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Challenging International Program

“I am an international student and this is my second year at HCS but I feel like I have been here my whole life. Since my first day at school, I was welcomed by the students, faculty and families. Though I am far away from my family, HCS has become a great family to me.”

- International Student
Katherine Weckhurst
Hello, My name is Katherine Weckhurst, and I am the International Student Program Director here at Hillcrest Christian. I have been a part of this program since 2008, and it has been such a wonderful adventure! Starting off as an international student from Colombia myself, I can relate with the academic and social struggles that these students face, especially being away from their families and culture. My job is to make their transition as smooth and positive as possible, and help them to be successful here in the United States, as well as prepare and guide them for what is ahead after they leave our campus.
Hillcrest Christian school is an I-20 authorized school that accepts international students at all levels – kindergarten through high school. We provide a Christian philosophy of education, a challenging curriculum, immediate integration, athletics, activities and events, a committed, qualified staff, and an English SDAIE class for English language learners in high school.

FEATURING

- Top 100 U.S. University Acceptances
- AP Courses
- Dual Credit Courses
- Honor Courses
- Loving Host Families
- Extracurricular Opportunities
- Competitive Athletics
- Fine Arts
- Orchestra Choir
- Advanced Technology
- International Student Resource Center
- Three field trips exclusively for International Students

GET IN TOUCH

With the combined benefits of all that our international program has to offer and the safe, nurturing environment of a Christian school, we invite you to become a part of Hillcrest Christian School. For more information, please contact Katherine Weckhurst.

Program Overview

Congratulations on your pursuit in learning English as a second language, or for many of you, as a third or fourth language. According to one almanac, English is spoken by over 470 million people across the globe, and it is the official language of over 45 countries. In many countries, knowing how to speak and write English increases your chances of getting a higher-paying job. Whether it is for these reasons or others, your desire to study the English language is a worthwhile one.

Our program is unique in the following ways:
  • All international students are matriculated immediately and enrolled in regular elementary, middle school or high school courses.
  • An English SDAIE (sheltered English) class is offered in the high school for all English Language Learners who need preparation before going into the mainstream English classes.
  • A Fundamentals of Christian Faith class will be offered to incoming international students in the secondary level (need based).
  • Current U.S. immigration regulations allow students who study at a private high school to remain longer in the United States than at a public high school. Thus, a student can potentially complete all four years of high school study at our school and receive an American high school diploma.
  • Students  have access to an International Student Resource Center, where they can speak to a counselor, receive academic support, use resources available to them, or just have quiet study time.
  • Teachers receive training throughout the year on strategies to best help international students in the classroom.
  • Host families receive support and training sessions throughout the year on how to get the most out of their hosting experience, and how best to manage different situations that may arise in the home.
  • Students have access to a wide variety of sports, music, and art programs available at our school.
  • Although Hillcrest does not offer a home stay program, students in need of a host family may contact the program director for a list of potential families that have been screened and approved by our school.
  • The average HCS student tests two years ahead of the national average.
  • HCS is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students by issuing I-20 forms in grades kindergarten through 12th. Hillcrest does not accept new students in their senior year of high school (12th grade).
  • Students in elementary can enter the school year at any time. Secondary students must enroll at the beginning of a semester. The school year runs from late August to early June.
  • To ensure that the international students are immersed in the culture and have an American school experience, we limit the amount of international students in each grade level.
  • After-school support is available for all grades and is included in the program fee.
  • Courses are taught by highly qualified teachers. Students have access to a wide variety of sports, music, and art programs available at our school.
  • The program includes three planned, day-long social outings in Southern California, for grades 7th - 12th, to help experience American culture.
  • Our location alone makes for a unique experience. We are located in beautiful Thousand Oaks, approximately an hour’s drive from Disneyland and Universal Studios, and scenic beaches like Malibu and Santa Barbara. It’s a beautiful suburban environment, fully accessible to many of the cultural opportunities of Southern California.

International Program Requirements

  • Completed application with $75.00 non-refundable processing fee
  • Current and previous year’s translated transcripts or report cards
  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers written or translated in English
  • Photocopy of valid passport
  • Recent bank statement of parents or legal guardians, as proof of funds
  • iTEP SLATE test with a minimum of level 3.0 for high school, and 2.5 for middle school
  • Student interview (in person or computer dialogue)
  • Host family interview if not recommended by the school