International Admissions
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2022
We understand the uncertainty due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and difficulty of scheduling visa appointments at some U.S. Consulates. We can process applications for Fall with a completely refundable deposit if the student is not able to attain a visa. HBA is happy to work with agents. If a student is unable to arrive by August 29th for the first day of class, we can arrange virtual classes until the student can arrive.
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.
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. 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. Students can submit any English test scores including TOEFL, TOEFL Jr. Duolingo or IELTS. If a student is not able to take one of these tests, their language ability can be assessed by our staff over Zoom.
TUITION
$22,000 per year (includes books and school fees)
Senior Graduation Fee: $500 (covers special activities and graduation gala)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority deadline is April 15th. Rolling admissions deadline is July 15th if space is available.
Admissions Criteria: We encourage students with limited English to enter our school in Grade 9 in order to be fully prepared for university.
ADMISSIONS TIMETABLE
Step 1 | Application and fee received |
Transcripts received | |
Letter of recommendation received | |
Test scores received | |
Step 2 | Zoom 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 email |
After receipt of the Acceptance letter and I-20, the student must complete the following:
1. Pay the $350 SEVIS Fee for the I-901 online at Dept. of Homeland Security website.
2. Fill out the DS-160 Application Form. Ask your bank to complete the required financial records.
3. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy to schedule an interview. Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov)
4. Make sure you have everything necessary for the interview. Study & Exchange (state.gov)
Once you receive your student visa, or are notified of a denial, please contact the school at admissions@highbluffacademy.com
5. If the student requires guardianship and a host family, HBA will send you a list of homestay companies who can assist you. The school does not provide this service.
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. Covid vaccinations are required for F-1 students entering the United States. If these are not available in your country, please let us know. 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