International Program · Northridge has partnered with TADS, an online organization, to help manage our enrollment and tuition collection processes. You will need to (1) enroll your

International Program

Experience the United States of Americaand get a world–class education in the process.

Northridge Preparatory School | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.org

NORTHRIDGEP R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L

Home of the Knights

Northridge Preparatory School, Chicago, USAGrades 6 through 12

Northridge Prep | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.org Northridge Prep | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.org

experiencea world-class citya home away from homethe family that is Northridge

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Our mission as an educational institution is to provide excellent college preparation by having each of our students reach their highest potential in all dimensions as learners and individuals. Moral and spiritual formation is the pillar that supports our everyday activities and ultimately nurtures all our goals as a school. With this in mind, Northridge Preparatory School has created the International Student Program which aims to share our philosophy with students from around the globe who are interested in enhancing their education both academically and linguistically within our academic community.

Once admitted to Northridge Preparatory School, the international student becomes one of our own and is immediately granted all the rights and responsibilities of our Knights, Northridge’s students. Our admissions department will determine the class for the new Knight in accordance with his age, transcripts, and command of the English language. The new Knight will then be introduced to our administrators, faculty, student body, and staff who will, from day one, address him as a full-time student at Northridge.

In order to be admitted into our International Student Program, applicants are required to have a certain command of basic skills in the English language. Our intention is that his experience is not hindered by a lack of understanding of our everyday processes. Thus, the applicant needs to be interviewed by the International Program Director who, by way of a very informal conversation, will determine the applicant’s conversational skills in the English language. Furthermore, once admitted, the new Knight will sign a language pledge in which he agrees to speak English at all times while at Northridge.

In addition to the total immersion into our mainstream classroom setting, Northridge Preparatory School offers an after-school English as a Second Language program designed to enrich the linguistic experience of the international student while in the United States. The goal of our ESL program is to develop English language proficiency in our new Knights so that they can function more independently both in our academic environment and in social settings.

With the vision of cultural immersion, the Northridge International Program has also developed an activity package in order to provide cultural enrichment and immersion to the new Knight. The Field Trip Package offers visits to important places and landmarks in Chicagoland.

All in all, our commitment to the International Student Program is to help the new Knight become more proficient in the English Language, reach a higher level of maturity and independence, interact with the members of an international community, appreciate a different cultural perspective, strengthen his character, and enhance his vision of education as a lifelong experience.

Mr. Hugo ChongAssistant Headmaster Int'l Program Director


4 Northridge Prep | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.org

Step One: Application for Admission

Prospective students must first submit a completed application. The official application for admission can be found at the end of this brochure. The following needs to be submitted along with your application:

i. Academic records for the past two years.ii. Your son’s two personal statements, the prompts for which are contained in the

Application for Admission.iii. A $100 application processing feeiv. A letter of recommendation for your son. For your convenience, a form for this purpose can be found

in the Application for Admission and must be completed by either a teacher or an administrator at hiscurrent school.

Step Two: Interview via Skype

i. An interview with our International Program Director will be scheduled after we review your application.This interview is intended to determine the applicant’s command of the English language. After theinterview with the applicant, questions from parents are welcome. Our Skype ID is Northridge.prep.

Step Three: Review of Candidate

i. Please allow two weeks to receive a decision regarding your son’s acceptance to Northridge Prep.

Step Four: Notification of Decisioni. If your son is granted admission to Northridge Prep, an enrollment contract will be emailed to your

primary email address. The contract must be completed and submitted within 15 days to secure hisplace.

Application Process


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1. Enrollment Procedure on TADS

Northridge has partnered with TADS, an online organization, to help manage our enrollment and tuition collection processes. You will need to (1) enroll your son and (2) set up your tuition agreement through TADS.

a. Enrollment Contract

Once your son is accepted, you will receive an enrollment email from TADS containing a link toenroll him on their website. You will need to create an account using the email address to which your acceptance email was sent as well as a password of your choice. You will need to complete the online enrollment contract in its entirety. Once you have completed this process, your son is enrolled, and his seat is officially reserved

b. Tuition AgreementImmediately following the submission of your son’s enrollment contract and deposit, TADS willask you to set up your tuition agreement. Here you must select your preferred method of payment.

2. Health Insurance (Required)

You must produce one of the options of health insurance below to Northridge before your son’s arrival:

a. Existing Personal Insurancei. You are able to use your own personal insurance if the coverage is available in the

United States.b. New Insurance Policy

i. For your reference, many international families have purchased health insurance withISM. ISM has provided health insurance for our international students for several years.Various plans are available for purchase at www.ISMinc.com. You, not Northridge, areresponsible to purchase your son’s plan directly through any provider of your choice,including ISM.

Enrollment Process, Tuition, and Health Insurance Requirement


c. Tuition and Fees


Who is your Host Family?

A well-established Northridge family

What is considered when assigning a Host Family?

• Grade levels

• Ages

• Interests

When will you learn who your Host Family is?

• You will be notified of your son’s Host Familytwo to three weeks prior to his plannedarrival.

American Host Families

Our International Program is greatly enriched by the participation of Northridge families as host families for our international students. Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience for everyone in the family and enhances the immersion experience for the international student. The host family plays a very important role in offering our international student a realistic view of life in the United States.

Host families commit to provide the international student with a safe and welcoming environment in various ways. These families act as surrogate parents who are always ready to assist your son while in the United States. As they would for their own son(s), they will provide a place in the home conducive to study, recognize the student’s birthday and any other special occasions, and maintain friendly communication with the international student’s family. All these actions help the international student feel like a real member of the family, with the same privileges and obligations as everyone in the household.

In the event that the international student experiences difficulty communicating upon his arrival, the host family will clarify any misunderstandings and frustrations that may occur. The language barrier will eventually be conquered and together the student and the host family will create an especially close bond that will last for a lifetime.


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Investments

Mock Trial

Newspaper

Photography

Podcast

Scholastic Bowl

Woodworking Shop

Weightlifting

Yearbook

Curr

icul

um


Middle School

6th GradeLiterature / Language Arts Music Middle School MathEarth ScienceWorld GeographyReligion: This Is Your FaithPhysical Education

7th GradeLiterature & Language Arts II Pre-AlgebraLife ScienceU.S. History 1Exploratory Spanish & Latin Religion: Life of GracePhysical Education

8th GradeLiterature & Language Arts III Pre-Algebra / Algebra I Physical ScienceU.S. HistoryExploratory Spanish II & Latin II Religion: Towards Confirmation Physical Education

Middle School ClubsBand

Bugs and Botany

Chess / Strategy Games

Civil War

Computing Ideas

Competitive Sports

Debate

Mythology

Newspaper

Science Club

Sports Officiating

Woodworking Shop

After-School ClubsIntroduction to Filmmaking

Robotics

Band

Biomedical Science

Chess

Competitive Sports

Computing Coding

Diplomacy

Entrepreneurship

Filmmaking

Graphic Design

High School

9th GradeIntroduction to LiteratureAlgebra I/Algebra IIBiologyWorld HistorySpanish II/Latin IIntroduction to CatholicismPhysical Education

10th GradeBritish LiteratureGeometryPhysicsAmerican StudiesSpanish III/Latin IIUnderstanding the Sacred ScripturesPhysical Education

11th GradeAmerican Literature & AP Language & Composition Algebra II/Pre-CalculusChemistryAP U.S. HistorySpanish IV/Latin IIIChurch HistoryCollege Prep

12th GradeAP English LiteratureAdvanced Math/Pre-Calculus/AP Calculus (AB) AP Biology/AP Chemistry/AP PhysicsAP European HistoryAP Spanish V/ Latin IVMoral Theology

High School Clubs


• Students are assessed regularly to monitor and track their progress.

• The ultimate goal of the ESL program is to assist your son to take command of the English language and apply this knowledge within the classroom setting and practical life.

• This program is highly recommended and Northridge encourages all international students to enroll in it.

• Depending on a student’s level of proficiency and performance as determined by faculty and/or administration, enrollment in the ESL program may be mandatory.

English as a Second Language [ESL]

After-School English Language Program

Northridge Preparatory School | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.orgNorthridge Preparatory School | 8320 Ballard Road | Niles, Illinois, USA | t. 847–375–0600 | f. 847–375–0606 | www.NorthridgePrep.org



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This package is designed to give all international students the best Chicago experience in order to make their immersion into the culture and language of the United States richer and more memorable.

1. Possible destinations:

a. Six Flags, Great Americab. Navy Pier, a major lakeshore

Chicago attractionc. Shedd Aquariumd. Museums (Field Museum &

Science and Industry)e. Chicago City tourf. Zoog. Sightseeing

2. Package Includes outings to the most important cultural destinations and fun ac-tivities in the Chicago Metropolitan area as well as a shopping trip to one of the largest malls in America.

Top Photo: Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park in ChicagoSecond Photo: Six Flags, Great America

Third Photo: Adler Planetarium in ChicagoFourth Photo: Chicago Bulls Basketball at the United Center

Excursion Package


Will we be able to contact the host family prior to our son’s arrival?

Yes. You will receive contact information such as email addresses, mailing address, and telephone numbers two to three weeks prior to your son’s arrival.

What should be the first questions we address with the host family?

1. Will my son have a bedroom of his own or will he share?

2. If sharing a bedroom, who will he be sharing with?

3. How will my son get to school?

4. Do you have any pets?

5. What are your family rules for use of technology?

How often should we communicate with our son?

Based on experience, it is recommended that you communicate with your son once a week at a scheduled time.

It is common for international students to have a hard time assimilating to the new culture if he maintains regular communication with friends and relatives back home. This includes phone calls, emails, and text messages.

When your son is with his Host Family, what will be expected of him?

From the beginning, your son is expected to adhere to the host family’s rules. Therefore, it is important that you communicate with the host parents prior to your son’s arrival in order to discuss customs and rules in their home.

Are there extra costs in addition to the tuition and Host Family Fee?

Yes. School supplies, uniforms, prescription medicines, the ESL Program, the Excursion Package, and spending money are not included in the fees for the International Program.

How much money should we give our son?

We recommend that you give your son a debit card with $100 on it for miscellaneous purchases. Larger amounts should be handled through the host family. However, this is at your discretion.

Can we visit our son?

Yes. Please contact the host family before you make any plans.

What are other prospective international families asking?

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What kind of behavior is expected of our son?

At school your son needs to abide by the Student-Parent Handbook at all times. Thus, your son is subject to Northridge disciplinary actions as is any other student. At home, he is expected to abide by the host family’s rules.

Can we request a host family change?

No. Northridge puts great effort into pairing your son with his host family. In very rare circumstances. However, full-year students may be placed with a new host family for the second semester at the discretion of the school.

Can Northridge accommodate my son if he has special needs?

No. Northridge cannot assume the responsibility of educating your son under these circumstances. If these concerns are not expressed to Northridge prior to admission and they arise later, Northridge reserves the right to cancel his participation in the program immediately. It is important to note that refunds are not offered, per the terms of the enrollment contract.

Whose responsibility is it to monitor my son’s academic progress?

First and foremost, it is your son’s responsibility to make sure he is excelling academically. As parents, it is your responsibility to monitor his academic progress as well.

Northridge keeps track of all grades and progress online and you will be given a username and password to be able to see your son’s progress in all of his classes.

Can my son bring technology with him?

The more access to technology such as laptops and phones, the more prone your son will be to distractions. Also, host families have their own rules in this respect. Please make sure that no host family rule is broken and that the technology your son brings will not become a barrier between him and the culture and education you expect him to get.

What do we do if our son has to follow a special diet or take medications?

Tell the host family right away. These kinds of accommodations will be given to your son to ensure his health and safety.

Frequently Asked Q

uestions



What materials do we need to purchase for our son before he arrives?

A list of required materials will be sent to you including school supplies and proper dress code guidelines.

What if my son needs to see a doctor?

Your son will be able to see a doctor whenever necessary. You must obtain health insurance for your son and provide proof of insurance to Northridge prior to his planned arrival to the United States.

Can my son participate in sports?

Yes and no.

If your son will be attending middle school (grades 6-8), he will be able to participate in all of the after school sports Northridge offers.

If your son will be attending high school (grades 9-12), he will not be allowed to participate in Northridge’s official school teams per the rules of the State of Illinois. However, all international students may take advantage of all sports offered during the school day.

All students in 6th through 12th grade may participate in a daily physical education class or related activity featuring a variety of sports.

In addition, international students are welcome to join the After-School Gym Option, which grants them a membership to use the facilities of a nearby local gym with the supervision of a school-appointed chaperone.

What do we do if we have any concerns regarding our son’s participation in the International Program?

First and foremost, reach out to the International Director, Hugo Chong, hchong@ northridgeprep.org. He will guide you through any necessary processes at that point.

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Documents

International Program · Northridge has partnered with TADS, an online organization, to help manage our enrollment and tuition collection processes. You will need to (1) enroll your