FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• In what grades does Sierra Canyon School enroll international students?

  Sierra Canyon enrolls international applications for all grades, but only students entering grades 8-12 may apply to live abroad without a parent or guardian. Younger students who apply must plan to live locally with a parent or relative. 

• Does Sierra Canyon School enroll international students mid-year or for just one semester or year?

  Sierra Canyon does not enroll international students for a 1-semester or 1-year exchange program, and all international applicants must apply for fall (August) enrollment. Sierra Canyon does not enroll international students mid-year or for the spring term.

• Does Sierra Canyon School issue the I-20 student visa?

  Yes. After students have been admitted to the School, submitted their signed contract, and paid their enrollment deposit, Sierra Canyon issues the I20 student visa.

• Is there a boarding or homestay program?

  Sierra Canyon offers both on-campus boarding and a homestay program for students in Grades 8-12. We thoughtfully place international students in on-campus housing or with local homestay families, taking into consideration the students' boarding/homestay survey responses. (While we try to accommodate individual student requests, we cannot guarantee to accommodate all requests.)

• What does Sierra Canyon School look for in international applicants?

  Sierra Canyon is looking for high achieving international students who are interested in pursuing the remainder of their high school career at the School. (Sierra Canyon does not enroll international students for a 1-semester or 1-year exchange program.) International students must have strong academic ability and proficiency in written and spoken English. Ideal candidates are passionate about experiencing a new culture and contributing to the Sierra Canyon School community beyond the classroom. For applicants to Grades 8-11, Sierra Canyon looks for students who want to take advantage of the rich learning that stems from living with a homestay family and getting involved in clubs, sports, and activities on campus.

• Does Sierra Canyon School offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes?

  No, Sierra Canyon does not offer ESL classes. Students must have strong proficiency in English in order to be admitted to the School. Non-native speakers of English must submit their recent scores from one of the following: TOEFL (minimum score = 85), Junior TOEFL (scores of 700 preferred), IELTS (scores of 6.5-8+ preferred), or Duolingo (scores of 90-115+ are preferred) as part of the application process.

• Are Advanced Placement (AP) courses available?

  Sierra Canyon offers a premier independent school education with over 25 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students pursue a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for entry into the top universities in the United States and abroad.

• How many international students attend Sierra Canyon School?

  The Upper Campus at Sierra Canyon School consists of 670 students in Grades 7-12. Nine percent of the students are international. Countries currently represented on campus include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, South Sudan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Sierra Canyon welcomes international students from across the globe.