La Jolla Country Day
Independent · Co-ed- Location
- La Jolla, San Diego
- Grades
- 9–12 (upper school)
- Founded
- 1926
24-acre campus; 25+ honors and 28 AP courses.
School profile →HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM · LONG-TERM
Private High School Programs for International Students in San Diego
A long-term path to a U.S. high school diploma: study at an accredited partner private school through graduation, with homestay, local guardianship, and student support coordinated by one San Diego team.
A San Diego–based non-profit.
Who this is for
Who This Is For
International students who want to study in grades 9–12 and work toward a U.S. high school diploma in San Diego. New students apply to enter grades 9–11.
Entry grades
9–11
Length
Through graduation
Documents
F-1 process guidance
Housing
Homestay and local support options
Our network
Partner Private Schools in San Diego
Trusted relationships with San Diego private and college-preparatory schools, plus university pathway options.
Secondary schools · grades 9–12
Pacific Ridge School
Independent · Co-ed- Location
- Carlsbad (North County)
- Grades
- 6–12
- Founded
- 2007
Discussion-based Harkness learning.
School profile →
San Diego Jewish Academy
Independent · Co-ed- Location
- Carmel Valley, San Diego
- Grades
- 6–12 (upper school)
- Founded
- 1979
56-acre campus; WASC- and CAIS-accredited.
School profile →
Rock Academy
Christian · Co-ed- Location
- Point Loma, San Diego
- Grades
- K–12
- Founded
- 2002
Small classes; international-student support.
School profile →
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Catholic · All-girls- Location
- University Heights, San Diego
- Grades
- 9–12
- Founded
- 1882
San Diego's oldest high school; 30+ AP and honors courses.
School profile →
Christian Unified Schools
Christian · Co-ed- Location
- El Cajon (East County)
- Grades
- 7-12
- Founded
- 1965
Honors, AP, and dual-credit courses; ACSI- and WASC-accredited.
School profile →
Maranatha Christian Schools
Christian · Co-ed- Location
- North County San Diego
- Grades
- PreK–12
- Founded
- 1991
Christ-centered college-prep; athletics and arts.
School profile →The journey
How the High School Program Works
Step 01
Inquire
Tell us about your child and goals.
Step 02
Consultation
We help you find the right fit.
Step 03
Placement & visa guidance
We coordinate school and visa-document steps.
Step 04
Home & guardianship
We prepare housing and local support.
Step 05
Arrival & settling in
We help your child adjust to life in San Diego.
Step 06
University planning
We support the path beyond high school.
Support & safety
Support for Students and Families
- Background checks for host parents and adult household members
- Monthly check-ins with students and families
- Clear response procedures with leadership escalation
- Coordination with the partner school's DSO on F-1 and SEVIS requirements
Working together
How IEM and Our Partner Schools Work Together
IEM Student Exchange
- School selection and placement guidance
- Help preparing the documents the school needs for the F-1 process
- Homestay placement and transportation
- Local guardianship and day-to-day student support
- Academic check-ins and re-enrollment coordination each year
- Emergency support line and university planning
Partner Schools
- Admission eligibility
- Issuing Form I-20 and SEVIS records
- Curriculum, grading, and diploma requirements
- Tuition, school fees, and financial policies
- English-language and testing requirements
- Attendance, conduct, and disciplinary policies
Stories & outcomes
Student and Family Experiences
Students work toward a U.S. high school diploma at a partner school and receive guidance for university planning.
Questions from parents & students
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Begin?
Schedule a consultation to discuss eligibility, partner-school options, and next steps.
Request information → consultation → eligibility review → application.
Talk to a counselor