International exchange program students
New Hope Academy is certified by SEVIS (part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, with guidelines established by the United States federal government) as an I-20 School and is able to accept international students into its programs. Though most international applicants apply to attend high school, younger students with family or friends able to host them in their home are also eligible to apply.
New Hope Academy is certified by the Maryland State Department of Education as a non-public school. New Hope’s classes, credits, and diploma are recognized and accepted by all other private and public schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
New Hope International High School provides a well-rounded college preparatory, liberal arts style curriculum designed to prepare our students as future leaders. Our program seeks to balance traditional preparation of the student for the rigors of college and future career while also emphasizing the arts and a broad range of experiential learning. With a strong social consciousness, we work to guide each student to acquire the knowledge needed to fulfill one’s civic duty and to promote inter-cultural harmony. Students are encouraged to be globally conscious, with the intention that our graduates will use their skills for the betterment of humanity and the world.
Providing a solid math foundation using the Saxon curriculum, New Hope is able to offer all levels of high school math, up to and including AP Calculus. New Hope tests all incoming students to ensure proper placement in the math program.
To enable our students to receive thorough training in scientific methods, four years of science courses include regularly scheduled laboratory time focused on hands-on experiments, data collection, laboratory logs, and groups work.
The English courses at New Hope International High School place an emphasis on good literature through a guided discussion format. Continuing to build one’s vocabulary through reading and writing, students prepare for college by developing the skills necessary to navigate the college course load and to meet the expectations for successfully completing extensive research papers and reports.
New Hope Academy (the umbrella institution for New Hope International High School) will work to locate a host family for international high school students who do not have personal contacts in Maryland. Usually such arrangements can be made, though it is not guaranteed. Host families are to be compensated for room and board, and students are expected to have their own money for personal expenses, entertainment, and travel. To begin the process, international students should read the guidelines and requirements for SEVIS I-20 international (F-1 Visa) students; application forms are also available on that page. Feel free to contact Elizabeth Armstrong by phone (1-301-459-7311) or email (earmstrong "AT" newhopeacademy "DOT" org).
International Students 2010
Last year we had one international high school student, Naoki, from Japan. We had a fabulous experience with him, and he expressed deep gratitude for being at New Hope. He had such a positive experience that he did not want to leave when the year ended.
This year we were fortunate to be able to welcome four international students; Yvan from Rwanda, Ivy from China, Musa from The Gambia, and Jim from South Korea. They have contributed to the diversity our school and helped our students broaden understanding and thinking. It’s been an enriching experience for everyone and a tremendous blessing to have them here at New Hope.
Host an international exchange student!
Read Principal Joy Morrow's letter about the opportunity to host an international exchange student.
August 5, 2010 update:
We are proud to announce that our International Student Program has expanded this year, with eleven international high school students, all from non-American (eastern hemisphere) countries, scheduled to attend for the fall.
New Hope Academy (the umbrella institution for New Hope International High School) is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students. For more information about guidelines and requirements for international students at New Hope Academy (F-1 Visa students), see our page on SEVIS I-20 international (F-1 Visa) students. For more information on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), please visit their web site (www.ice.gov/sevis).
