International Students

    The Ellis School is committed to enrolling a diverse population, including international students. In addition to completing the application process, all international students must follow the guidelines outlined below.
    • All applicants must take the SLEP or the TOEFL as part of the application process and should be in touch directly with the Admissions Office for details.
    • All students who enroll must live with an English speaking parent/guardian who is in Pittsburgh or use OvECS as a resource to find a host family.  In either circumstance, the living situation must be verified in writing from the parents as part of the application process. Ellis personnel must also meet the host family in person at the time of the application submission.
    • All students who enroll must submit up to date heath records, immunizations and emergency contact forms no later than August  1 in order to start school that fall . This must include an English speaking, adult, local contact.
    • The School must have a copy of the student’s visa at the time of the application or as soon as it is issued, but no later than August 1 of the year they are enrolling.
    • All students who enroll must pay 50% of tuition at the time the enrollment contract is due.
    • As the School regularly engages in assessing all students, families must be willing to support any additional needs that surface during their time at Ellis. This could include tutorial support, or translation services for families as determined by the School , but is not limited to these needs. Therefore,  families must make a minimum deposit of $500 into the student’s school account by August 1st of the year they are enrolling.
    • All students are required to have health insurance that is valid in the United States. This information must be submitted with the enrollment contract or the family must sign up for Independent School Management Health Insurance (ISM).  Proof of insurance is required for enrollment.
    • Families are required to complete guardian form as part of the enrollment process.
    • Families must provide a financial stipend  of $750.00/month if they are working with an Ellis family as a host family.
    • Students must have a valid credit card that works in the United States. A copy of the credit card information must be on file with the business office before August 1.
    • Typically, the School will not admit students for grade 12.
    Visit Study in the States for assistance applying for a student visa.