Southlands Admissions International

English Proficiency

7th – 10th Grade Applicants

• Evidence of English proficiency preferred.

1st – 12th Grade Applicants

• International Student Admissions Assessment (ISAA) interview is required.

11th and 12th Grade Applicants

• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/TOEFL Jr.score required.
• Must be a transfer student from another US high school or a student currently attending an international school overseas.

All new middle school and high school students are required to take English and math placement tests before school starts. If needed, a comprehensive ESL (English as a Second Language) program is available to all the international students who do not meet our English proficiency requirements. The ESL fees are included in the international student tuition.

Official Transcripts
Students must scan and upload their official transcripts to the international student application. The official transcripts must have a signature/stamp from the foreign school and must be professionally translated into English.

TK – 8th Grade Applicants

• Official transcript of the most recent academic year.

9th Grade Applicants

• Most recent official transcripts including 7th and 8th grade transcripts.

10th – 12th Grade Applicants

• All the most recent official transcripts starting from 9th grade.

Step I — Online Application

• To start an international student application, please click here (payment of application fee is the final step of the application).
• For a sample application, please click here.
• For an overview of tuition and fees, please see the Tuition & Fees section.

Step II — Registration (After Acceptance)

• Provide a Certificate of Deposit (must show enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses).
• We will issue the student’s I-20 Form by:
  - Mailing it out after the student has paid the registration fee, shipping fee, and provide us with his/her home country address; OR
  - Handing it directly to the student’s parent or legal guardian after he/she pays the registration fee and presents his/her own ID (driver’s license or passport).

1. What does the tuition cover? What are the additional fees besides admissions fees and tuition?

The tuition covers the ELL/ESL program, AP classes (high school), PSAT/ACT Aspire/ACT (high school), and a student retreat. For middle school students, the tuition also covers the textbook and Chromebook fees. The fees for lunch, uniform, high school textbook and some major field trips are not included in the tuition.

2. Will the school provide any assistance as the student goes through the F-1 Visa application process?

Throughout the application process, you will be working with one of our international admissions advisors. However, the student and the family is responsible for paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and for submitting the DS-160 form online.

3. Does Southlands require TOEFL score?

Yes, TOEFL score is required for 11th and 12th grade applicants; please order the official TOEFL score from ETS and send it to our school. For students applying to other grade levels, TOEFL score is preferred but not required. The submission of TOEFL score will allow our principal and academic counselors to give better academic advice to the family earlier on during the admissions process. For middle school or high school students without a TOEFL score, they are required to take an iTEP exam the week before school starts. If a student scores low on the iTEP exam, he/she will be placed in one of our ESL program levels.

4. How does Southlands select its homestay families to ensure the safety of the students?

Our homestay director interviews every homestay host applicant and inspects every house to make sure that the living condition is safe, clean, and comfortable. In addition, every homestay host is required to do a detailed background check. Lastly, all homestay families must provide us with a letter of recommendation from a pastor. Currently, some of our school’s own staff and teachers also serve as the homestay host for our students.

5. Is there a cafeteria on campus?

Yes! We have an indoor cafeteria where our students can purchase breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

6. Besides academics, what extracurricular activities does the school provide?

Our school provides many opportunities in sports, arts, music, and leadership development. Students can partake in events, competitions, and student groups of their interest.

For more information, please contact our International Admissions Department at 909-598-9733, Ext. 30.