunities to help students transition smoothly into the workforce. Conclusion Becoming an esthetician student has opened the door to a dynamic and fulfilling career in skincare. Beauty school has not only equipped me with the skills needed to succeed but has also instilled a deep passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. I would highly recommend this path to anyone with a genuine interest in esthetics and a desire to make a positive impact in the beauty industry- loved this school - Ali Hashmi read more

I recently had the pleasure of completing my Graduation at Avi School, I need to write this good review about the school and about new management. If you are a old student and if u come to school now, u cannot recognize the school that you attended 3 months before. Every thing changed new equipment and new interior, it is very Modern Feel. Now i feel proud that I graduated from AVI American vocational Institute. I know this review helps many aspiring students, so felt like sharing my thoughts. I know there were hickups in past with old management but now with new management, just wow, Krishna is the new Owner and he is really a true businessman who cares about the students and their education. He got all the latest technology equipment. Education by Rohnda and other instructors Tiffany was extremely useful to learn new aspect of cosmetology and Esthetics. I complete Basic esthetics, and I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of education and instruction I received. One of the standout instructors at this school was Rohnda, who was not only knowledgeable and experienced in her field, but also had a passion for teaching and helping her students succeed. Throughout my time at the school, Rohnda went above and beyond to ensure that I had a solid understanding of the esthetics curriculum, from skin analysis and treatment to makeup application and more. Her dedication to her students' success was evident in the way she tailored her teaching approach to suit each individual's learning style, and her patience and encouragement helped to build my confidence as a budding esthetician. Overall, I would highly recommend this Avi School to anyone interested in pursuing a career in esthetics. The instructors, particularly Rohnda, are top-notch and the quality of education is unmatched. Thank you, Rohnda, for your exceptional instruction and for inspiring me to pursue my passion for esthetics! read more

Successfully completed my Cosmetology Program. I am so thrilled and excited for the amount of knowledge that I gained from this school and this is the only best school that is out there for cosmetology. There was another one branded useless school that agreed to pay 28K for cosmetology program I came from, I am so happy with my instructors here very well understood my expectations and trained me so well. Last month we graduated and the new vice president of the school Ms. Geeta took over the operations and she is so good in understanding the students. I am writing this review with my husband profile, I was not able to log in to Yelp with my Gmail have some issue with that account. I love the way that management care about students, everything is taken care. If there are any issues, u just need to walk to the owner room next to the lobby, he is there or his Vice president there. They are very enthusiastic people, go and talk to them when u go for the tour. I heard they are IT background people trying to add IT programs to the school soon. and I spoke to the owner they are adding medical programs also. as I said, if you go today to AVI, u feel like it is high-end school just with the tour. u feel like you don't need to even look at any other school to pursue your career, I am so happy and excited for my future with this. They have spa and salon that they are built and they offered me job there but I want to start my own business. I really thank my extraordinary teachers and the management. I just love them. every penny is worth spending in My AVI. I just feel proud to be a graduate of AVI Career Training. just go and take a tour. I will post more pictures soon :) read more

Ms Naheed Ghassemi, the President /CEO of AVI Career Training & Day Spa in Great Falls, Virginia was my Instructor and then my Director whom I worked for over 14 years right until my move to California. Although she has the most advance techniques in Beauty industry and her knowledge and experience surpasses all I know in this Field, I can strongly testify that: a drop of pride or a cell of ego does not exist in her body. She is a down to earth lady with unbelievable humility and kindness which makes her a Nobel Mentor. I am forever in debt & thankful for the opportunity to work for her and All I can say about Ms. Naheed Ghassemi's honesty & faith is that she has succeeded amazingly to balance spiritually in material life and surpassed achieving the extremes in best of both worlds. Ms Naheed Ghassemi is an inside out beauty that I'll miss working for and learning from. Ms Naheed with excellent business ethics, ocean of humility and selfless unconditional love makes it a once in a life time opportunity for all who come across her path. Ms. Naheed is my Mentor and I owe her all I know and who I am. I respect Ms. Naheed Ghassemi for the knowledge she has given me with absolute sincerity like an angle and love her like a sister. read more

I just finished my Basic Esthetic program here, my sister renuka took the program with me and she loved it just like me- the instructors teaching techniques were great, the material is very helpful and I feel prepared. They are all so encouraging and nice and care so much about you completing the program. Ms Naheed really helped me out with my program. The teachers help you outside the class and are very passionate about what they do and treat you with respect. My knowledge is excellent having come from here I passed my state board the first time !!! No retakes ! Ms Naheed also taught me PCT I just finished yesterday and took the test at state board and and passed the first time! I am beyond excited as they are helping me prepare for this new journey in my life I learned how to do the eyebrow the lip blushing the eyeliner. She is so knowledgeable and always made sure I had someone to do practice for permanent make up on. So when I went to state it was a breeze. I had hands on training the entire time and even material from the book that was very helpful in addition to the practical portion. I will always choose AVI for my programs- I intend to take the Masters program here in January with them and I am looking forward to it. read more

I can't say enough amazing things about AVI and the incredible team behind it. My instructor, Ms. Jacque, was truly a blessing--her patience, knowledge, and genuine passion for teaching made all the difference in my journey. She goes above and beyond to make sure her students feel confident, supported, and fully prepared to succeed. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the owner, Krishner, and Ms. Geeta. During a very difficult time in my life, they went far above and beyond to support me and make sure I was able to successfully graduate. Their patience, compassion, and dedication truly meant everything to me, and I will never forget how they showed up for me when I needed it most. Because of AVI, I was able to successfully build and grow my electrolysis business, and now I'm excited to expand by adding esthetics services. The education, encouragement, and strong foundation I received there truly changed my life. If you're thinking about entering this field, I highly recommend AVI. This isn't just a school--it's a place where people genuinely care about you and your success. read more

I can't say enough great things about my experience at this cosmetology school. From day one, it's been clear how dedicated everyone here is to helping students succeed, especially Miss Susan. She truly goes above and beyond for every single student. Her passion for teaching, her patience, and the way she pushes us to do our absolute best make such a difference. You can tell she genuinely cares about our growth, not just as future professionals but as confident individuals. This school creates such a positive and motivating environment. The hands-on training, the support, and the high standards really prepare you for the real world. It's not always easy Miss Susan makes sure we work hard but that's exactly what makes it worth it. Because of her guidance, I feel more confident in my skills every day. If you're thinking about going into cosmetology, I highly recommend this school. It's the best decision I've made, and having a teacher like Miss Susan makes the experience even more rewarding. read more

AVI is a REAL SCHOOL with REAL PEOPLE. I've been fortunate enough to learn from not only the best instructors who are both knowledgeable and relatable but support staff who go above and beyond for us. As a 9 year Military Veteran who proudly served my country, being enrolled at AVI was the second greatest decision I've made in my life. This school really respects and honors Veterans. From my perspective as a Man with ZERO Wellness, Beauty and Spa industry knowledge or experience. AVI has prepared me to be an industry leader as well as provided a safe environment to grow. I'm Black and spent years advocating for diversity and inclusion. There is no school or organization I've seen embody that more than AVI. You will be showered with representation and cultural acceptance as you strive to be the best version of yourself. The programs that enriched my life are Massage Therapy, Esthetics, Master Esthetics, and Cosmetology. If I could attend these programs again I would in a heartbeat! read more

I selected this school to complete my Master Esthetics program after receiving my Basic Esthetics license through another school. Having experienced both curriculums, I am happy with the education I received at AVI Institute for these reasons: - They offer a hybrid course (online & in-person) which allowed me to work & be very flexible with my school schedule. - The instructors, admin, and director were accommodating with any issues I had. - The instructors were very knowledgeable & helpful with many subjects, even outside the course curriculum. A hybrid curriculum isn't always for everyone, but it worked well specifically for me because I had a good foundation from my Basic Esthetic program & felt I didn't need in-person instruction for parts of the curriculum. I now have completed the program all while working 30 hours/week with little interference to my education :) Master's program is greate read more

I dis my esthetics program with avi, i really felt happy with the way that program went on. I learned manythings that wont be taught in other schools. Instructors are really helpfull in underatamding of the program amd prqctical hands on practicals helped mw big way. The new owner krishna is really good in taking care of us. He alao introduced thursdays free food concept which makea us feel good amd it ajows his care foe the atudents.the whole school is rennovated like a classy modern environment. We got all the latest euipment. And he is very considerable if students has financial issues. Please go and try i r career. U will not regret. Please ignore reviews on old owner and the way it ran before. Now it is all good. I m feeling so comfortable to write this review it may help future aspiring students like me. I started working in sterling read more

On Wednesday, 9/9/2020, I went and got permanent eyeliner applied. I'm not gonna lie I was very nervous, I mean it is my eye. When I walked in everyone was so nice and respectful. Which helped my nerves a little. When it was time to have them done they took back to the conference area. We sat down and they explained what would happen and showed me what they would use. They also asked me how I wanted them done. I told, Kendrea- hope I spelt her name right, I wanted them to look natural. After we talked it was time to go to the chair. They gave me a step by step of everything they were going to be doing. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to go back and do my eyebrows . Would definitely recommend you check them out!!! read more

I'm not sure what is happening here in Yelp reviews. I started my cosmetology course 8 months ago. When I started, i didn't know anything about anything. I'm serious. I had just decided to learn something new that can turn into a second income for me. So, I started with Mrs. Susan. She is the most caring person I've ever known in my life. I have learned so much from her. I have been able to get a job as an assistant in a 5star salon and have been offered to work in the same salon after I graduated. The management is another amazing thing about this place. Super helpful and responsive. I highly recommend this place. If you are a new student, just be patient. You will be surprised to see how much progress you have made in a few months. read more

I went to sign up for school. I will be doing basic esthetics. When I arrived at the school I was hesitant to start because of my financial situation. The director of the school was very nice and calmed my nerves. Ms. Yohanna gave me all the information I needed to know to make a decision and she could tell I was still a little unsure. She and Ms Naheed allowed me to see a class that was being conducted and it was all I need. They make the program to fit the students needs. Being able to do everything on line and practicals at the school is great! I applied for Financial Aid and Ms. Tanisha walked me through the process. The three of them really are about making sure their students are satisfied. I look forward to starting school. read more

this is one of the top schools of virginia now, especially after moving to Tysons corner. I completed my Basic esthetics and Master esthetics for masters My teacher was Ms. Rhonda, a Plethora of Esthetics , haha. i mean it . it was very good experience overall. I dont' think any one needs more than what this school provides to get certified in esthetics. I definitely encourage any one to go and just see how beautiful the school is now. I went to another school for master Esthetics in vienna, but didnt' like it . i came back to AVI. Management is taking care of the students so well and providing all they need. I graduated last month . thank you AVI. read more

Ive gotten a facials from their spa side and the school side, they have always been really accommodating and sweet. At the school side it was like students who were in training practicing facials on your face and they did a really good job and they had their teacher supervising and they were really patient and worked with my face as I have very sensitive skin, and were not abrasive as many other places Ive been to. All in all I've had a pretty good experience I liked the people that worked there because they seemed like they were all close and family so it felt like a very comfortable environment, still go to get facials from them read more

Just finished my esthetics class and had my state board prep class. I feel totally confident that I will succeed when I go for my testing. I signed up last week for my Mater Esthetics program and I am so excited. Naheed and her staff truly love and care for their students. This is the first school where I didn't feel like I was just a number to them. They ensure the students are prepared to go out and work for ourselves or any spa. Thank you AVI for caring about my education and success. Happy to say I am going to enroll in PCT as well! I think that it's important for me to be well rounded in these fields that coincide. read more

I am a full time working single mom with 2 kids, and the only Esthetics School that accommodated me was AVI Career Training. I took the Master Esthetics with them after completion of Basic and learned so much that was able to get hired at a high pay respected med spa before I graduated. Then I took Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing and loved the teacher. They helped me with state board exam preparation course and Ms. Naheed diligently followed me till I graduated and applied for license and got job placed. I am in Massage Therapy program and Ray is the best massage therapist with 16 years of experience in fitness training. read more

I started my basic esthetics program about 2 months ago. Ms.Deborah is an amazing instructor, she knows the material inside and allows us to do a lot of hands on work with her guidance. The ladies in my class are all super friendly which makes working together very enjoyable. The staff here are also very accommodating. I had a family emergency and Natasha (the admissions advisor) took the time and initiative to put it in my records and notify the school. I love this school and all the people that are a part of it. I would recommend this institution to anyone interested in the beauty industry read more