Frequently Asked Questions

How many international students attend VCS and which countries do they come from?
We have approximately 90 international students. Students come from many different countries, including: Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Congo, Burma, Mexico, Brazil, Panama, Europe, Serbia, Philippines, and Portugal. 

What colleges do VCS international students attend?
International student graduates from VCHS currently attend prestigious universities, including Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, NYU, Barnard College, and Wellesley College. Each international student is assigned to one special VCHS college counselor who helps the student select and apply to colleges.

How many AP courses does VCS offer?
VCHS currently offers 23 AP courses.

Does VCS have an ESL program?
No, we do not provide an English Second Language program. Because international students attend classes with domestic students in all of the college preparatory classes, each student accepted into VCS must demonstrate strong abilities in written and spoken English. This requires the following minimum English proficiency test scores:

• TOEFL iBT    80
• TOEFL Jr.    865
• iTEP SLATE  5.0
• IELTS            6.0

What grade levels does VCS accept?
We accept international students entering grades 6^th- 11^th. We do not accept students for grade 12^th. Students who apply for grades 6^th- 8^th must live with a parent.

Do you accept new international students to VCS in the spring semester (beginning early January)?
We normally do not accept international students in the spring semester.

When is the application due?
The application due date for the 2021-2022 school year is March 30^th, 2021. 
International Applications are Now Closed for the 2021-2022 school year.

What is the application process for international students?
Click the button below to reference the International Admissions page for instructions on "Submitting Your Application." 

International AdmissionS Process
Submitting Your Application Details

What about the I-20 and F-1 visa?
International students must obtain an F-1 visa from their local U.S. Embassy to attend school in the U.S. Once an international student is accepted to VCS, and returns his/her Enrollment documents along with a payment of enrollment fees, the International Student Office issues an I-20 to the student. The student will need the original form of I-20 for his/her visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.

Does Valley Christian board students or find homestay families?
VCS is not a boarding school, and VCS international students live with their homestay families. New international students will work with our in-house homestay coordinator, Mrs. Hamilton. If you have questions about our homestay program, please contact her at jhamilton@vcs.net. 

Does the student have to be a Christian to attend Valley Christian Schools?
Most students who attend VCS consider themselves Christians. However, we also accept students, who are not Christians but are open to learning more about Jesus Christ and the Bible. Although each student is free to make his/her own choice about religion, many of our international students become Christians as a result of attending our school. The family and guardian must support this decision as a positive step in the student’s spiritual and moral growth.

Is there transportation to Valley Christian Schools?
VCS has a number of buses and vans that go to different locations throughout the South Bay area to pick up students. Students are dropped off at these locations after school. There is an additional fee for this service. International students also can use this service, but the International Student Program does not encourage international students to use the busing service because it could limit their availability to participate in after school programs. Their homestay parents need to provide transportation to and from VCS.

Do students need medical insurance to attend VCS?
Yes, all international students must have medical insurance to attend our school. They may select and purchase their own insurance plan in their home country if it is recognized in California, or they may purchase a plan in California immediately upon arrival in the US.

What is the Conservatory of the Arts?
The Conservatory of the Arts is an outstanding art program that is most unusual in the United States. There are opportunities to take many music, theatre, dance, media, or visual arts classes. Students may also take special lessons after school, give recitals and build a portfolio for college. A number of international students at VCS are part of the Conservatory of the Arts program. For more information on this program, select the button below. 

Conservatory of the Arts

What is the Applied Math, Science, and Engineering (AMSE) Institute?
The AMSE Institute is an innovative program for VCS students who have a particular interest or strength in math, science, engineering or technology. The program is ideal for students who want to be trained through the highest courses in these subjects and work closely with local business entrepreneurs and scientists. These students have opportunities to do research on university-level projects, enter elite math and science competitions and more. For more information about this program, select the button below. 

AMSE PrograM                         

What is the Business & Entrepreneurship Initiative (BEI) Program?
The BEI Program gives students access to exceptional resources and training to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. School courses teach core business concepts and elite after-school programs provide the opportunity to create, develop, and launch a business. For more information about this program, select the button below.

BEI PrograM                             

Who should I contact for more information about the VCS International Student Program?
We are so glad you are learning more about Valley Christian Schools. We love and care for each international student in VCS and want to answer all of your questions. Please contact us at international.admissions@vcs.net.