Friends School offers two categories of placement for foreign students:

ESL Class

International Students (F-1), are screened and enrolled in Virginia Beach Friends School from any country.  International students may seek a diploma from Friends School and most will continue their academic studies at US colleges or universities. Attending ESL classes may be required, for which students receive full academic credit.  English language proficiency is measured with SLEP test scores of 50 and above and/or a SKYPE interview.  College-bound International students can take the TOEFL test their senior year.  Students with emerging English language skills should plan to enroll no later than 10th grade.  Placement in 11th grade will depend on English proficiency & fluency.

The following documents/fees may be required:

  • Admissions Application
  • Student profile and background information
  • High school transcripts officially translated into English by accredited agency
  • Essay written in English by student.  Student will write another essay for comparison, upon arrival.
  • Language evaluation including SLEP test, agency evaluation and/or Skype interview
  • Health documents including vaccinations (or notorized exemption)  and Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form
  • Doctor’s permission to participate in organized sports teams
  • Student I.D. (copy of passport)
  • $250 – Non-refundable Application Fee (payable by wire or check in US Dollars)
  • $160 – Non-refundable I-20 Fee (only for students which we provide the F-1 visa for)

Foreign Exchange Students (J-1), come from any country and may spend one year or less at Virginia Beach Friends School. Most students enroll through agencies who provide J-1 visas. Students must meet minimum standards of English language achievement. Foreign exchange students typically return to their home countries to graduate from high school and attend college.  ESL services are offered but attendance is not required.  Slep test scores of 40 and above as well as agency evaluations are acceptable for placement.  The following documents may be required:

  • Admissions Application
  • Agency-generated records including student profile, transcripts and language assessment
  • Student I.D. (copy of passport)
  • Health documents including vaccinations (or notorized exemption)  and Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form
  • Doctor’s permission to participate in organized sports teams
  • $250 Non-refundable Application Fee

(Virginia Beach Friends School does not issue J-1 visas, but we do accept students with the visas)

Host Families are the core to the success of every international & foreign student who attends Friends School.  While we do not manage host family placements, we recruit host families on an on-going basis and work with agencies to assist with screening and management.  Host families are not required to have a student enrolled in Friends School, and those families who do have students enrolled are not required to be in the same division.

Host family responsibilities may include providing accommodations, transportation to and from school & social events, meals, support with homework, computer and other common activities. Students provide their own health insurance and spending money.

Programs vary from 8  weeks to one year.  For information about international admissions or hosting, contact Jacquie Whitt, Director of International Programs at 757-428-7534 ext. 104 or tjacquie@friends-school.org or skype – jacquie.whitt