International Students

Delaware County Christian School is authorized to enroll students who hold an F-1 student visa. For purposes of our International Student Program, a student is considered an international student if they:

1. Require a Form I-20 to obtain an F-1 student visa to attend DC, or
2. Participate in DC's international student homestay program.

Delaware County Christian School welcomes international students entering grades 6 through 12. Students join our regular academic program and learn alongside American students as members of the DC community. 

We intentionally maintain a limited international student population so that students can become fully integrated into the DC community and receive the personal support they need to thrive. Enrollment varies from year to year based on available space and the needs of each grade level.

International admission is considered on a rolling basis. Preference is given to students who apply early, but applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Generally, students apply for the Fall semester, with the school year beginning in late August or early September. Because our program includes academics, homestay placement, immigration requirements, and preparation for life in the United States, we encourage families to begin the application process well in advance. 

International students may attend DC for multiple years, provided they continue to meet the school's academic, behavioral, and enrollment requirements. Many of our international students choose to remain at DC through graduation, giving them the opportunity to become deeply connected to our community and complete their college preparatory education in the United States. 

Applicants will need to provide academic records and other required admissions documents. These may include transcripts or report cards, teacher recommendations, a school recommendation, a copy of the student's passport, English proficiency test results, and other information requested during the application process. Additional documentation may be required for the I-20 and visa process after admission. 

Once a student has been accepted to DC and the required enrollment and financial documentation has been completed, the school begins the process of issuing the student's Form I-20. The I-20 is used to apply for an F-1 student visa. After receiving the I-20, the student and family are responsible for completing the required visa application and scheduling the visa interview through the appropriate U.S. government channels. Our International Student Program provides guidance throughout the process. 

For questions regarding tuition and fees for our international students, please contact 
DCinternational@dccs.org.

Our international students have attended many colleges and universities, including:

Boston University
Carnegie Melon University
Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University
New York University
Northeastern University
Pennsylvania State University
Purdue University
Rutgers University
University of California at Berkeley
University of California at Irvine
University of Southern California
University of Illinois
University of Pittsburgh
Yale University

Because instruction at DC is in English, students must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to participate successfully in the classroom. The iTEP SLATE and TOEFL iBT are our preferred English proficiency tests for evaluating a student's readiness for our academic program. We do not have a minimum English proficiency score required for admission. However, the scores below represent the average proficiency levels of students who have demonstrated success in our program: 

Grades 7-8 TOEFL Jr. > 750
Grade 9 TOEFL Jr. > 780
Grade 10 TOEFL > 78
Grade 11 TOEFL > 80
Grade 12 TOEFL > 80; must complete grade 11 in an English-speaking school

Yes, DC offers an ESL program to support international students as they transition into an English speaking academic environment. New international students in grades 6–10 are expected to participate in ESL instruction as part of their academic program.

We recognize that students arrive with different levels of English proficiency and provide support based on each student's individual needs. In addition to ESL instruction, support may include after school assistance and other resources to strengthen academic English, build confidence, and help students succeed in their regular classes. Our goal is for students to grow in their English skills and become increasingly independent and successful in the classroom.

International students participate in DC's regular academic program and have access to a broad range of college preparatory courses, including honors and Advanced Placement courses when appropriate. Course placement is based on the student's previous academic experience, English proficiency, demonstrated readiness, and the requirements of the student's grade level. International students also participate fully in DC's electives, fine arts, athletics, clubs, and other student life opportunities. 

DC is a day school and offers homestay placements for international students. While international applicants are not required to be Christian, students must live with a biological parent, an extended biological relative (such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle), or in a school-approved Christian homestay to maintain enrollment. A priority of our program is providing every international student with a safe, nurturing home. Host families complete a rigorous interview process that includes a background check. Through the homestay program, DC seeks to provide a caring home environment that supports cultural adaptation, social and emotional well-being, and English language development.