InternationaL admissions

international students in Upper School

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is a rigorous independent school in Philadelphia with a 150+ year history of preparing the next generation of global leaders. With 15 AP courses, 25 honors courses and a robust entrepreneurship program where every sophomore launches a venture, SCH is committed to preparing students for an interconnected world. SCH values the perspectives and contributions of international students as an essential part of its diverse learning community. By supporting international students both academically and personally, SCH fosters an environment where all learners can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the school’s vibrant global community.

how it works

SCH Academy enrolls a select number of international students each year. As a day school, we do not provide residential housing. Instead, we partner with a small number of trusted educational organizations to provide both homestay and residential house accommodations. Below is a list of partner agencies with which SCH has strong relationships. These agencies help guide families through the application process and work as an intermediary to assist with applications, enrollment, tuition, and visa applications. If you are working outside of one of the agencies below, please contact us directly for more information.

Important Information

Tuition

Tuition and expenses for the academic year are released in December. Accepted international students are expected to pay their deposit before an I-20 will be issued. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy does not provide any Tuition Assistance to international families.

Each candidate’s family is responsible for a $3,500 international student fee that covers special orientation and activities for international students throughout the course of the year.
All enrolled families are also required to make a $3,000 deposit to the school food service and bookstore program. This credit balance will be used for the cost of food purchases, charges in the school store, as well as other incidental fees over the course of the school year.

Enrollment, I-20 Docs, & Visa Application Assistance

Once your child is accepted to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, the school will send your agency an enrollment agreement that includes the required deposit. Both the signed agreement and the deposit must be received by the school by the stated deadline, and your agency will help ensure everything is submitted on time. After the deposit is received, SCH will issue an I-20 directly to the accepted student, as the school is an accredited SEVIS institution. It is important for each enrolled student to keep their I-20 document up to date and in good standing throughout their time at SCH.

Housing

When a student applies through our partner agencies, that agency is responsible for guiding families through the process of selecting a host family and arranging the living setup. If an enrolling family wishes to meet or tour a prospective host family’s home, that visit is coordinated directly and exclusively through the agency they are working with. Students who are applying outside of the agency system will work directly with SCH’s residential housing partner to secure their living quarters.

Partner Agencies

Application Process for International Students

Below is a step-by-step instructions on how to apply to SCH Academy as an international student, along with key deadlines to note. We encourage families to apply by our first admission deadline, but we’re also happy to review applications on a rolling basis after that date.

Step 1) Submit Application

Step 2) Submit Test Results

All international applicants are required to submit the results of either the TOEFL or Duolingo or IELTS examination. It is optional to submit ISEE or the SSAT examination for 9th grade and required for those applying to 10th grade.

To meet the challenges of our academic program, the Admission Committee seeks a score of:

TOEFL = 90
Duolingo = 120-125
IELTS = 7

Register for the SSAT on their website. Our SSAT code is 7450
Register for the ISEE on their website. Our ISEE code is: 393620

Step 3) Submit Transcripts and Recommendations

Step 4) Personal Documents Submitted

All documents submitted for an applicant must be originals or scanned originals and should be submitted at the same time as school forms (see Step 4). It is our preference that all documents be translated into English whenever possible and submitted with the seal of the translator.

Required personal documents include:

Each enrolled student must have a current passport and must supply the school with a scanned copy at the time of application.

Step 5) Student Interview

Step 6) Review of Application and Notification

All completed International applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. If accepted, each family is expected to pay the deposit immediately and all other fees as stated by the required dates. Once these expectations have been met, the I-20 process will begin. The I-20 is only sent once the deposit is received by our bank and is sent directly to the family.

Once an F-1 Visa has been issued, a copy should be scanned and sent to admissions@sch.org.

Enrollment Requirements Include:

All fees need to be paid in full by the start of school.
It is the responsibility of each family to make proper arrangements for visas and transportation on all holidays and when returning to school.
All documents submitted for an applicant must be originals. It is our preference that documents be translated into English whenever possible and submitted with the seal of the translator.
Health insurance is required for all international students, and proof of insurance must be demonstrated as part of each applicant’s record. The partner agency can assist with recommendations regarding the purchase of appropriate insurance.

Candidates who intend to be successful in the consideration process must meet the above requirements for applying.

Katy Friedland, Director Strategic Initiatives and Admissions Outreach

Questions?

Contact Katy Friedland, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management at SCH Academy
phone: 215-754-1640
email: kfriedland@sch.org

Apply Today!

A head of school who understands the international landscape

SCH Head of School Dr. Druggan has spent 30 years abroad working in international schools. He previously held positions at the American School of Dubai, the Jakarta Intercultural School, and international schools in Munich, Germany, and Milan, Italy.

Superintendent, American School of Dubai (2022-2025)
Deputy Head of School, Jakarta Intercultural School (2011-2016)
Deputy Head of School, Munich International School (2005-2011)
Director of Educational Assessments, American School of Milan (1995-2005)