International student admissions
Welcome to San Diego — and to High Bluff Academy.
Authorized to enroll international students on F-1 visas.
High Bluff Academy is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students on F-1 visas. We accept students entering grades 9–12 with at least some English proficiency, and we provide structured ESL support and academic accommodations until students perform at grade level independently.
Our small school is the perfect supportive environment for international students to build confidence in English. Many students elect to repeat a grade or take a 13th year of high school to strengthen their English and raise their GPA before applying to university.
Our city
San Diego — America’s Finest City, with year-round perfect weather.
Tuition & fees
Annual costs for full-time international students on an F-1 visa.
$45,580
Total annual cost for full-time international students.
Breakdown including
- Tuition$29,580
- I-20 issuing fee+ $10,000
- International student services fee+ $6,000
- Total= $45,580
- Registration fee (non-refundable)$300
- Late enrollment (after April 10)$1,000
- Graduation fee (12th grade)$600
The SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) is paid separately to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of the F-1 visa process — see step 05 below.
Seven steps from application to first day of class.
- 01
Submit the application
Complete the application form and email it along with a copy of the student's passport to admissions@highbluffacademy.com.
- 02
Schedule an online interview
After we receive your application, our admissions team will email to schedule a friendly online interview to get to know your student.
- 03
Receive your acceptance & I-20
Once admitted, HBA issues the I-20 form needed to apply for the F-1 student visa. The I-20 deposit is $10,000, applied directly toward tuition when the student arrives.
- 04
Complete the DS-160
After receiving your I-20, complete the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Application online with the U.S. Department of State.
- 05
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) online through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
- 06
Schedule the visa interview
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule your F-1 visa interview. We can advise on documents to bring.
- 07
Medical clearances & insurance
Submit proof of required immunizations and a medical and dental clearance. We can recommend local providers once on campus.
Help with finding a host family.
HBA does not provide homestays directly, but we partner with trusted local homestay providers and will help your family find the right match. Homestay fees vary and typically include three meals per day and transportation to and from school. Public transportation is not available to campus.
Ready to apply?
Start your application today. Our admissions team responds within one business day and can answer questions in English or Mandarin.