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International Students

Charles Wright Academy welcomes students from around the world to our beautiful campus in the Pacific Northwest. We have recently hosted students from China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Poland. We provide housing in the form of “homestays” where students live with a Charles Wright host family. Hosts provide accommodations and meals, and also guidance, friendship, and assistance during the student’s tenure.

Charles Wright Academy is registered with SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is authorized to issue I-20's to international students so that they may acquire a F-1 Visa. In addition to the regular application for admission, international students must conduct a phone interview and submit a copy of your passport and bank verified financial statement as per the procedure below.
 

A Look Inside CWA

•  Read more about the the International Student Experience at CWA.
•  Watch this video of some of our Korean students speaking about their experiences at Charles Wright in Korean and English . A full English translation of this video can be found here.

Before you apply

•  Charles Wright strongly encourages entry into the 9th or 10th grade for international students. Exceptions are made on occasion for well qualified students interested in other grades. Please inquire for more information.
•  Charles Wright Academy does not offer any ESL support; therefore strong English skills are required for international applicants.

Applying for Admission

Students from China:
International Students coming from China should work through the Cambridge Institute of International Education to apply to Charles Wright.  We have partnered with Cambridge to help Chinese students work through the admissions process and to be placed properly. To submit application materials and commence the application process, please contact our consultants at the Cambridge Institute (admissions@thecambridgeinstitute.org).

International Student Application Process:

Step 1- On line Application
The online application is the gateway to our Admissions Process. As part of the on-line application, you will need to submit the $200 application fee.

Step 2- Academic Transcripts
We ask that you include the last two years of grade reports, translated into English, including any testing results with your application. We do not require official transcripts directly from the student's current school.

Step 3- Teacher Recommendation
The Teacher Recommendation Form must be completed by two of the applicant's current or recent teachers and then mailed directly to Charles Wright.

Step 4 - Testing Report
If English is not your first language, arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  Please find a location and register at the TOEFL website. (school code: 7530)

English speaking students should take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Please find a location and register at the ISEE  (school code: 481368) or SSAT (school code: 2304) websites.

Step 5 - Confidential Financial Statement and a Copy of Passport
In order for Charles Wright to prepare to issue an I-20 form, United States Immigration and Naturalization Services require that all parents of applicants submit proof of their ability to support their child's studies. Please submit an official bank statement showing an amount of more than $35,000 in US Currency, demonstrating your family's ability to pay tuition.
 
Please also submit a photocopy of the page of the applicant’s passport that shows their photograph and the expiration date. 

Step 6 - Schedule an Admission Interview
When you have submitted your application and forms to the Admission Office, please email us to schedule an interview. Admission interviews generally take about 45 minutes and are an informal, “get-to-know-you” time in which we will also look for English proficiency.

Step 7 - F-1 Visa Transfer Form for Students Already in the U.S.
If you are transferring from another school in the U.S. and already have a F-1 Visa, please sign the top portion of the Visa Transfer Form and submit it, along with your current I-20, with your application. Chinese students apply through the Cambridge Institute of International Education.

Step 8 - Admission Decision & I-20 Release
Once all the required materials have been received by the Admissions Office, the applicant will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, and notified of a decision. If accepted, Charles Wright issues an I-20.  An enrollment contract and $1500 deposit is required before the process for the I-20 can begin.  It is the student’s responsibility to then apply to a US Consular Office for an F-1 visa.


If you have any additional questions, call Devon Morris-Burgard, International Coordinator at 253-620-8373  or email dmorris@charleswright.org.