International Students
Mission College Prep International Program Overview
Mission College Prep welcomes students from around the world who are interested in a one-year or multi-year homestay high school experience in the United States. We value the cultural diversity, perspectives, and individual gifts that international students bring to our community, and we encourage students who are bright, inquisitive, imaginative, and compassionate to apply.
Our International Program is selective, with a limited number of spaces available each year for students entering Grades 9–12. Mission College Prep has proudly hosted students from a wide range of countries, including Spain, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Brazil.
Program Details
- One-year and multi-year enrollment options are available
- Full immersion experience: international students with sufficient English proficiency attend classes alongside domestic students
- Success in our college-preparatory curriculum depends on a student’s ability to engage with course material through reading, writing, and discussion in English
- While Mission College Prep provides academic support, students are expected to arrive with strong English speaking, reading, and writing skills. In some cases, students may be encouraged to pursue additional English language development prior to enrollment
Applying for Admission
Mission College Prep accepts international student applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. International applicants should complete the following steps. For questions or assistance, please contact Director of Enrollment Shawna Foster at [email protected] or (805) 543-2131.
Application Requirements:
- Completed online application: LINK
- Proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL (recommended score: 65+)
- IELTS (recommended score: 6.5+)
- Duolingo English Test (recommended score: 105+)
- Official transcripts/grade reports from the previous two school years (with English translation).
- Minimum of two teacher recommendations:
- One from a Math teacher
- One from an English teacher
- Additional recommendations may be submitted from other teachers, a school counselor, or another non-familial adult.
- Copy of the student’s passport (photo/identification page).
- Student interview (conducted prior to acceptance via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WeChat).
Additional Requirements (Upon Acceptance)
Students who are accepted will receive an I-20 form, which must be presented at a U.S. consulate. Students must then complete the I-901 SEVIS fee payment to obtain F-1 student visa status: LINK
If transferring from another SEVP-approved school, students must provide current school information so transfer documentation can be processed. Please note: all immigration documents will be sent directly to the student’s permanent residence via courier and cannot be sent to a third party.
Financial Documentation
In accordance with U.S. immigration requirements, international students must demonstrate financial solvency for at least one year of education.
- A completed Foreign Certification of Finances form must be submitted through the FACTS system
- An official bank statement (dated within the past six months) must accompany this form
- If documents are not in English, a certified English translation must be provided
Submission of Supporting Documents
Mission College Preparatory High School
Office of Admissions, Attn: Shawna Foster
682 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA
Or emailed to: [email protected]
We welcome the opportunity to connect directly and discuss partnership details. Please contact the Office of Admissions to learn more by emailing Shawna Foster at [email protected].
