International Students
Welcome
Pomona Catholic welcomes students from around the world. We believe that international students enhance the education of our community in and out of the classroom. International Students participate in all aspects of the PC community–classroom, clubs, visual and performing art, music, debate, sports, and so on.
The International Students’ College Counselor, Mrs. Punkay works with all of our International students to guide them, helps them evaluate their careers, and works with them every step through college application process.
Pomona Catholic is registered with SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is authorized to issue I-20s visa so that students may acquire an F-1 visa. We also accept applications for visa transfers from other American high schools.
Our Mission
Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Pomona Catholic School promotes the intellectual, physical, and spiritual development of its students through instruction, fellowship, and prayer. Faculty and staff join parents, as primary educators, to prepare our young ladies for the demands of college and the challenges of adulthood.
ACADEMICS
Pomona Catholic offers 95 University of California/California State University a-g approved college prep courses. We offer Advanced Placement (AP) programs, and also offers a variety of specialty courses including Computer Game Development, Service Learning Leadership, Introduction to Sports Medicine, Creative Writing, Architectural Design Concepts, Drama, Comparative Religions, and Jazz Band. Pomona Catholic has over 10 clubs on campus representing academic, service, sports, and special interests.
WHY STUDY ABROAD?
Explore the World
Overcome the Challenge
Learn a New Language
Expand Your Global Network
Understand a new culture
Make lifelong friends
Travel and adventure
CONTACT MRS. PUNKAY AT:
909.823.5297x308 or
dpunkay@pomonacatholic.org
ADMISSION
APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1:
Email our international Counselor, Mrs. PunKay
STEP 2:
You will receive an email with an application form and a request for copies of:
Passport
School transcript (translated into English)
If you are a transfer student, a copy of your current F-1
STEP 3:
Set up and interview with our Counselor in person or online via Zoom, Skype or Face Time
STEP 4:
You will receive an acceptance email including the necessary forms.
STEP 5:
Fill out the forms and submit. You will also need to send the following documents:
Proof of Financial Responsibility–bank statement
Immunization record (TB test within past four years)
Money order or cashier’s check for I-20 Application fee
New I-20 Application Fee: $900
Transfer I-20 Application Fee: $300
Fee for Pomona Catholic School Application: $250 (May be paid by wire transfer)
STEP 6:
Follow up.
If this is a new student visa, you will need to pay your SEVIS fee and make an appointment for an interview at the US embassy or consulate.
If this is a transfer visa, you will need to request the school you are transferring. from to send in your F-1 to be transferred.
ADMISSION CHECKLIST
Applications will not be processed until all listed items are received
Application: The Application Fee of $150 is due when you submit your application. Openings may be limited and applicants are encouraged to apply. Students may be admitted during the school year if openings are available. Student applications will be reviewed once all documents and above fees are received. ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
Grades/Transcripts: The last two years of grades/transcripts:
Current Original transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent.
All transcripts must be translated in English, officially notarized, and include a scale for interpretation.
References: Two references should be submitted using the reference forms provided. Both references should be from teachers or school administration who can speak to the prospective student’s academic performance, English language proficiency, behavior, and his potential for academic success in America.
Student Essay: Submit a 5-6 paragraph Self-Introduction addressing the following questions:Why would you like to come to America and attend Damien High School? What are your strongest characteristics? What are your weaknesses? What are your hopes and dreams for life in American? What are your academic interests? What are your academic goals upon graduating from Damien?
Skype Interview: A face to face interview will be set up between the prospective student and International Student Program Director after the completed application packet is received.
Immunization: A copy of your student’s current immunizations must be submitted showing proof of a TB skin test result of ‘negative’ result. This should be no more than one year old (TB Mantous). As well, a Tdap (Pertussis Booster) shot must be included.
Copy of current passport
Copy of current I-20 (if a transfer student)
Upon Acceptance You will receive: an acceptance letter and I-20 application packet
TUITION
HIGH SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL: $21,000 PER STUDENT
ADDITIONAL FEES:
APPLICATION FEE (NEW STUDENT ONLY, NON-REFUNDABLE): $250
I-20 (NEW): $900
I-20 (TRANSFER APPLICATION): $300 (A transfer student is one coming from another school in the United States)
ENROLLMENT into FACTS Tuition Management: $55
YEARBOOK (estimated): $100
AP EXAM AND AP CAPSTONE EXAM: price TBD based on costs.
UNIFORMS: Limited quantities of uniforms are available for purchase through PC. If uniforms are out of stock in the Pomona Catholic Store, families are still REQUIRED to purchase their required uniforms through a third-party retailer.
BOOKS: Textbooks allowance is capped at $450, above that will be additional. Books can be purchased through E-tech Campus at https://pomonacatholic.etechcampus.com/.
SERVICE: International students are required to perform 25 hours of Christian service each year. Their parents and guardians are not required to participate in fundraising events or do service hours.
NOTE: International student tuition must be paid in full before the school year begins. Tuition includes Non-refundable enrollment fees, fundraisers, and other fees (class fees, retreats, and technology. It also covers a textbook allowance capped at $450).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL: $12,800 PER STUDENT
ADDITIONAL FEES:
APPLICATION FEE: $250
I-20 APPLICATION FEE (New): $900
I-20 TRANSFER APPLICATION FEE (A transfer student is one coming from another school in the United States): $300
ENROLLMENT into FACTS Tuition Management: $55
YEARBOOK (estimated): $150
AP EXAM AND AP CAPSTONE EXAM: price TBD based on costs.
UNIFORMS: Limited quantities of uniforms are available for purchase through PC. If uniforms are out of stock in the Pomona Catholic Store, families are still REQUIRED to purchase their required uniforms through a third-party retailer.
BOOKS: Textbooks allowance is capped at $450, above that will be additional. Books can be purchased through E-tech Campus at https://pomonacatholic.etechcampus.com/.
SERVICE: International students are required to perform 25 hours of Christian service each year. Their parents and guardians are not required to participate in fundraising events or do service hours.
NOTE: THE TUITION INCLUDES: Non-refundable enrollment fee, fundraisers, athletics, and other fees (class fees, retreats and technology. It also includes textbooks).
INFORMATION
FAQs
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Pomona Catholic does not offer ESL (English as a Second Language) support. Students must have strong English language skills and be able to participate in lectures, reading and writing in English.
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Pomona Catholic does not have boarding facilities. We keep a list of families that are willing to be host families. But students and their families are responsible for choosing an appropriate host family.
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Pomona Catholic does not work with any specific international student agency. If the student would like to apply through an agency, we will work with the agency the student chooses.
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Pomona Catholic does not require any tests for admission. The counselor will evaluate the students’ language comprehension during an online or in-person interview. If the students are accepted, they will be given math and English placement tests to determine the proper class placement.
HOST FAMILY
Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions that an international student and her family will make for her happiness and well-being. Pomona Catholic does not have a dormitory or boarding facilities. Some students live with relatives or family friends.
In addition, we have a list of host families that international students may use to choose a family. In selecting families for our list, student safety is our highest priority. We also look for families who will welcome the student into their family and make her feel at home. Host families provide food, a room with a bed, desk, and dresser, and transportation to school for classes and activities. Some host families are also willing to serve as guardians. Host family fees are not part of the tuition and vary from one family to another.
A student who wants to choose a host family from the list can ask the International Students’ Counselor. The host family list includes information about the members of the families, pets, locations of the homes, distance from school, monthly fees, and pictures of the family and their homes. The counselor encourages the students and their families to meet at least two host families via Zoom or in person before making a decision. If, for some reason, the student wishes to change families, she may do so at any time.
To get more information about host families for students or to become a host family, please contact our International Student Counselor at dpunkay@pomonacatholic.org.
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
American University
Azusa Pacific University
Boston University
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal State Fullerton
Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Los Angeles
Case Western Reserve Univ.
George Washington University
Hawaii Pacific
Mercer University
Michigan State
Pace University
Penn State University
Purdue University
San Francisco State
Syracuse University
University of Arizona
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Cruz
University of Delaware
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of La Verne
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Florida
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Washington University in St. Louis