International Students

Ivy Hall Academy admits international students in grades K-12

Contact Now

We invite international students to learn about the unique learning experience at Ivy Hall Academy. Explore our website and become familiar with our educational philosophy. Check out our social media accounts to learn about our classrooms and culture.

We admit students whose educational goals align with our vision, mission, and values. Applicants in grades 8-12 should be able to read, write, and speak academic English and discuss what they read without hesitation. Applicants in grades K-7 are evaluated on an individual basis for English fluency.

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

International Student Application Process

All application materials must be submitted in English. All submissions may be scanned documents and should be sent to office@ivyhallacademy.org. 
The Admissions Committee will review the information provided and contact candidates for an interview. Interviews are conducted via Zoom. Both the international student and their parent should be in attendance. 
Homestay negotiations and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the student’s family or agent and the host family–NOT Ivy Hall Academy.

Complete the Student Application

Begin your journey at Ivy Hall Academy by filling out and submitting the student application form. Make sure all information is accurate and complete.

Pay the Application Fee

Submit the $150 non-refundable application fee to proceed with the admissions process. This fee helps us review and process your application.

Provide Financial Support Documentation

Submit an Affidavit of Support from your bank showing sufficient funds (typically $30,000 USD or equivalent) to cover tuition, living expenses, uniforms, travel, and other fees.

Submit Academic Transcripts

Send transcripts for all high school years, or, if entering 9th grade, the last two years of schooling. This helps us assess your academic background.

Request a Teacher Recommendation

Provide a Teacher Recommendation Form completed by a recent teacher. This helps us understand your academic strengths and character.

Submit TOEFL iBT Exam Score

For grades 8-12, provide your TOEFL iBT score. Minimum scores: 64 for 8th/9th grade, 67 for 10th grade, and 70 for 11th/12th grade. Use Ivy Hall’s TOEFL code (D267) when registering.

Register Here

International Enrollment Process

Applicants who are admitted will receive an acceptance letter, enrollment contract and the Student and Parent Handbook. Carefully read all three documents and be sure the student and parent understand and agree.

Students must accept their offer for admission by signing and returning the enrollment contract to international@ivyhallacademy.org

Pay $2,000 USD non-refundable tuition deposit as outlined in contract. This deposits is credit towards tuition once the student attends.

Once the signed contract and tuition deposit are received, a signed Form I-20 will be issued. This must be shown to the U.S. Consulate to receive an F-1 Student Visa.

International Student Application

Once the signed contract and tuition deposit are received, a signed Form I-20 will be issued.

International Teacher Recommendation

Once the signed contract and tuition deposit are received, a signed Form I-20 will be issued.

Frequently Asked Admission Questions

What are the English language requirements for international students?

Students must be able to follow teacher instructions, understand classroom expectations, and answer with enough basic conversation to communicate needs and reflect learning in the classroom with minimal disruption. Students often pick up the English language just by being immersed in the classroom. Academic learning is often secondary to the classroom socialization and experience of a Leader In Me classroom. Our expectation is that students are able to socialize and get to know other students so that they can share their experiences of their home country with our students. This will enhance the classroom culture as well as give opportunity for service and learning of the visiting student.

Can international students apply for scholarships or financial aid?

Once the signed contract and tuition deposit are received, a signed Form I-20 will be issued. This must be shown to the U.S. Consulate to receive an F-1 Student Visa.

Is there a deadline for international applications?

In lower school, they can come anytime and stay for a short period of time or the year depending on their academic abilities.
If a student is coming for the full school year, coming in the summer and attending summer classes, if available is ideal.

What support is available for international students adjusting to life at Ivy Hall?

Support offered to international students adjusting to Ivy Hall is immediately put in place by the core classroom teacher. Two or more students are assigned to be ‘ambassadors’ and watch out for the new students and introduce them to other students in all of their classes, integrating them into playground and lunch activities.
Specialty Teachers are aware of visiting international students so that we can give them additional instruction and guidance throughout their day, until they are comfortable and familiar with the facility as well as our activities. Culturally, Ivy Hall students are extremely welcoming and inviting.

Some of our families offer opportunities to stay with them in their homes, if it has been previously scheduled. International students in the lower school are welcomed into other students’ homes for play dates and outside activities just by natural association.

How do I schedule a school tour or a Shadow Day?

School tours can be done in person, ideally, or virtually if needed. This can be scheduled with the front office or through admissions. These can be scheduled during any school day or after school, if necessary.

Meeting international students on a Zoom phone call, if in person isn’t possible, this is also ideal, as we can meet them and check their level of English understanding and conversation. This also gives a personal connection to parents, students and administrators.

In person, shadow days can also be scheduled with the front office or admissions. This is a single day where the student would follow a schedule according to the grade they would be in, meeting the teacher and students of their class and learning about the culture and academic rigor of the day. A shadow day allows the school and the family to determine if we are a good fit for each other.