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International Students

Maplewood Academy warmly welcomes international students to our school. International students interested in applying should first contact the school registrar to determine if space is available in the desired grade level.

We recognize that in order to be successful in their classes and to be able to take full advantage of opportunities available at our school, it's important that students possess a basic command of both written and spoken English. It is also the expectation that once accepted, international students will dedicate themselves to improving their English by participating in class and extracurricular activities and using English in their conversations. Research shows that those students who are most involved using English outside of class progress more quickly than those who limit their English usage to class.

 

Because English proficiency is such a critical factor when it comes to academic success in high school, and because many high school courses are vocabulary intensive, it is important for international students to have adequate English proficiency skills.

International students applying to Maplewood Academy are asked to submit an iBT score (Internet Based TOEFL) with their application. Preferred scores would be:

9th grade = 50

10th grade = 60

11th grade = 70

12th grade = 80

Students who are unable to reach the minimum score may apply to be a student in the English Language Experience, where they will attend all of the same classes as their English-speaking classmates to improve their proficiency, but may not be able to earn academic credit until a proficiency level is reached that enables them to successfully complete required course work.

While attending Maplewood Academy, international students will be required to take the iBT once each year in order to carefully monitor expected English language proficiency growth.

The TOEFL test is the most recognized tool for measuring English proficiency.There are several variations of the TOEFL, each with its own scoring. In order to avoid confusion, international students will be required to submit scores from the Internet Based TOEFL, often called the iBT. This test is widely available in testing centers. Booking a testing time may be limited and it may take several weeks to receive scores. Students interested in studying in the United States should schedule a test as soon as possible.

Students who are accepted to the school will experience a welcoming and inclusive student body and staff committed to their success.

NOTE:  Because international students are more likely to require transportation to and from the airport during home leave or vacation times, they are required to receive approval from school administration regarding airline flight itineraries prior to tickets being purchased. This is to ensure that reasonably convenient transportation can be arranged to and from the airport.

I-20 STATUS 

The school is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. Below are listed the requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive an I-20 form:

  1. Letter of intent stating what the student’s plan is for the coming school year and for the remainder of his/her high school years. If the student plans to attend college in the U.S., please include that information in the letter since it assists the Registrar in working out the credits.

  2. Bank statements from the parent or supporting persons (whoever is paying tuition and providing care for the student) as proof of finances. This is required in order for the USCIS to see that the student will be financially taken care of while staying in the United States.

  3. Student transcripts are needed from the previous school, translated in order for the Registrar to properly assess the student’s academic credits.

  4. Two letters of recommendation from previous school (translated).

  5. Completed application form.

  6. Immunization records and physical exam from doctor’s office.

  7. The USCIS requires a complete home address of the student from his/her country. This address must include: Full name of student Street and apartment number Province or Territory Country Zip Code

  8. Full names, address(es), email and phone numbers for parents.

  9. SEVIS Foreign Exchange Fee (I-901): This fee is non-refundable. The new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch of Homeland Security has created a charge for processing foreign exchange students. The fee of $350 will be submitted online at FMJFee.com. A receipt of payment will be issued to the student or responsible party. This receipt is required along with the I-20 when the student applies for an F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy.

 

Foreign Exchange Financial Information Based on 10 Months Tuition and Fees are for students entering the current school year.

The I-20 form will be issued only after the school faculty and the Registrar have reviewed the student’s transcripts, the student has been approved for acceptance into Maplewood Academy, and the yea’s tuition has been paid in advance.  Should a student withdraw from school in the middle of the 1st semester term, tuition for the remainder of the semester will not be refunded, however, the entire 2nd semester’s tuition will be refunded.

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