International Admissions
High Bluff Academy welcomes students from all nations. This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students on F-1 student visas. For those students coming alone, guardianship and housing can be arranged with local host families. Housing and guardianship are $15,000 per school year (does not include summer).
San Diego has the ideal climate of any city in the United States. High Bluff Academy is located near beautiful beaches in a charming seaside resort town. Visitors from all over the world flock to San Diego for its outdoor-lifestyle and fun attractions. The neighborhood is extremely safe. To find out more about San Diego, please visit http://www.sandiego.org.
High Bluff Academy accepts students entering grades 9 through 12 who have some proficiency in English. High Bluff Academy has its own after-school tutoring and test prep program where students can get help with SAT/ ACT and TOEFL preparation, college counseling, and assistance with college applications and college visits.
TUITION
$21,500 per year (includes books and school fees)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Fall 2019 – April 1, 2019
Admissions Criteria: We encourage students with limited English to enter our school in Grade 9 in order to be fully prepared for university.
International students who study all four years in the U.S. are NOT required to take the TOEFL exam by most universities.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
The following test scores are guidelines and the school will take other factors into consideration when making admissions decisions.
| GRADE | AGE on AUGUST 31 | TOEFL JR / IBT |
|---|---|---|
| GRADE 9 | 14 – 15 | 785 TOEFL JR / 50 on IBT |
| GRADE 10 | 15 – 16 | 845 TOEFL JR / 55 on IBT |
| GRADE 11 | 16 – 17 | 65 on IBT |
| GRADE 12 | 17 – 18 | 75 on IBT |
Please click on the link to find a testing center in your country. TOEFL JR If you cannot find a TOEFL JR test site, you can take the ITEP SLATE
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
$200 Application fee
| Step 1 | Application and fee sent |
| Transcripts in English | |
| Letters of recommendation | |
| Test scores | |
| Step 2 | Skype interview conducted |
| Step 3 | Notice of acceptance via email |
| Step 4 | $1,000 tuition deposit due |
| Step 5 | Acceptance letter and I-20 sent via UPS |
After receipt of the Acceptance letter and I-20, the student must complete the following:
1. Pay the $200 SEVIS Fee for the I-901 online at Dept. of Homeland Security website.
2. Ask your bank to complete the required financial records.
3. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy to schedule an interview.
4. Make sure you have everything necessary for the interview.
Once you receive your student visa, or are notified of a denial, please contact the school at admissions@highbluffacademy.com
5. You will receive a guardianship form and a Homestay Contract with your I-20. Both of these will need to be signed, NOTARIZED, and emailed to us. The original documents should be mailed to us. If your child is living with a relative or family friend, the school will need a copy of proof of Legal Guardianship.
6. You will need to get your students cleared by a doctor and a dentist before they come to the U.S. MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE IN THE U.S. even with insurance. You will need to submit PROOF OF IMMUNIZATIONS. Please click here for a list of vaccinations required by the State of California.
7. You will need to purchase medical insurance for a period covering the student’s first day of arrival until the expected departure date.
8. Once you purchase an airline ticket, notify the school of the travel arrangements and whether the student will need transportation from the Los Angeles International Airport or the San Diego Airport. There is a fee for airport pickup. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INSURANCE
Health Insurance is mandatory for all students. You can use this link or purchase any insurance policy of your choosing.
All students are required to have medical insurance. Parents may choose the insurance coverage they prefer.
Please visit this link to learn more: International Student Insurance
CURRICULUM
GRADE 9
| Grammar and Language | Intermediate ELD |
| English Literature | English 9* |
| Social Studies | Introduction to U.S. History* |
| Speech | Speech |
| Math | Math 1, 2, or 3 |
| Science | Chemistry |
| Elective (Choose 2) | P.E. Tech, Art, Music |
* Courses are “sheltered” for ESL students only. All other courses are mixed with native speakers.
GRADE 10
| English Language | Advanced ELD |
| English Literature | English 10 |
| History | World History |
| Speaking | Speech or TOEFL prep |
| Math | Math 1, 2, or 3 |
| Science | Physics |
| Math | Math 2, 3 or Honors Precalc* |
| Elective (Choose 2) |
* Honors Precalculus is a college level class and earns a weighted grade
GRADE 11
| English Language | Writing Support |
| English Literature | English 11 |
| History | U.S. History (1865 to present) |
| Science | Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics |
| Math | Math 3, Honors Precalc, AP Calc |
| Science | ACT and/or TOEFL |
| Test Prep | Math 2, 3 or Honors Precalc* |
| Academic Electives | AP Psychology, Extra Science class, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science, Geography, AP Statistics |
| Other Electives | P.E. Art, Music, Service Club |
TOEFL is not required by most universities of international students who have attended high school in the U.S. for three years or more. Students may choose to submit TOEFL scores if ACT English scores are not high enough.
* Honors Precalc college level class earns a weighted grade
GRADE 12
| English Literature | English 12 |
| Social Studies | American Government & Economics OR AP Politics & Government and AP Macroeconomics |
| Electives | Science, Math, Computer Science, Technology, Art, Spanish, Geography, etc. |
| Science | Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics |
| Math | Math 3, Honors Precalc, AP Calc |
| Science | ACT and/or TOEFL |
| Test Prep | Math 2, 3 or Honors Precalc* |
| Academic Electives | AP Psychology, Extra Science class, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science, Geography, AP Statistics |
| Other Electives | P.E. Art, Music, Service Club |
* Honors Precalc college level class earns a weighted grade
For a list of activities available to High Bluff students, click on the link: Activities
High Bluff Academy is a small-scale elite high school that truly embodies the advantages of private high schools in the U.S. It is an ideal choice for international students who plan to study abroad in the U.S. From our own experience, my child had enjoyed his experience at High Bluff Academy and got accepted to a top 50 university in the U.S. The teachers and faculties are well qualified, responsible, and caring about the students. Students received personalized education and attention from each teacher because of low teacher-to-student ratio. The school director Jill has a deep understanding of the international students, especially the students from China. She is deeply involved in promoting active learning among students, encouraging international students to participate in a variety of activities, maintaining effective communication with parents of international students. High Bluff Academy is definitely a great private high school to recommend.
这是一所真正体现了美国私立高中优点的小型精英学校，对于想上美高就读的中国学生来说是个理想选择。该学校是由美国高考培训学校发展起来的，师资力量强，特别是对在国内学习基础薄弱的中国学生来讲，针对性很强。学校人数较少，教师对学生非常关怀友好。该校的Jill校长对中国学生的学习情况有较深的了解，在督促孩子自觉学习和融入美国教育体系方面用心很深，并与中国家长就如何共同确保孩子学习成长方面保持良好的沟通。我们的孩子在学校里得到了校长和老师的真心关爱，成长很快，从在国内学习基础较差的学生，到顺利地完成了美国高中的课程并考取了美国前50位的大学。亲身体会告诉我们，这绝对是一所值得推荐的好学校。
Hongxia Sun
mother of Yutong Zhang attending UC Irvine
