FAQ's for Boarding Applicants
Since 1926, Monte Vista Christian School has built a tradition as a coeducational, college preparatory day and boarding school, with a special commitment to the moral and spiritual development of its students.
Our students are challenged to think independently, to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and to strive toward excellence as each is encouraged by a team of caring and mentoring teachers, administrators, resident life staff and peers.
Beyond our commitment to the intellectual development of our students and the cultivation of a strong value system, Monte Vista Christian School is equally committed to bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and truth of the Scriptures to each student.
If you are thinking of applying to Monte Vista Christian as a boarding student, 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) 722-8178 x. 194 or you can email us at admissions@mvcs.org.
What percentage of your student body is boarding? Boarding students make up approximately 20% of our high school student body.
When is my application due? Completed applications, along with your application fee, must be received no later than February 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications received after February 1, 2013will be placed in our Wait Pool and considered on a “best fit for space available” basis.
What is the application process for a boarding student? The application process is the same for all students.
- Submit the Parent Application along with an application fee.
- Submit the Student Application filled out by the student in his/her own handwriting.
- Submit your current Math and English Teacher Recommendations.
- International students: Submit a TOEFL score
- Domestic students: Take a STAR test on campus
- Submit your grades for the current year and the previous two years.
- Admission Interview, either on-campus or videotaped.
Our students are challenged to think independently, to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and to strive toward excellence as each is encouraged by a team of caring and mentoring teachers, administrators, resident life staff and peers.
Beyond our commitment to the intellectual development of our students and the cultivation of a strong value system, Monte Vista Christian School is equally committed to bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and truth of the Scriptures to each student.
If you are thinking of applying to Monte Vista Christian as a boarding student, 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) 722-8178 x. 194 or you can email us at admissions@mvcs.org.
What percentage of your student body is boarding? Boarding students make up approximately 20% of our high school student body.
When is my application due? Completed applications, along with your application fee, must be received no later than February 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications received after February 1, 2013will be placed in our Wait Pool and considered on a “best fit for space available” basis.
What is the application process for a boarding student? The application process is the same for all students.
- Submit the Parent Application along with an application fee.
- Submit the Student Application filled out by the student in his/her own handwriting.
- Submit your current Math and English Teacher Recommendations.
- International students: Submit a TOEFL score
- Domestic students: Take a STAR test on campus
- Submit your grades for the current year and the previous two years.
- Admission Interview, either on-campus or videotaped.
ONLINE APPLICATION: http://www.mvcs.org/applynow
At what grade level does Monte Vista admit boarding students?
Monte Vista gives preference to those candidates who are applying for grade 9 or 10.
Does Monte Vista offer tuition assistance for boarding students? Monte Vista offers tuition assistance for domestic boarding students (who file US tax returns); financial aid does not cover room and board.
Must all boarding students visit the campus for an interview? All students applying to MVCS are required to interview. Interviews take place in one of three ways:
- On-Campus in person interview with an admissions officer. For domestic students this will include STAR testing. For international students this till include a writing sample.
- Video interview. If you are unable to visit campus we require you submit a video interview as part of your application. Instructions will be provided.
- For Chinese applicants who cannot visit campus: Candidates from China will be asked to contact Vericant, our affiliate in China. Vericant will conduct preliminary interviews and candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample during their interview. Vericant does not evaluate candidates, but instead posts the interviews online for MVCS's admissions office to review. To learn more about Vericant, please visit: www.vericant/com/cn.
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.
What transcript/grade report is “official”? Click here for our grade/transcript transfer policy.
When do I enroll in classes? Working with the Office of Admission and in conjunction with the Resident Academic Advisor, new boarding students will receive a preliminary class schedule based on your transcripts, test scores and recommendations. At this time you will be asked to choose between regular courses and/or Honors (AP) courses if deemed appropriate. Also, if appropriate, you will be asked to choose an elective.
Do boarding students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista? Yes. If the student’s family does not live in the continental United States 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, providing transportation and housing during vacations, and in the event of an emergency or illness.
Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for boarding students? Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.
How will I be notified about the admission decision? You will be notified by email (please make sure we have a working email address on your application), after March 8, 2013.
Does MVCS provide housing on campus for students during school vacations? Not surprisingly, students may not remain on campus during breaks. If they cannot go home for the vacation, students usually stay with their guardian.
Is airport transportation available? You will be required to provide your own transportation to and from school at the beginning and end of the school year. MVCS provides group transportation to and from the San Jose International airport (SJC) at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter only.
Do you care about the student’s spiritual life? Monte Vista Christian School is passionately committed to modeling, teaching and being shaped by a faith that is consistent with a Christian worldview.
Does your boarding program follow any values? As a residential community entrusted with the responsibility of educating the leaders of tomorrow, we focus on the following core values to guide and direct our efforts: Faith, Integrity, Excellence, Community Partnership, Global Outreach.
What is the Mission of your school? Monte Vista Christian School champions students to achieve their highest potential through Christ-centered, educational excellence.
What is the Vision of your school? Monte Vista Christian School is dedicated to being the premier college preparatory Christian school in Northern California, committed to preparing students to be world changers.
Do you require Community Service? Monte Vista seeks to establish a lifelong commitment and passion for service to others. All students are required to perform a minimum of 24 hours of community service for each year of attendance at Monte Vista.
What is Dual Enrollment? Dual enrollment courses offer the student an opportunity to earn college credit at the same time they are earning high school credit towards graduation.
Do you have extra-curricular activities and clubs? Non-athletic clubs and organizations enable a student to expand a passion in the area of human and social service as well as cultural and artistic endeavors. Essential to all the school’s clubs and organizations is the intense recognition of a student’s ability to perform good works while having fun building community.
Do you have a sports program? MVCS is a member of the Monterey Bay League (MBL), a combination of public and private schools. With teams in football, baseball, tennis, golf, volleyball, track and field, cross country, swimming, softball, basketball, soccer, wrestling and cheer leading, MVCS offers plenty of opportunities for athletics.
Do you have a performing arts program? Our students have unique opportunities in the performing and visual arts through participation in drama, concert choirs, The Master’s Voice, orchestra and the MVCS marching band.
Do you require uniforms? We do not require school uniforms; however, we do have a school dress code, which is California casual.
Does Monte Vista provide academic counseling? Monte Vista Christian School strives to provide the right learning environment for each student. Therefore, an academic advisor is on-site daily to meet with teachers, parents/guardians, and students to discuss learning needs, concerns and difficulties and to serve as a resource for questions concerning student learning and future academic goals.
What is your admission policy? Candidates for admission are accepted for MVCS on the basis of their personal and academic qualifications and potential, without discrimination as to race, color, gender or creed. Recommendations, GPA, and results of either the STAR or TOEFL, are all important factors in the evaluation process. A campus interview and tour are desirable. In the event a student cannot get to campus (because of travel), a videotaped interview is required.
What is the best method of correspondence with your school?
Monte Vista prefers correspondence via email at admissions@mvcs.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
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:
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.
Do international resident students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista? Please note, international students applying to MVCS must have an adult guardian who is known to the student and who lives in the United States, preferably Northern California. The guardian will be responsible for the student while he or she attends MVCS and will be responsible for the student during vacations or in the event of an emergency or serious illness. MVCS considers students whose primary address is outside the United States to be international students, regardless of citizenship.
Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for international students? Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.
How will I know if I can be admitted?
Please see the following for English proficiency requirements, score requirements.
Does Monte Vista have a English as a Second Language (ESL) program? Monte Vista’s one-year English as a Second Language (ESL) is a strong, comprehensive program. It is designed for students who demonstrate intermediate English skills. Our ESL program prepares students for our Transitional English program.
Does Monte Vista enter into contractual agreements with agents 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.
Who is the primary contact for boarding admissions?
Peter C. Gieseke
Director of Admission
Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way Watsonville, CA 95076
phone: (831) 768-6194
fax: (831) 722-0361
admissions@mvcs.org
Does Monte Vista offer tuition assistance for boarding students? Monte Vista offers tuition assistance for domestic boarding students (who file US tax returns); financial aid does not cover room and board.
Must all boarding students visit the campus for an interview? All students applying to MVCS are required to interview. Interviews take place in one of three ways:
- On-Campus in person interview with an admissions officer. For domestic students this will include STAR testing. For international students this till include a writing sample.
- Video interview. If you are unable to visit campus we require you submit a video interview as part of your application. Instructions will be provided.
- For Chinese applicants who cannot visit campus: Candidates from China will be asked to contact Vericant, our affiliate in China. Vericant will conduct preliminary interviews and candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample during their interview. Vericant does not evaluate candidates, but instead posts the interviews online for MVCS's admissions office to review. To learn more about Vericant, please visit: www.vericant/com/cn.
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.
What transcript/grade report is “official”? Click here for our grade/transcript transfer policy.
When do I enroll in classes? Working with the Office of Admission and in conjunction with the Resident Academic Advisor, new boarding students will receive a preliminary class schedule based on your transcripts, test scores and recommendations. At this time you will be asked to choose between regular courses and/or Honors (AP) courses if deemed appropriate. Also, if appropriate, you will be asked to choose an elective.
Do boarding students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista? Yes. If the student’s family does not live in the continental United States 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, providing transportation and housing during vacations, and in the event of an emergency or illness.
Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for boarding students? Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.
How will I be notified about the admission decision? You will be notified by email (please make sure we have a working email address on your application), after March 8, 2013.
Does MVCS provide housing on campus for students during school vacations? Not surprisingly, students may not remain on campus during breaks. If they cannot go home for the vacation, students usually stay with their guardian.
Is airport transportation available? You will be required to provide your own transportation to and from school at the beginning and end of the school year. MVCS provides group transportation to and from the San Jose International airport (SJC) at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter only.
Do you care about the student’s spiritual life? Monte Vista Christian School is passionately committed to modeling, teaching and being shaped by a faith that is consistent with a Christian worldview.
Does your boarding program follow any values? As a residential community entrusted with the responsibility of educating the leaders of tomorrow, we focus on the following core values to guide and direct our efforts: Faith, Integrity, Excellence, Community Partnership, Global Outreach.
What is the Mission of your school? Monte Vista Christian School champions students to achieve their highest potential through Christ-centered, educational excellence.
What is the Vision of your school? Monte Vista Christian School is dedicated to being the premier college preparatory Christian school in Northern California, committed to preparing students to be world changers.
Do you require Community Service? Monte Vista seeks to establish a lifelong commitment and passion for service to others. All students are required to perform a minimum of 24 hours of community service for each year of attendance at Monte Vista.
What is Dual Enrollment? Dual enrollment courses offer the student an opportunity to earn college credit at the same time they are earning high school credit towards graduation.
Do you have extra-curricular activities and clubs? Non-athletic clubs and organizations enable a student to expand a passion in the area of human and social service as well as cultural and artistic endeavors. Essential to all the school’s clubs and organizations is the intense recognition of a student’s ability to perform good works while having fun building community.
Do you have a sports program? MVCS is a member of the Monterey Bay League (MBL), a combination of public and private schools. With teams in football, baseball, tennis, golf, volleyball, track and field, cross country, swimming, softball, basketball, soccer, wrestling and cheer leading, MVCS offers plenty of opportunities for athletics.
Do you have a performing arts program? Our students have unique opportunities in the performing and visual arts through participation in drama, concert choirs, The Master’s Voice, orchestra and the MVCS marching band.
Do you require uniforms? We do not require school uniforms; however, we do have a school dress code, which is California casual.
Does Monte Vista provide academic counseling? Monte Vista Christian School strives to provide the right learning environment for each student. Therefore, an academic advisor is on-site daily to meet with teachers, parents/guardians, and students to discuss learning needs, concerns and difficulties and to serve as a resource for questions concerning student learning and future academic goals.
What is your admission policy? Candidates for admission are accepted for MVCS on the basis of their personal and academic qualifications and potential, without discrimination as to race, color, gender or creed. Recommendations, GPA, and results of either the STAR or TOEFL, are all important factors in the evaluation process. A campus interview and tour are desirable. In the event a student cannot get to campus (because of travel), a videotaped interview is required.
TOEFL Code: 1867.
What is the best method of correspondence with your school?
Monte Vista prefers correspondence via email at admissions@mvcs.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
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:
- Financial Enrollment Contract (completed and signed, front and back) and the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit. I
- Immunization Record, w/TB test results & action taken if required.
- Guardian Designation Form.
- Proof of Financial Responsibility.
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.
Do international resident students need a guardian while attending Monte Vista? Please note, international students applying to MVCS must have an adult guardian who is known to the student and who lives in the United States, preferably Northern California. The guardian will be responsible for the student while he or she attends MVCS and will be responsible for the student during vacations or in the event of an emergency or serious illness. MVCS considers students whose primary address is outside the United States to be international students, regardless of citizenship.
Will Monte Vista provide a guardian for international students? Monte Vista does not provide guardians for students.
How will I know if I can be admitted?
Please see the following for English proficiency requirements, score requirements.
Does Monte Vista have a English as a Second Language (ESL) program? Monte Vista’s one-year English as a Second Language (ESL) is a strong, comprehensive program. It is designed for students who demonstrate intermediate English skills. Our ESL program prepares students for our Transitional English program.
Does Monte Vista enter into contractual agreements with agents 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.
Who is the primary contact for boarding admissions?
Peter C. Gieseke
Director of Admission
Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way Watsonville, CA 95076
phone: (831) 768-6194
fax: (831) 722-0361
admissions@mvcs.org
HOW TO APPLY TO Monte Vista Christian School
ONLINE: http://www.mvcs.org/applynow $75
Monte Vista Mail-In application $100
SSAT ONLINE APPLICATION and TABS COMMON APPLICATION $100
SSAT School Code: 5141 TOEFL School Code: 1867
ONLINE: http://www.mvcs.org/applynow $75
Monte Vista Mail-In application $100
SSAT ONLINE APPLICATION and TABS COMMON APPLICATION $100
SSAT School Code: 5141 TOEFL School Code: 1867