International Student Program
Kent ISD is excited to help welcome 42 international F-1 Visa students to local school districts for the 2024-2025 school year. These international students come to our community from locations all over the globe including Italy, Thailand, Switzerland, Spain and more.
The ISD serves as the PDSO (Primary Designated School Official) for 27 local high schools providing opportunities to bring international students to their schools for one year. Kent ISD maintains all the proper certifications and accreditations through SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) and The Department of Homeland Security to be able to issue I-20s to international students on the local districts' behalf. Having I-20s allows students to seek F-1 Student Visas. This is a great opportunity for international students to experience a year of American high school, and it also brings diversity, financial resources, and a global connection into our community.
Through a partnership with Educatius, local districts can choose to accept international students into their district based on the student’s application and interest in studying abroad in their community. Once a student is accepted into the local high school, the ISD works with Educatius to verify that students qualify to apply for a student visa. The local high school not only receives the foundational allowance for F-1 international students but also a tuition payment. Educatius matches students with host families who receive a stipend for hosting an international student for the school year.
The program is a win-win for our local districts and the community as a whole and we are happy to provide this service. If your high school is interested in opening its doors to international student applicants, contact Danielle Hendry in Kent ISD’s HR Department.
In 24-25, the following districts are hosting students through this partnership:
- Comstock Park Public Schools - 6 students
- Lowell Area Schools - 10 students
- Northview Public Schools - 5 students
- Rockford Public Schools - 13 students
- Wyoming Public Schools - 8 students
