International Students

International Student Program

Vistamar School has had an International Student Program since 2016. Currently, we have over 15 international students enrolled. This group makes up about 5% of our student population. Our goal is to enroll a diverse group of international students interested in studying in the United States for high school.

True to our mission, we know that having a diverse global perspective will help all of our students prepare for a global society. We recognize that English is not a first language for all of our International students, therefore we have developed an English Language Learners (ELL) program for 9th and 10th grade students. Students are supported with a dedicated teacher-advocate and ELL instructor throughout their time at Vistamar School. More information is on our website here.

International Admissions Process

Vistamar School partners with numerous International placement agencies and consultants as well as individual families with students considering applying to Vistamar School.

International Students are welcome to apply as 9th graders or transfer students for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Please note, we have limited spaces for transfer students in grade 11 (class of 2024).

For more information about applying to Vistamar School, please review the Admissions Process below:

Step-by-Step Instructions

List of 5 items.

STEP ONE: Submit the Inquiry Form

Please click here to fill out the online inquiry form. By doing this, you and your family will be added to our admissions database. This step lets us know your interests and ensures you receive important communication from the Admissions Office.

If you are working with or are an agency, please submit the inquiry form to help us match the application materials.
STEP TWO: Submit Your Application

APPLICANTS APPLYING INDEPENDENTLY WITH A CONSULTANT, OR THROUGH AN AGENCY:
Vistamar School uses the Standard Application Online (SAO). To begin your application, click here. Make sure to select "Vistamar School" from the school list. We will accept applications from our partnership agencies. However, applicants MUST fill out the Inquiry Form. Afterwards, agency coordinators will need to email the application as a PDF to admissions@vistamarschool.org
SAO Issues: apply@ssat.org or by Phone (Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST) : 609.683.4440

* There is a one-time application fee of $125.

SAO Issues: apply@ssat.org or by Phone (Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST) : 609.683.4440
STEP THREE: Supplemental Forms

In addition to the application, each applicant is required to submit their transcripts and letters of recommendation from an Administrator, English teacher, and Math teacher. There is a standard form that all members of the LAIS (Los Angeles Independent Schools) Consortium use and they are available below.

We will accept an agency's official forms or on the sending school's letterhead.
STEP FOUR: Schedule Your Interview

After your online application has been submitted, we will contact you to set up an interview with a member of the Vistamar Admissions Committee. We realize not every family can travel to the U.S., so we offer each applicant the option to Skype.
STEP FIVE: Submit Your Admissions Testing

International students who apply to Vistamar School are encouraged to take the TOEFL. Vistamar School's TOEFL code is "C219." The TOEFL is one factor we consider in gaining a clear academic picture of each applicant, the minimum score we typically accept is 50.

In addition to the TOEFL, international students are also highly encouraged to take either the ISEE or SSAT. The school codes for those exams are as follows - ISEE: 054327 & SSAT: 7976. In addition, students that have taken any other standardized exams such as the PSAT, ACT, SAT, or APs can submit those official scores for consideration.
All test results must come to Vistamar School directly from the testing company.

Additional Information

List of 3 items.

Housing Information

In order to provide an I-20 Visa, we must have proof and confirmation of a student’s local living arrangements. Students must have a local guardian even if they have or will turn 18. Vistamar School does not offer on-campus housing, but partners with host family placement organizations to find family hosts in the area. Students MUST confirm housing prior to the start of each year in order to keep their Visa in good standing.

For additional information, please email the Admissions Team, admissions@vistamarschool.org
Tuition Information

Tuition for International Students and those enrolled in the ELL program for the 2022/2023 year is $49,366.

A deposit of 10% of tuition is due with the contract. Tuition must be paid in full in US dollars for the I-20 to be processed. Tuition insurance is available for international students for an additional charge. Please refer to your contract for more information.
English Language Learning (ELL) Program

The English Language Learning (ELL) program is designed to integrate concepts from the content area courses (humanities, math, science, etc.) into the program's units of study. Cultivating critical thinkers who are empathetic and comfortable in culturally diverse settings is at the heart of learning in the ELL program and across the school. Units of study in the ELL program are based on the California Department of Education Standards for English Language Development. At the end of the program, ELL students will be given a comprehensive assessment that measures their language abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Once students have exited the ELL program, they will continue to have dedicated office hours with an ELL specialist for any academic guidance they may need.

International students who enter Vistamar will spend their freshman and sophomore years integrated into mainstream courses. However, instead of taking a foreign language course, they will take a course that offers them further foundational support with the building of English skills.

International Admissions Team

List of 2 members.

Ivette Bustamante

Assistant Director of Admissions
Lucia Linares

ESL Instructor/ Int'l Student Advocate

TOEFL Requirement

International students who apply to Vistamar School are encouraged to submit the TOEFL. Vistamar School's TOEFL code is "C219." The TOEFL is one factor we consider in gaining a clear academic picture of each applicant, the minimum score we typically accept is 50 for incoming 9th graders, 60 for incoming 10th graders, and 70 for incoming 11th graders. Applicants are welcome to submit an alternative exam with an equivalent score such as Duolingo, IELTS, PTE, etc.

If students have also taken the ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, or AP Testing we will accept and review those official scores as well. Here are our school codes: ISEE: 054327 & SSAT: 7976

All test results must come to Vistamar School directly from the testing company.

Supplemental Forms

In addition to the application, each applicant is required to submit their transcripts and letters of recommendation. Recommendations can be returned via:

EMAIL (preferred): As a PDF file ONLY to admissions@vistamarschool.org

MAIL: Vistamar School, "Attention Admissions, " 737 Hawaii Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

FAX: 310-643-7371

International Partner Organizations