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A Christ-Centered Education with a Global Perspective

Westlake Christian Academy welcomes international students from around the world to become part of our close-knit, Christ-centered school community. Located in Grayslake, Illinois, just north of Chicago, Westlake offers a rigorous academic program, personalized student support, and a safe, nurturing environment where students are known, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Our International Student Program is designed to help students thrive academically, spiritually, and socially as they prepare for success in U.S. colleges and beyond.

To inquire about Westlake’s International Student Program, please contact us at admissions@westlakechristianacademy.org.

Why Choose Westlake Christian Academy?

  • Christ-Centered Community
    Faith is woven into daily life at Westlake through Bible classes, chapel, prayer, and relationships grounded in Christian values.
  • Personalized Academic Support
    Small class sizes allow teachers to give individual attention and support, especially important for students adjusting to a new educational system.
  • College Preparation Focus
    Our high school program emphasizes strong academic foundations, critical thinking, and preparation for college and career pathways in the United States.
  • Safe & Supportive Environment
    International students are supported by caring faculty, staff, and host families who partner closely to ensure student success and well-being.

Academics & Student Support

International students at Westlake participate fully in our high school academic program while receiving additional support as needed.

Academic highlights include:

  • College-preparatory coursework
  • Small class sizes
  • Individualized teacher assistance when needed
  • Guidance in understanding U.S. academic expectations and grading

Our goal is to help students grow in confidence, communication skills, and academic independence.

Faith & School Culture

Westlake Christian Academy is a Christian school, and faith is an integral part of our mission and daily life. Students participate in:

  • Bible classes
  • Weekly chapel services
  • Prayer and faith-based discussions
  • Service opportunities

Students of diverse backgrounds are welcomed and respected. We encourage open dialogue and support students as they grow spiritually and personally during their time at Westlake.

Student Life & Community

International students are encouraged to fully engage in student life at Westlake.

Opportunities include:

  • Athletic teams and extracurricular clubs
  • Class trips and school events
  • Community service opportunities
  • Meaningful friendships with U.S. and international peers

Students quickly become part of a supportive community where they are known by name and cared for intentionally.

Host Families & Housing

International students live with carefully selected host families who provide a safe, supportive home environment.

Host families provide:

  • A private or shared bedroom
  • Daily meals
  • Transportation to and from school
  • Daily supervision and care

Westlake works closely with host families to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable as they adjust to life in the United States.

International Student FAQ

Will students be prepared for U.S. colleges?

Yes. Westlake’s academic program emphasizes college readiness, critical thinking, and character development.

How does Westlake help students adjust to life in the U.S.?

International students receive ongoing support from faculty, staff, and host families. We prioritize communication, mentorship, and care.

How long can a student study at Westlake?

International students may attend Westlake for the duration of their high school education, subject to visa regulations.

Is English language support available?

Yes. Teachers provide limited support, and accommodations may be made to help students succeed as they develop English proficiency.

Do students need to be Christian to attend?

No. Students of diverse backgrounds are welcome. All students are expected to participate respectfully in Bible classes and chapel.

Admissions Overview

Westlake Christian Academy is approved to enroll international students on an F-1 student visa.

Application Requirements Include:

  • Completed application and $250 fee
  • Academic records (translated into English)
  • English proficiency documentation
  • Interview (virtual or in person)
  • Financial documentation

Upon acceptance, Westlake will issue the I-20 form, allowing students to apply for an F-1 visa.

Tuition & Fees

International student tuition is $27,610 and includes:

  • Academic tuition
  • Host family housing and meals
  • School supervision and support

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: Ongoing
  • Priority Deadline: June 1
  • School Year Begins: August

Early application is encouraged to allow adequate time for visa processing. We recommend starting the process no later than April. 

International Student Inquiry

  • Please provide your name and email address so that someone from our Admissions Team can contact you. 

Application Process

Ready to begin? This outline will guide you through the steps of the admissions process.

Please read fully and make sure you are able to complete all the required steps before beginning. 

To apply, please download the application and return a completed copy via email.

Download Application

1. Submit Application

The student may complete an application in one of two ways:

  1. Digital PDF: Download a copy of our International student application. “Save As” and rename the file with the student name. Type responses, save a copy and email to admissions@westlakechristianacademy.org.
  2. Paper Form: Print, complete, scan, and email the completed application to admissions@westlakechristianacademy.org.

Once a student’s application is received, Westlake Christian Academy Admissions will review the application and then contact the student for the next steps in continuing the admissions process, including payment of the $250 application fee.

2. Academic Documentation and Forms

Once the initial application has been received by the school, the student will be contacted with instructions on providing supplemental documentation for academic qualification and evaluation. 

The following are required:

  1. Official Academic Transcripts from the current and previous year, translated into English and evaluated for credit.
  2. English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL or ITEP SLATE Plus), unless prior studies have been completed in English.
  3. Teacher Recommendations (3 references: Math teacher, English teacher, and one
    teacher of your choice)

3. Video Interview

After completing Steps 1 and 2, a live video interview will be scheduled with the student applicant and the international admissions team. This allows the school and the student to better get to know one another. The student’s parents should also be available to meet our staff and talk after the student was interviewed. The interview may last between 30-60 minutes. No advance preparation is necessary.

4. Additional Documentation

The following documentation must be on file in order to be eligible for a final admission decision. This may be submitted at any point prior to the Admission Decision (Step 5).

  1. Copy of Passport
  2. Copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
  3. Immunization Records
  4. Recent Health Records
  5. Fill out and sign a Sponsor Statement of Financial Support. The admissions office will provide any additional forms that need to be completed at this time.

5. Admissions Review and Decision

Once the video chat interview has concluded, and we have received all additional documentation from Step 4, an admissions decision will be made within 7 business days of the receipt of all documentation. The student and family will be contacted within that timeframe with the admissions decision. 

Upon acceptance, the student will receive:

  • An official acceptance letter
  • An enrollment contract
  • Information and next steps on a host home

6. Commit to Westlake Christian Academy

After acceptance to Westlake Christian Academy, the student and family must complete the following in order to guarantee a spot in the program:

  • Enrollment Contract: Upon acceptance to Westlake Christian, the student’s family must sign and return the enrollment contract within two weeks.
  • USD $1,000 student deposit must be submitted within the same two-week period. Half of this deposit will be refunded if the student receives two F-1 visa application rejections.

7. Receive I-20 from Westlake

Westlake Christian Academy will mail an I-20 form to the student's home address.

8. Schedule Appointment for F-1 Visa

Obtain F-1 Visa by scheduling an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate to begin the F-1 Visa process (this can take several weeks).

9. Make Final Payment

Any remaining balance for the full school year is due by June 1 or within 10 calendar days of successfully being approved through the F-1 Student Visa appointment. The full cost of tuition and board for international students is USD $27,610. The student’s family and/or a sponsor are expected to be responsible for the full amount.

10. Submit Travel Details

The student’s family should purchase airline flights to O’Hare International Airport, (Chicago, IL) and inform the International Designated School Official of the student’s travel plans. School starts in mid-August. We encourage new students to plan on arriving in Illinois by August 10 in order to become acclimated and bond with the host family.

11. Course Schedule and Host Family Assignment

The student will work closely with the College Guidance Counselor to determine a course of classes. The student will also receive the following:

  • Parent-Student Handbook
  • Student Calendar
  • Dress Code information
  • Technology requirements and other related information

Information on a host family will also be provided at this time. A thorough evaluation process is completed to match international students with the best match in a host family.