Handprints in different colored paint decorating a brick wall

International Students

We welcome students from around the world!

San Diego Jewish Academy High School welcomes international students worldwide to enjoy a high-quality independent school education. Our international program benefits all of our students, enhancing their global perspective and deepening their understanding of linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity.

We issue a limited number of I-20s to college preparatory, diploma-seeking students after admission to SDJA.

We're seeking international students who are:

  • Academically motivated and successful; 
  • Emotionally and socially mature; ready for full immersion classes taught in English; can demonstrate fluency in speaking, writing, and reading; 
  • Active in advocating for their learning (will reach out to teachers when struggling in class, attend help sessions, and talk to their advisor); 
  • Curious, respectful, and appreciative of American and Jewish cultures; 
  • Interested in being an active member of the SDJA community in curricular and extracurricular activities; 
  • Open to trying new things that may be different from cultural norms; 
  • Eager and committed to building American friendships; 
  • Willing to share their own culture with the SDJA community; 
  • Able to handle and overcome setbacks and challenges; 
  • Interested in staying connected with SDJA after graduation; and
  • In a guardianship relationship in which there is an exchange of communication of the well-being of international students. The guardian must act in loco parentis.

Interested in attending SDJA?

We'd love to get to know you and to help make SDJA your home away from home. Please get in touch with any questions you may have.

Admissions & Tuition

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must complete an online application and submit official academic records, teacher recommendations, and student applications. Students are accepted based on the materials above and a virtual interview. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency in their interview, written application, and through TOEFL test scores (designation code: 5138) or iTEP SLATE scores.

SDJA International students pose next to the lion mascot

International Tuition & Fees

Our high-quality Community Dining Program is included with tuition. Please click here for more information about this program.

A non-refundable $200 application fee is required for each application submitted.

The tuition and fee rate for international students for the 2024-25 Academic Year is: $44,935.

Fees within this amount include the aforementioned all-inclusive community dining fee (see additional information below), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Dues, Student Activities Fee, International Student Fee, and Athletic Fee. SDJA utilizes an enhanced security protocol to ensure the safety of all of our students, staff, and families. A $450 non-refundable fee per family is added as a separate additional fee annually. Travel expenses, medical insurance, computer, club fees, and books are not included in the cost of tuition and fees. Additional expenses and fees may be incurred during the course of the year. These might include instructional materials and school supplies, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP or other testing fees. Personal items and daily expenses are up to individual students.

World-class student support

International Student Support

SDJA provides multiple means of support to encourage student success at SDJA. In addition to the Fall Orientation program (see below), students enroll in the International Immersion Program (IIP), where they are paired with SDJA students for conversation, culture, community, and connections. IIP meets once during the school week, in addition to Sunday outings to area destinations.

International students are also enrolled in an advisory program and meet with their advisor several times weekly. The program is staffed by a faculty member specializing in instruction for students learning English as a second language. The advisor monitors academic progress and helps students with individual challenges.

Additional programming is developed throughout the year to meet students’ needs. The school also provides a college counselor who works with each student individually.

Student Orientation

All new international students participate in an orientation process before school begins to help them acclimate to SDJA. The program includes some English language instruction and exposure and orientation to Jewish practice, culture, and history. Students also are given an overview of SDJA programs and student life, including student culture, academics, athletics, arts, and clubs. During orientation, students take math and language assessments, tour the school, and receive assistance with various items as they prepare for the first day of school.