• International Drone Footage

A Global Welcome

The Covenant School is pleased to offer admission to qualified international students. The Covenant School seeks to enroll students from Grades 6-12 (though K through 5 are also welcome to apply) who demonstrate the potential for success in a challenging and rigorous college-preparatory program. Academic strength, test scores, an understanding of the English language, and a willingness to participate in the life of the school are some of the areas evaluated by the Admissions Office.

Home Stay (for Middle and Upper School students only)

Families who are part of The Covenant School open their homes and welcome International students each year. Each host family goes through a process of background checks, reference checks, personal interviews, and, often, home visits to ensure the best possible care for our students. Covenant School parents are caring and open to helping a young student adjust and grow in a new environment and culture. We welcome students into homes as a member of the family, offering a bedroom, bathroom, and a quiet place to study. Host families provide up to three meals per day, and students have the option of purchasing lunch at school. Host parents provide transportation to and from school and all school-related events during the school term. Students return home for the summer months (June, July, and most of August).

About our Home Stay Program

International Student FAQ

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. How does my international student apply for admission at The Covenant School?

    Birdwood Campus (Kindergarten through Grade 5)
    • Submit an Application for International Student Admission
    • After completing the application, international students will hear directly from Betsy Carter, Admissions Director, about next steps in the international student application process.
    • Provide an Official Transcript (translated) from current school 
    • Provide a copy of Immunization Records.
    • Parents provide a recent bank statement showing capability of paying tuition and living expenses.
    • Provide an email address for communication throughout the process.
    • Once the applicant’s file is complete, the Admissions Director will conduct a Skype interview (skype.com) and admissions testing with the applicant at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time by appointment only.  Covenant’s Skype address is: the.covenant.school.admissions
    • Contact admissions@covenantschool.org with any questions.
    Hickory Campus (Grades 6-12)
    • Submit an Application for International Student Admission
    • Provide completed English and Math Teacher Recommendation Forms.
    • Provide an Official Transcript (translated) from current school - including grades from the past 3 years.
    • For Grades 6-12, provide one set of test results from one of the following: iTEP/SLATE, TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., or SSAT.
    • Provide a copy of Immunization Records.
    • Parents provide a recent bank statement showing capability of paying tuition and living expenses.
    • Provide an email address for communication throughout the process.
    • Once the applicant’s file is complete, the Admissions Director will conduct a Skype interview (skype.com) with the applicant at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time by appointment only.  Covenant’s Skype address is: the.covenant.school.admissions
    • Contact admissions@covenantschool.org with any questions.
  • Q. Once accepted for admission, how does my student enroll at The Covenant School?

    • Once an applicant is determined to be eligible for admission and a space is available, the school offers an Enrollment Contract with an acceptance letter.
    • The School issues the SEVIS I-20. If transferring from another school that has already issued a SEVIS I-20, request that the record be transferred to The Covenant School.
    • Parents sign the Enrollment Contract and return it with a deposit on tuition through Flywire.
    International students with domestic accounts may register online with FACTS Tuition Management one of these three ways:
    1) use a credit card for automated payments (FACTS will not accept VISA or international credit cards)
    2) link to a U.S. bank checking account for automated payment
    3) email Covenant’s Business Office at tmorris@covenantschool.org with any questions
  • Q. Tell me more about the Host Family Option.

    International students who desire to live with a host family during the school year must contact the Admissions Office who will help find your host family.

    The stipend for room and board is $17,000 per school year (mid-August through early June) and that fee is paid by the international parents directly to the host family in two installments (August and January).
     
    A Host Family Agreement is arranged by the host family and signed by all parties (host parents, international parents, and student). This Agreement outlines expectations and household rules.
  • Q. Does The Covenant School offer Academic Support to my international student?

    Yes, Covenant does offer an academic support tutoring three times per week for a total of 3 hours each tutoring week. This service is included in the tuition fee. We do not offer an ESL program.
     
  • Q. How does my student pay tuition?

    The one-time annual tuition payment is due July 1.

    The tuition payment should be made through Flywire. Go to www.flywire.com/mypayment to select The Covenant School and set up your account for easy payment. Options may include bank transfer, debit/credit card in your home currency, electronic payment, or other local options.

    http://info.flywire.com/rs/857-SYJ-051/images/Benefits_How_To_Pay_Flyer_US.pdf

    https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/1064/misc/misc_167700.pdf
  • Q. What documents does my international student have to present upon arrival at The Covenant School?

    • Provide a copy of your Health Insurance card prior to the first day of school. Health Insurance is mandatory for all international students. Your host parents may help you purchase this insurance.
    • Provide a copy of the SEVIS I-20 Form signed by parents and students.
    • Provide a copy of student passport and Visa, including the Port of Entry stamp
    • Provide a copy of a certified bank statement of parents’ account.

Contact Us

Middle and Upper School
Grades 6 through 12
175 Hickory Street

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Contact:
Betsy Carter
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
Birdwood Campus 
Lower School
Pre-K through Grade 5
1000 Birdwood Road 

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Contact:

Amanda Brown
Lower School Admissions Director
(434) 220-8125
abrown@covenantschool.org

The Covenant School

Birdwood Campus | Lower School | Pre-K–Grade 5 |
1000 Birdwood Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 434.220.7309

Hickory Campus | Middle and Upper School | Grades 6–12 | 175 Hickory Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 434.220.7329
Located in Charlottesville, VA, The Covenant School is a non-denominational, private, Christian day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, visual and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.