FAQs for International Students
(Day and Resident)
Monte Vista enjoys a student body that is culturally, ethnically and socio-economically diverse and international students add an important dimension to our campus.
If you are an international student thinking of applying to Monte Vista, you may have some questions about the application process. Here are some answers that we hope will help. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office by phone at (831) 700-8178 or you can email us at admissions@mvcs.org.
What percentage of your student body is International?
International students make up approximately 19% of our high school student body.
Am I considered an international student?
If you are a student whose primary address is outside the United States and/or you need an I-20 (F-1 Student Visa), then yes, you are considered to be an international student.
When is my application due?
Completed applications, along with an $80 USD application fee, must be received no later than February 28, 2008 for the 2008-2009 school year. Applications received after February 25, 2008 will be placed in our Wait Pool and considered on a “best fit for space available” basis.
Does Monte Vista accept International Day Students?
Day student status will only be considered for international students, if the biological family lives in the areas served by Monte Vista Christian School:
- Proof of permanent residence of the qualified family member must be provided
- Proof that the family member the student will be living with, is indeed a biological family member, must be provided.
At what grade level does Monte Vista admit international students?
Monte Vista gives preference to those international candidates who are applying for grades 9 or 10. Spaces for grade 11 are limited and very competitive. Monte Vista does not admit international students into grade 12.
Does Monte Vista offer tuition assistance for international students?
Monte Vista does not offer tuition assistance for international students nor does it offer merit scholarships.
What are the testing requirements?
International applicants must take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Monte Vista does not accept SLEP scores. You may register online for both tests: www.ssat.org and/or www.ets.org/toefl/.
Do I need to visit Monte Vista’s campus?
It is much to the candidate’s advantage to visit the campus that he or she someday may be attending. In some cases, if one of our admissions officers is visiting overseas, an interview can be granted. Interviews and tours are available by appointment only. Please contact our office at (831) 722-8178 or email admissions@mvcs.org to schedule your visit.
When do I receive my I-20 form?
Monte Vista will issue an I-20 only after a letter of acceptance has been sent and when all of the following items have been received:
- Immunization Record, w/TB test results & action taken if required
- Financial Enrollment Contract (completed and signed, front and back) and the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit
- Proof of Accident/Health Insurance for the student for the entire academic year (International Day Students only)
If the visa is denied, all but $400.00 will be refunded upon Monte Vista’s receipt of the original denial letter from the U.S. Embassy stating the reason for denial, and the return of the original I-20.
Immunization w/TB Test results:
Monte Vista requires all students to complete the California School Immunization Record as required by California State Law. This record also includes results of a TB (Tuberculosis) test, and the results of a chest x-ray in the event of a positive TB result.
Accident/Health Insurance:
All international resident students’ attending Monte Vista who hold an F-1 Student Visa are covered by a Blue Cross PPO plan insurance provided by the School.
What transcript/grade report is “official”?
Monte Vista considers the original transcript given at time of application, to be the “official” transcript for purposes of acceptance to Monte Vista, grade level placement, and course’s required for graduation. After receipt of the second semester grades upon enrollment of the student, Monte Vista will not give consideration or credits for any subsequent transcripts received.
Do international resident students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista?
In case of an emergency, Monte Vista must be able to contact a guardian who is an adult family member or trusted family friend who lives in the United States (preferably in Northern California). He/she will be legally responsible while you are at Monte Vista, during vacations, and in the event of an emergency or illness.
Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for international students?
Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.
Does Monte Vista have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?
Monte Vista’s one-year English as a Second Language Program is a strong, comprehensive program. It is designed for students who demonstrate intermediate to advanced English skills. Students must achieve a balanced minimum TOEFL test score of 425 (113 points on the computerized TOEFL test, 38 on the internet based TOEFL test) prior to enrollment. A balanced TOEFL score means that all sections of the TOEFL are within 10% of each other.
Does Monte Vista enter into contractual agreements with consultants or consultant organizations?
Monte Vista does not enter into such agreements. The school welcomes referrals for qualified candidates from consultants and works closely with such individuals or organizations to ensure that the applicant and his/her family receive every consideration throughout the process.
What is the best method of correspondence with your school?
Monte Vista prefers overseas correspondence via email at admissions@mvcs.org.
Who is the primary contact for international admissions (day and resident)?
Peter C. Gieseke
Director of Resident Admissions
Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
phone: (831) 722-8178 x. 194
fax: (831) 722-0361
admissions@mvcs.org
