International Student Program

Thank you for your interest in the Desert Christian Schools (DCS) International Student Program (ISP).

Desert Christian Schools has been welcoming F-1 Visa international students to its campuses for over a decade. Our growing ISP has included students from Argentina, China, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam. Hosting international students on our campuses and in our homes causes real growth in understanding other cultures. Through diversity, all parties have the opportunity to recognize cultural differences and become more globally-minded.

Upon acceptance, DCS pairs each international student with a well-vetted, American host family who will assist the student with acclimating to life in the United States.

For more information regarding 6-12 grade international admissions, please contact our ISP Admissions Department by emailing Amy Garelick at agarelick@desertchristian.org.

International tuition and fees will apply.

Why Choose Desert Christian Schools?

Because of the small class sizes, the International Student Program at DCS provides personalized attention as we endeavor to meet every student’s unique learning needs. We desire to educate and equip students for the challenges of college, university, and the workforce. International students are taught the importance of a well-rounded outlook through academic rigor and fostering relationships among staff and students by joining clubs, participating in fine arts, and competing in athletics.

To accomplish our mission, an ISP Team has been assembled. Each person on the ISP Team brings specialized training and abilities through education and experience in their field. We hope that each member’s expertise will explicitly enhance the overall experience of all those involved in the ISP while providing a concerted effort to assist each international student in their academic and social growth. It is the goal of DCS to pursue excellence in all that we do! Members of the ISP Team consist of:

Director of Admissions and ISP Coordinator- Amy Garelick
PS-8th Admissions Coordinator- Traci Garcia
Campus Principals- K-8: Aaron Jansen, High School: Casey Robinson
Registrars- K-8: Stephanie McKinney, High School: Merri Tavares
Guidance Counselor- Maureen Flores
Bookkeeper- Leslie Hatch

Meet our International

Student Program Director

Amy Garelick

Admissions Director and International Student Program Director

agarelick@desertchristian.org

International students having lunch in a classroom

Admissions profile insights

Awards

Colleges Attended by DCHS Graduates

Graduates attend a number of public, private, and Christian universities. Notable schools include Boston University, Emerson College, Harvard Business School, Hillsdale College, Texas A & M, Tulane University, University of Connecticut, University of Southern California, University of Texas, US Air Force Academy, US Coast Guard Academy, US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, and Yale University.

Dual Enrollment Credit

Honors Courses/Advanced Placement

National Merit Scholars

STEM

ISP APPLICATION PROCESS

Click Here to Follow the Steps

Click Here to Follow the Steps

1. Complete and Return:

Complete the online application. If you have any questions please reach out to Amy Garelick at agarelick@desertchristian.org.

2. Application Deadlines:

Desert Christian Schools (DCS) offers rolling enrollment for our international students.

3. Online Interview:

An email will be sent stating that the application has been received. A non-refundable fee of $500 must be remitted before the application is processed. Once reviewed, an online interview with the student will then be scheduled with the International Student Program Coordinator, Principal, and Admissions Director.

4. Acceptance Letter and Contract:

Upon completion of the online interview, you will be notified within 48 hours regarding acceptance. Once students have been accepted DCS will begin the I-20 process. DCS will issue I-20s to families after we have received the number.

5. Form 1-901:

Upon receipt of your I-20, please go online to the Department of Homeland Security to complete Form I-901 and pay the associated fees. Remember to print the receipt. (This is required to schedule an appointment for the embassy interview.) Then schedule an appointment with the US Embassy to apply for the F-1 Visa. Once the F-1 visa is approved, then the tuition payment should be sent (please refer to the tuition contract).

6. Host Family:

Once the above stipulations are met, DCS will recommend a suitable and welcoming host family who will support the transition to life in America and provide educational, social, and emotional support throughout the homestay.

7. Arrival:

Students should arrive at least one week to ten days prior to the beginning of a session. Copies of the identification page of the student's passport, the student's copy of the I-20, and the I-94 arrival/departure card will be made for the student's file.

8. Have Questions:

Remember, if there are any questions along the way, assistance is always available. Please contact the admissions office for information at agarelick@desertchristian.org.

Required Application Documents (All documents must be translated into English)

Application Fee of $500 (non-refundable) must be received before the application is reviewed and an interview is scheduled.
Proof of economic sufficiency
Transcripts from the previous school
Completed International Student Application
Medical Information Form
Birth Certificate
Copy of current passport
Immunization (vaccination) Verification Form
International Student Program Rules and Conditions (signed by the student and parent/guardian)
English Proficiency Test Results (if required)

Payment Options

Tuition
Three Ways to Pay

Tuition

Three Ways to Pay

1. Convera

We proudly partner with Convera to offer you a simple, secure, and smart way to pay your fees online. Convera’s platform is trusted by 800+ institutions worldwide to enable payments in 140+ currencies across 200+ countries and territories.

Pay your fees with Convera

Why choose Convera:

Students, parents, and sponsors can use this platform to pay deposits, tuition fees and more
Avoid costly transaction charges from your bank
Pay online via popular options including bank transfer, credit, or debit card or eWallet
Compare payment options instantly and Convera holds the exchange rate for 72 hours
If you find a cheaper quote from your bank, Convera will match it with their Price Promise Guarantee
Track your payment status by SMS and email
Multilingual platform available in 10 languages
Access 24/7 live chat on the platform or contact our friendly team: studentsupport@convera.com
A platform built with security in mind so that your money is protected
Ability to initiate refunds easily should circumstances change
Pay your fees via a global partner which has been helping students achieve their education dreams for over a decade

2. Bank Wire Transfer

To receive wire transfer instructions, please contact Leslie Hatch in the Business Office by emailing lhatch@desertchristian.org or by calling 520.901.5499.

3. Credit Card Payment

To pay by credit card, please contact Leslie Hatch in the Business Office by emailing lhatch@desertchristian.org or by calling 520.901.5499. There is a 3.1% processing fee for credit card payments.

English Language Learners (ELL)

The DCS ELL support program includes ELL English I/II and III/IV. The curriculum focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking academic English. Extra tutoring may be provided to those students who need it.

Host Families

Desert Christian Schools has a unique opportunity to bring students from around the world into our caring, Christ-centered community. We are always looking for families who might like to open their hearts and homes to a young person (6th - 12th grade) from another country.

All interested parties must be fully aware of the role the home unit (American host family) plays in partnering with the school and a local evangelical church in accomplishing our mission. Host families provide the opportunity for students to experience life as a member of an American family. Family connections allow for many experiences with athletics, fine arts, and other community activities while providing transitional and educational support throughout the homestay.

If you have any curiosity about participating in the homestay program, please complete our Host Family Inquiry Form, and we will be sure to contact you about the application process!

Apply to be a host family

Location

Desert Christian Schools is located on the east side of Tucson, a city of over a half-million people that sits in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by numerous mountain ranges. Full of rich history and diverse cultures, Tucson offers a wide variety of activities year-round. From shopping to hiking, concerts to athletic events, and movie sets to museums, there is something for everyone in Tucson!

DCS’s location affords its students a variety of educational opportunities. Students can take trips to the world-famous Grand Canyon, Arizona's capital of Phoenix, and it only takes a few hours to get to the California coast! Tucson is also home to its very own international airport, as well as the world renowned University of Arizona. The University of Arizona is classified as a R1: Doctoral Universities with very high research activity. The University of Arizona has a College of Medicine, College of Law, and is affiliated with two academic medical centers.