Admissions Requirements

Original academic transcripts for the past 3 years, including your current progress report

All foreign transcripts must be submitted in both the native language and English. Please use a professional translation service or your current school’s resources (i.e. English Teacher or School Administrative Official) for translation with signature, school seal/stamp, and date. Please also provide your school’s grading or equivalency scale.

All transfer applicants (applicants for grades 10, 11, 12) must have transcripts of consecutive progressive semesters of high school without repeating grades or gap years in their academic learning. Complete High School transcripts upon graduation from SM must consist of 8 consecutive semesters 9th – 12th grade.

Transfer students who have completed high school level courses outside of the United States (Grades 9, 10 or 11) must also submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation with semester unit equivalencies, letter grades and a GPA calculation. Transcript evaluations must be completed by a Credential Evaluation Service. 

Acceptable Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies

World Education Services

International Education Research Foundation

Standardized test results are requested from students currently studying in the US whose school implements annual statewide standardized testing. Students should request standardized test results from their current school.

Use the application portal to electronically request Letters of Recommendation from current:

• English Teacher
• Math Teacher
• Principal or Counselor

English proficiency is required for all international applicants. SMCHS offers a holistic education with a rigorous and accelerated curriculum.  If your native language is not English, you are required to provide an official TOEFL iBT score. We look for competitive scores above 70.

We can waive the TOEFL score requirement if you satisfy one of the following:

• A current local 8^th grader who will take our High School Placement Test (January 2023), has studied at a US school for 2 or more years, and not currently enrolled in ELD.
• A student who has studied at a US school for 2 or more years and maintain a C or better in English (not ELD in the current school year).

All applicants who meet the minimum application requirement will be required to sit for an admissions interview. The interview will include verbal and written English proficiency assessments.  

International students must provide a copy of their current immigration status including:

• Passport
• Green Card / US Permanent Residency Card (if applicable)
• Current Visa (if applicable)
• Current I20 (if applicable)

Students applying for a Change of Status from a B1/B2 Visa, must show proof of USCIS approval to the SM International Admissions Office at least 30 days prior to the start of school in order to enroll in classes.

The US government requires all international students to provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses for the first academic year. Along with your application for admission, you must submit documentation of available funds (such as savings deposits or checking accounts) dated within the last year. Proof of sufficient financial support is required before SMCHS can issue a formal letter of admission and the forms required to obtain a Visa.

International students do not qualify for need-based tuition assistance.

Estimated cost of tuition can be found here.

Official Immunization records must be submitted with evidence that California immunization requirements are met before the student can start school. Immunization records must include the student’s name and birthdate. Only immunization records that have been translated to English and include a physician signature and stamp can be accepted. Or, contact your previous US school for an official copy of your immunization records.

For immunization records issued from outside the United States, please have your doctor translate, complete and sign the form below:

Transfer & International Student Immunization Record Form

For more information on school immunization requirements, visit www.shotsforschool.org. If you have any questions or require additional information, please call (949) 766-6029 or email deptofnursing@smhs.org.