International

PROVIDING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Elgin Academy welcomes students from around the world to study in our 7th-12th grade program! The foundational goal of the International Student Program is to extend our academic offerings to students outside of the United States whose academic interests and educational goals align with Elgin Academy’s mission.

Elgin Academy limits the international student program to only a select few students each year to ensure cultural integration, language development, and academic growth within our intimately scaled classes. Additionally, required participation in athletics, opportunities to perform in the fine arts program, and engagement with student organizations, clubs, and social activities provide a well-rounded educational experience for all domestic and international students.

When their friendships cross demographic divides, both visiting students and their local classmates learn to deeply value new cultures, customs, and traditions while gaining a global perspective.

KATIE KRUSE

Director Of International Studies

Bachelor of Arts, Northern Illinois University
Master of Science, Northern Illinois University

Katie, along with her family, lived in China for a total of 10 years where she developed a passion for cross-cultural communication and student exchange. She speaks conversational Mandarin. Since returning from China, Katie has worked enthusiastically with the international student community at Elgin Academy. From interview to graduation, Katie helps each student adjust to the new school environment and encourages each student to become a part of the school community. She oversees all international admission, academic and personal advising, host family placement, and international student culture.

kkruse@elginacademy.org

Academic Excellence

Why Chose Elgin Academy?

Elgin Academy provides a rigorous academic experience with many opportunities to take honors and AP courses to ensure that students excel in college and beyond. Powerful learning experiences, both formal and informal, take place in classrooms, studios, labs, and on athletics fields every day. We are dedicated to graduating compassionate students who are prepared to be productive contributors to society.

Elgin Academy Ranked #8 Private School In The State Of Illinois By Niche

Well-Rounded Curriculum

Elgin Academy’s classical liberal arts education paired with 21st century readiness skills form the core of what our students achieve at Elgin Academy.

Science and Technology Rigor

Technology and science are the tools that change the world. We inspire students to move beyond rote learning and become creative, courageous, and compassionate problem solvers who will make the world a better place.

Individualized Attention

Elgin Academy has a 1:12 teacher/student ratio, meaning teachers work closely with students and empower them to reach their fullest potential.

An Abundance of Opportunities

Elgin Academy’s co-curriculars and athletic teams promote both excellence and participation. Our students have opportunities to take risks and try new activities or further hone talents in areas where they are more experienced. These broad experiences build confidence, provide leadership opportunities, and develop well-rounded individuals.

Elgin Academy teachers prepare our students to not only know the content but to work with it, apply it, test it, and ultimately build upon it.

Providing A Home Away From Home

A home environment immerses visiting students in conversational English and ensures an enriching cultural experience.Host families are typically Elgin Academy families with students attending our Upper School. Elgin Academy conducts comprehensive background checks on potential host parents, carefully considers the international student’s personality and preferences through the matching process, and remains in close communication with each family to ensure a good experience for our visiting students.

Host families support international students as they adjust to a new culture, a second language, and an unfamiliar school.

Host parents support each student so that he or she is academically successful. Additionally, host parents help facilitate social activities, athletic participation, involvement in clubs, and other school activities. Many international students grow to form close and life-long relationships with their host parents and siblings.

Leila has become a member of our family. It has been exciting to watch her grow as a student and mature into young adulthood. I am very humbled to have had the opportunity to help her realize her dream of going to college in the U.S.Lynn Martin – Host parent to Muwen “Leila” Li ‘17

"All of my experiences at EA made me who I am and definitely made me a better person. Of course, behind all of this have been good host parents who have kept me on track and held me accountable, even when I was struggling."

- Yinuo Cui ‘18

Preparing Students for Academically Competitive Colleges and Universities

The Journey Continues - Individualized College Counseling

Because we hope to be only the first step on an extraordinary adventure, Elgin Academy prepares our international students for highly selective and academically competitive colleges and universities and connects them with recruiters from schools all over the country.

Our counselors advise international students through all stages of the college application process, from selecting appropriate schools and preparing for standardized tests to acquiring financial aid.

Students also receive individual guidance in compiling application materials, transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, and are allowed access to Naviance, an Internet-based management system that tracks their progress through this long and complex journey.

Our individualized advising and college counseling programs ensure students identify their goals and develop a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan that ultimately enables them to pursue the colleges and universities that best match their needs, interests and aspirations.

Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Emory University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Johns Hopkins University
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University

Notre Dame University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Stanford University
Texas A&M University

University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
University of Michigan

Doug Sept

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Masters of Science, University of Kentucky

Bachelor of Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology

ASHLEY ANDERSON

COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Bachelor of Science, Missouri State University

Short Term International Programs

Try a Short Term International Program At Elgin Academy

Our short term and auxiliary programs provide an opportunity for international students to experience Elgin Academy. Chose to attend for a few weeks in January and join the Elgin Academy High School student in January Term classes or experience American culture and classes during our summer program. Elgin Academy will also work with your organization to provide a custom programs offering students a unique, short-term experience.

Our International Program is designed to foster friendships, improve English skills and create lasting memories.

Summer Programs

Elgin Academy’s Summer International Program provides an opportunity for students of all ages to experience American culture in a welcoming environment.

Join an existing Elgin Academy Summer Program. There are options available for international students to participate with American students in STEM classes, enrichment programs, academic courses, and other recreational activities.

Elgin Academy can accommodate large groups of students. We will work with you to arrange a custom program to fit the needs of your group.

A homestay option is available for our international summer program participants.

Learn More

Winter Programs

Elgin Academy will work with your organization to provide a custom program offering students a unique, short-term experience in the United States while on break from their regular academic studies.

Options are available for international students to attend classes with Elgin Academy students, participate in social activities and athletics, as well as excursions to the city of Chicago for sightseeing, shopping, and visiting local restaurants.

For information about winter programs please contact the Director of International Studies at internationalstudies@elginacademy.org

International students can experience Elgin Academy and practice their English by attend exciting and interesting classes with American students.

January Term is a transformational program which allows Upper School students to engage in unique, immersive classes. J-Term is an opportunity for students to expand their intellectual curiosity by studying a subject that sparks their interest.

January Term

International High School students are invited to join Elgin Academy’s January Term. J-Term courses are designed to include numerous experiential learning opportunities on and off campus. When appropriate, local field trips ranging from partial to full days will be included in each class.

International students will attend a conversational English skills class each morning prior to their J-Term class. Additionally, they will attend an excursion to the city of Chicago for sightseeing, shopping, and visiting local restaurants. Social activities with American students are also included during the time they attend the program.

For information about winter programs please contact the Director of International Studies at internationalstudies@elginacademy.org

Our Location

Elgin Academy, chartered in 1839, is the leading independent, co-educational, preschool-12th grade college preparatory school in the Fox River Valley, an area 25 km west of Chicago, Illinois.

The school is located on a hill overlooking the thriving town of Elgin. The neighborhood surrounding Elgin Academy is a safe and quiet residential area on one side with historic homes and majestic trees and an urban setting on the other side with proximity to dining, culture, arts, theater, and parks.

Elgin’s proximity to Chicago and the major cities of Madison and Milwaukee allow for the enjoyment of:

Sporting Events
Museums
Shows And Cultural Events
Dining
Shopping

Elgin is only a 25 minute drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

International Program Parameters

International students accepted in 7th through 12th grades

We limit our program to only a select few international students each year to ensure cultural integration and language development within our intimately scaled learning environment.

Requirements

Online application and $52 application fee.
Two teacher recommendations from Math and English teachers.
Report cards/transcripts for the two most recently completed school years. Must be translated into English and notarized for authenticity.
A Release of Records form to the applicant’s current school and supply a copy to Elgin Academy.
TOEFL, TOEFL Junior or Duolingo exam results for English proficiency scores.
Proof of applicant’s identity.
Interview with the Elgin Academy Admission Director, Director of International Studies, and/or Administration. (Out of country/state applicants can schedule a virtual interview)
To be considered for admission, applicants must be no older than 19 years of age at the time of graduation.

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Elgin Academy when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. Duolingo English Test

Once all steps are completed, and an official admission decision is made, the Admission Director notifies the parents. If the student is accepted, an Enrollment Agreement Contract will be issued to be signed by the student’s parents or legal guardians. This agreement needs to be returned with the non-refundable deposit before Elgin Academy can issue an I-20.