International Students

Study in the United States in beautiful Santa Monica, where the climate is mild year-round and the beach is always nearby.

At Lighthouse Christian Academy, students receive a strong academic education while improving their English in an exceptional Southern California setting—close to world-famous attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as mountains and beaches.

We are SEVP-certified and authorized to issue I-20 visas. International students can strengthen their English, earn a U.S. high school diploma (F-1), and prepare for admission to American universities.

Program Highlights

To study in the United States, Lighthouse Christian Academy offers:

  • Strong English development

  • College-preparatory academics

  • Flexible schedules with diverse electives (arts, music, film, business, and more)

  • Competitive sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and golf

  • A small, supportive, family-style community

  • Host family housing

  • An ideal location near the best of Los Angeles

For over 20 years, LCA has welcomed students from around the world—including China, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Brazil—building a reputation for strong academics and a warm, inclusive community. Located in Santa Monica, students enjoy easy access to iconic destinations like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, along with all that Southern California has to offer.

Applications for grades 9–12 are accepted through May 1. International tuition details are available upon request.

To learn more, please contact LCA Admissions, Attn: Josh Young at 310.829.2522 or JoshYoung@LCAsaints.org.

Admission Criteria

Lighthouse Christian Academy welcomes applications from international students in grades 9–12 who are seeking a college-preparatory program within a nondenominational, biblically grounded learning environment. While many students enroll through graduation, one-year study options are also available.

Admission is based on the following criteria:

  • Transcripts demonstrating above-average academic performance

  • Preferred English proficiency at a level that supports academic success

  • Strong character, including responsibility, honesty, cooperation, and respect for others

  • Self-motivation and the ability to manage time and personal responsibilities effectively

  • Review and understanding of the Student/Parent Handbook and International Student Supplemental Handbook

  • Completion of all required application forms, documentation, recommendations, and the nonrefundable application fee (see Admissions Checklist)

  • Successful completion of a personal interview (via video call for international applicants)

Table titled 'English Proficiency Requirements' listing grade levels and corresponding test score requirements for TOEFL Jr., TOEFL iBT, and iTEP SLATE exams, with rows for 9th to 12th grade.

Application Process

Step 1 — Explore Our School

Learn more about our academic programs, student life, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities through our website.
For questions, contact our International Program Director:

Josh Young
📞 310.829.2522
✉️ JoshYoung@LCAsaints.org

Helpful Resources:

  • Parent & Student Handbook

  • International Student Supplemental Handbook

Step 2 — Submit Your Application

Please send the following materials to the Admissions Office:

Lighthouse Christian Academy
Attn: International Program Director
1424 Yale Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Fax: 310.829.5544
Email: JoshYoung@LCAsaints.org

Required Documents

  • Completed International Student Application

  • Official transcripts from the previous two academic years
    (English translation and school seal required)

  • Copy of student passport

  • Immunization records in English

  • TOEFL or iTEP SLATE test scores

  • Recent applicant photo

  • Official bank statement showing sufficient financial support

  • Non-refundable $150 application fee

Testing Information

  • TOEFL: www.toefl.org
    School Code: 9112

  • iTEP SLATE: www.itepexam.com

Applications may be submitted by mail, fax, or digitally by email.

Step 3 — Student Interview

After reviewing your application, our International Program Director will schedule a student interview.

  • Approximately 30 minutes

  • Conducted in person or via Skype

  • Designed to help us get to know the student personally and academically

Step 4 — Admission Decision

Once all documents and interviews have been reviewed, applicants will receive an admission decision via email.

Admissions decisions are based on:

  • Academic background

  • Interview performance

  • Host family availability

  • Overall student compatibility

If accepted, students will receive:

  • Official Acceptance Letter

  • Enrollment Packet

Lighthouse Christian Academy welcomes qualified students of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Step 5 — Confirm Enrollment

To secure enrollment and maintain I-20 eligibility, the following must be completed before July 1:

  • Tuition payment in full

  • Signed Enrollment Contract

Failure to complete enrollment requirements may result in cancellation of the I-20.

Step 6 — Enrollment Documents

Once enrollment documents and tuition are received, LCA will issue:

  1. Welcome Letter

  2. Official I-20 Form

  3. Payment Receipt

Lighthouse Christian Academy is SEVP-certified and authorized through the SEVIS system to issue I-20 student visas.

Students must sign the issued I-20 form, acknowledging the terms outlined within the document.

Step 7 — Apply for Your Visa

Students should bring the following documents to their embassy appointment:

  • Passport

  • Acceptance Letter

  • I-20 Form

  • Tuition payment receipts

  • Proof of SEVIS I-901 payment

  • Proof of financial support

  • Documentation showing ties to home country

Step 8 — Prepare for Arrival

After receiving your visa:

  • Send a copy of your visa to LCA

  • Provide your travel itinerary and flight details

  • Arrange direct travel to Los Angeles (LAX)

Students should arrive on campus on the official I-20 start date.

Upon arrival in the United States, students must also complete a U.S.-based medical evaluation.

For additional questions, please contact the International Program Director.

Tuition & Fees

Annual Tuition

$20,000 USD

Semester Tuition

$10,000 USD

Tuition Includes

  • Academic tuition

  • Health insurance

  • Orientation & enrollment fees

  • Lab and sports fees

  • Yearbook

  • Multi-night school trips

  • Special events & excursions

  • College counseling & application assistance

  • Tutoring services

  • International processing support

  • Textbooks

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • School uniforms: $200–$300

  • Personal spending & entertainment

  • Optional holiday travel home

  • Junior/Senior trip (if applicable)

Students should also bring a prepaid Visa card with approximately $1,000 USD for incidental expenses and personal items.

HomeStay Program

One of the unique features of Lighthouse Christian Academy boarding is the home stay program. Instead of an impersonal dorm setting, we believe international students living with American families are provided a much better learning environment. They also receive more focused social and emotional support. The host family is caring, friendly and genuinely interested in welcoming student into their home. Host families are chosen after reference and background checks, personal interviews and home inspections. Orientation and ongoing support is provided to host families as well. Once we assign a host family it is expected that the student will remain there for one academic year. LCA maintains communication with the host family throughout the year.