International Students
International Students, grades 7-11 who are prepared to mainstream into regular classes, are welcome to apply for admission to Valley Christian Schools. This opportunity allows students to study and acquire an American education taught through a Biblical Worldview. Valley Christian High School offers college preparatory academics, including AP courses and a well-rounded approach to education including sports, arts, and music. Valley Christian Schools issues I-20 status to students who meet all our general admissions requirements and who will be living with a Christian HomeStay family during their stay.
We have had students attend Valley Christian Schools from South Korea, China, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Taiwan, Egypt, Germany, Lithuania, Norway, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
International Student Timeline 2026-2027
- November 1st: Application opens (see below for details)
- February 15th: Recommended Application Deadline (including all application items-see student checklist in the SchoolAdmin application portal)
- 30 days from acceptance: Minimum 50% deposit and forms due to hold a spot and have an I-20 issued.
- June 30th: Remaining balance due–account must be paid in full
- July 30th: Latest arrival date to the US
- August 3rd -7th: Mandatory International Student Orientation
- August 10th: First day of School
Application Process:
Thank you for your interest in Valley Christian Schools. We are honored by your interest in joining our community. The opportunity for you to study here in the US and the cultural awareness it brings to our students is priceless!
Apply for the 2026-2027 school year
Additional items you will need to submit to be considered for admission:
Additional items you will need to submit to be considered for admission:
- Your Application
- Most recent school transcripts (translated into English)
- English proficiency test scores (see below for test options)
- 2 teacher recommendations
- Essays
- Copy of your passport
- Pictures of you and your life at home
- $500 Application fee
If you are accepted, you will be asked to submit additional items before a student visa can be issued. This will include items like medical records, evidence of financial support, a 50% deposit, etc. Don't worry, though--Mrs. Payton will let you know everything you need to do to become a Valley Christian student. The first step is to submit all of your application items. Please let us know if you have any questions!
What scores does Valley Christian require for English proficiency? Our program does NOT include an ESL component, so all international students must show English competency to verify their ability to function in our mainstream classrooms. International Students applying to VCS are required to submit scores from one of the following: the Test of English as a Foreign Language/TOEFL (minimum score of 70), TOEFL Jr (minimum score of 750), Duolingo (minimum score of 95), or iTEP (minimum score of 4.0). SLEP is no longer an accepted entrance exam. Other English proficiency exams may be accepted--please ask the international coordinator if other tests meet our requirements. These tests are only a partial indicator of a student's ability to excel as VCS. Transcripts, personal essays, teacher recommendations, and an in-person or Skype/Zoom interview are also a part of the application.
Links:
If you have questions please contact Amy Payton; International Student Program Coordinator at (562) 865-0281 x228 or apayton@vcschools.org
