International Students
International students from all over the world are a welcome addition to the Lafayette Catholic School System. Students from Russia, China, South Korea, Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany and more have experienced an American education at one of the Lafayette Catholic Schools.
Some of our International students come for a one-semester or one-year American school experience. Other students come to earn a high school diploma from Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School and continue their studies at colleges and universities around the United States. Some international students come through a Foreign Exchange agency, and others come independently finding their own host family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your school issue the I-20?
All four of our Lafayette Catholic Schools are Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified schools. The Enrollment Manager may issue the I-20 to students who are approved for admission by the school principal and who have met the I-20 requirements.
Is there an application deadline?
The application deadline is December 31, 2023 for the 2024-2025 school year. This allows us to have sufficient time for the student to be admitted, secure their visa in their home country, and be present for the first day of school in August. Any applications received after January 1st will be considered for the 2025-2026 school year.
Do I need to take an English proficiency test?
Central Catholic does not provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services. If you are seeking a high school diploma from Central Catholic, you must submit a SSAT Score or a TOEFEL Score with your application. No score is required if you are transferring from another high school in the United States.
There is no minimum score. English skills, including reading, writing, speaking and listening, all necessary to be successful at Central Catholic, will be determined through a combination of the Skype interview, the written essay, and the proficiency test score.
Do you offer boarding accommodations?
The Lafayette Catholic School System offers a day school program only and no boarding options are available. International students must physically reside with their parents or a designated guardian over twenty (21) years of age. It is the responsibility of the student to find their own guardian or host family or work through an agency to find placement. Notarized guardianship documents must be filed with the school when the student does not live with their parents.
Can I start in the middle of the semester?
International students seeking a diploma from Central Catholic will usually only be approved for a fall semester start. The first day of school is always in mid-August.
