International Student FAQs

Approximately 19 percent of our student body is international.

We do not offer ESL. Due to our rigorous academic program, we require students to be fluent in English.

For applicants to grades 9, 10, and 11, nonnative English speakers are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). We use Duolingo English Test (DET) during the rolling admission process on a case-by-case basis and as a supporting piece of English proficiency documentation. Other assessments, such as SSAT or ISEE, are not required but may be submitted.

While scores are helpful indicators for academic and language readiness, we consider many factors in reviewing applications. We seek students whose TOEFL scores are 79 or above.

A personalized Catalina visit, consisting of a tour and interview, are required components of the application process. Visiting campus and meeting the people who will be teaching and caring for you is an important part of making an informed choice for high school. For this reason, in-person visits are highly recommended. However, we do offer virtual visits for families who are unable to come to campus. Please see Step 5 on our How to Apply page for more information.

Santa Catalina must receive a completed online application before sending a letter intended for any embassy. But upon request by a family, the Admission Office is able to send an official letter to the family stating that a campus visit by the applicant and her parent(s)/guardian(s) is a required part of the application process. In this letter, the Admission Office will designate a specific visit date that is mutually agreed upon by the applicant’s family and Santa Catalina. Often this letter is enough for a travel visa to be granted, but it is not a guarantee.

If all other application requirements are complete and the visit is scheduled prior to February 1, an extension in the first two weeks of February may be considered.

Applicants who visit after the second week of February may not be considered with the initial pool of applicants. Their application will be considered based on availability.

Applications submitted after the February 1 deadline will be considered on a rolling admission basis and are based on availability.

Our admission process is for fall entry. However, if you currently attend a school on an annual calendar (January-November), spring entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

No, we are unable to offer financial aid to international families.

We typically do not accept students for grade 12.

Santa Catalina does not make housing arrangements or organize trips for international students over extended vacations (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter, and Easter vacations) when the campus is closed. This is the family’s responsibility to arrange. Trips will be offered to the student body at large, and vary per year.

We offer a close-knit, thriving boarding program. For this reason we do not offer homestay or five-day boarding.