International Students

Click here to download International Student Enrollment Contract

Requirements for Issuing an I-20

Westbury Christian School is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

STEP 1: Westbury Christian School requires the following:

1. A transcript of the student's grades for the past 3 years.  (Transcript must be in English with a grading scale.) Student must be in top 50% of class. Records must be approved by an administrator at WCS.
2. Results of Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) for applicants for grades 9-12.  This testing is available in most countries.
3. Recent photograph of the student and a paragraph written by the student telling us something about themselves. (hobbies, likes, dislikes, family, etc.)
4. A SKYPE interview with Director of Admissions. 

Students are required to speak, understand and read English. 

Westbury Christian School reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from school who is not making satisfactory progress in English and other subjects during the first semester.  All tuition and fees paid are non-refundable.

STEP 2:  After records have been approved, please submit the following:

1. Copy of birth certificate or passport.
2. Letter from a reputable Bank (signed by a bank officer) stating that parents, guardian or student has an account of a least $20,000.00.  (Proof of financial support is required on I-20 form.)
3. Letter from parents designating a guardian for student while attending school and living in Houston. The letter must be in English, signed by the parents and officially notarized. WCS does not allow students to live by themselves or with other students. WCS does not provide or arrange housing for students.
4. Copy of student's immunization record (in English). Record must include all vaccinations from the birth of the student until the current year. WCS requires that students have a complete health examination before coming to the U.S., including the results of a TB test or chest x-ray. All vaccinations must be up-to-date as required by the Houston Health Department.
5. Student's home address in his/her own country.
6. A completed Online Application with the Fee of $75, including parent information and guardian information. (The guardian information can be added after the student arrives in Houston.)
7. A WCS Contract signed by the parents of the student. (Student can bring this document to WCS when they come to Houston.)
8. An email address or phone number for the parents or close family friend or relative who speaks English so that school administration can contact them in case of emergency.

STEP 3: Payment of tuition & fees

All tuition and fees (listed below) must be paid before receiving the I-20 application, and must be paid with a cashier’s check or bank transfer of funds.  If the I-20 is not approved, all tuition & fees will be refunded, except the Online Application Fee ($75) and the I-20 Application Fee ($750).  Tuition and Fees are not refundable, except when F-1 is denied. 

Tuition & Fees:

$18,460.00 (Grades 9-12)**

**Includes lunch, use of laptop computer, $300 credit in school store, and health insurance.

(Other fees applicable to the student will be billed after enrollment: athletic fees, band fees, art fee, AP classes, etc.)

Special Note:  Students who need extra tutoring (as determined by our Counselor or Principal) may be charged up to $500 per month in addition to the above fees.)

STEP 4:  Issue I-20

The I-20 Document can usually be issued in 24-48 hours of recieving all required documents and payments of tuition and fees. The I-20 Document can be picked up by the guardian or WCS can send the documents.  (Approximately $65/FedEx)

STEP 5:  Payment of I-901 Fee

All applicants applying for an F-1 Visa must also pay the I-901 Fee.  This fee of $200 is paid to the U.S. Government.  It can be paid on-line.  (www.fmjfee.com) The I-901 fee must be paid and the family must have the receipt for payment before going to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy for an appointment.  The student must have a Sevis identification number (found in the upper right area on the I-20) before the fee can be paid.  Go to the Sevis website for more information (http://www.ice.gov/sevis).

STEP 6:  Arrival in Houston, Testing & Other Information

The student or guardian must contact the Admissions Office at Westbury Christian School after the student arrives in Houston and make an appointment for testing and completion of enrollment.   Testing determines grade placement. Students are tested in math and reading.   Bring a copy of the approved I-20 document, the student Visa and I-94 to your appointment. 

After testing results are received, the student and guardian will be given an appointment to meet with the School Counselor to discuss course selections and requirements and with the Upper School Principal to discuss school policies and procedures.

Uniforms:
* * The Required Fee listed above includes $300 to spend in the school store on uniforms and supplies.

Student Health Insurance:
* * Westbury Christian School requires that all international students have health insurance.  The cost of the insurance for one year is included in the Required Fee listed above.  Insurance must be renewed every year student attends Westbury Christian.

Evaluation of Records:
Evaluation by an outside independent agency of all high school records is required by school administration for all students accepted to Westbury Christian School, with fees being the responsibility of the applicant. (This evaluation can be done after the student arrives in the U.S. and must be done before the end of the first semester of enrollment.)

Deadline:
All required records must be received in the Admissions Office no later than May 4, 2012, if applying for the Fall Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year. (The Fall Semester begins on August 9, 2012.)

Contact Mrs. Ann Arnold in the Admissions Office (713-551-8100, ext. 1015) or email to aarnold@westburychristian.org  if you have questions or to make an appointment.