Wheaton Academy and its partner WAnet schools welcome international boarding students from around the world. Currently, WA has students from China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, France, Scotland, and Liberia. Wheaton Academy was founded in 1853 and continues as one of the oldest and most respected private Christian high schools in America. Wheaton Academy is characterized by high academic standards, a mature student culture, opportunities for leadership, a beautiful 50-acre college-style campus, consistently positive parent and student feedback, and state of the art facilities. Wheaton Academy offers a traditional college preparatory curriculum, an innovative January term, and comprehensive co-curricular programs. Wheaton Academy is uniquely located in the beautiful western suburbs of Chicago while conveniently accessible to a wide range of metropolitan cultural experiences. Wheaton Academy has partnered with 20 like-minded schools in the U.S. to offer a streamlined admissions process. WAnet schools look for students who are:
- Representative of a variety of countries
- Academically motivated and successful
- Emotionally and socially mature
- Willing to get involved in clubs and activities
- Respectful of world cultures and values
One of the unique features of WAnet boarding is the HomeStay program. Instead of an impersonal dorm setting, we believe international students living with American families constantly provides a much better learning environment and provides more focused social and emotional support. Host families are chosen after background checks, reference checks, and personal interviews. Orientation and ongoing support is provided to host families as well.
As part of WAnet international student preparation, Wheaton Academy hosts a Summer English Institute at the end of July/beginning of August. The focal point of SEI is improved English. The format includes four weeks of intense classroom instruction followed by one week of additional education and cultural acclimation during an East Coast Ivy League tour. SEI is a requirement for all WAnet students.
We welcome you to explore our boarding web pages as you consider Wheaton Academy and the WAnet Associate schools for your future studies.
WAnet
WAnet is an association of private, American high schools, located across the United States, each with strong academic programs and high standards. WAnet Schools share an admissions path and preparation program for international students who desire to study in the U.S. Currently more than twenty outstanding schools make up WAnet and offer 300-500 available spots for international students each year. Because WAnet Schools are well known and respected by American universities, international students receive an advantage when applying and transitioning to the American university.
Wheaton Academy
WAnet founding and lead institution, Wheaton Academy, one of the oldest and most influential private high schools in America, has a well established reputation both for producing successful graduates and designing model innovative programs. As a representative WAnet School, Wheaton Academy offers:
• UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT: 90% of graduates get into 1st university choice
• HIGH STANDARDS: 18 AP classes, 25.3 average ACT score
• UNIVERSITY COUNSELING: specialized guidance by expert counselors
• LONG HISTORY: founded in 1853 and continues as one of oldest private high schools in America
• SAFE ENVIRONMENT: university like campus in beautiful suburbs near metropolitan city
• PERSONAL ATTENTION: 1-15 teacher student ratio allows for individual attention
• OUTSTANDING FACULTY: inspired students reach high achievement
• HOMESTAY: improves English learning and expands cultural experiences
• ENGLISH SUPPORT: specialized English Language Learner support and private tutoring
• CAREER INTERNSHIPS: provided during January Interim term
• LIFE SKILLS: important values and life skills modeled and taught
• CLUBS: numerous opportunities for involvement in clubs, sports, fine arts
• IMMERSION: 5% international student population forces interna-tionals to mix and speak English
• TRAVEL: specialized trips throughout the U.S. available
• REPUTATION: well-known, respected and accredited for 100 years
Summer English Institute (SEI)
July 8 - August 11, 2012
WAnet requires a specific admissions path and preparation program with extensive value for each of its international students. Summer English Institute is a five week program, hosted and led by Wheaton Academy in Chicago, Illinois, that will give each student a significant advantage among international students coming into the American educational system. Summer English Institute is held each July and early August immediately preceding the start of the American high school year.
The focal point of Summer English Institute is improved English. Individual attention will be given to reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. WAnet Associate Schools report that international students completing Summer English Institute are significantly more advanced and much more prepared for their first year of study in the United States than other international students. The Summer English Institute format includes four weeks of intense, on-campus classroom instruction followed by one week (August 4-11) of additional education and cultural acclimation during a travel experience on the east coast of the United States. The trip will include visits to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Washington DC, New York City, and Boston.
Summer English Institute (SEI) Advantages
• Improved English language (taught by American English teachers)
• Practice with American tests/ assignments in the American classroom
• Visit American universities and famous American sites (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Washington DC, New York, Boston)
• Opportunity to interact with American teachers and American teenagers
• Measurement of Academic and English progress (beginning and ending assessments)
• Study skill education and assistance with life skills (computer, phone, banking, etc.)
Admissions Criteria
- Parent agrees with WAnet school values and expectations
- Student is eager to fully participate in WAnet school, home and church activities
- Academic English proficiency
- SLEP (50) or TOEFL (480-500 paper based, or 55-61 on internet based), or WAnet English Assessment.
- Character: integrity, self discipline and motivation, consistent effort, obedient spirit, positive attitude and respectful behavior
- Specific WAnet Schools may have additional admission requirements.
Application Process
- Between October 1 and April 1, complete and submit a WAnet student application and listed support documents (references, grades, test scores) and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee between October 1 and April 1.
- Within two weeks of paperwork submitted, complete a one hour Skype interview.
- Within one week of Skype interview, receive an acceptance or non-acceptance notice.
- Upon receiving an acceptance notice, pay the WAnet / SEI fee to Wheaton Academy. The WAnet / SEI fee is non-refundable. A very high percentage of students successfully obtain a visa. In the unlikely event a visa is denied, all but $1,000 of the WAnet / SEI fees are refundable up to April
- Within one week of receipt of the WAnet / SEI fee, you will receive the following items: official invitation letter from WAnet and your specific WAnet School , I-20 from a specific WAnet School, notice of specific financial fees associated with your designated WAnet School
- Notify WAnet when all visa and necessary paperwork for entry into the U.S. is finalized by May 1. WAnet tuition for the 2011-2012 school year is due by May 1 and will finalize your spot within your designated WAnet school.
- Between acceptance and SEI, work on assigned academic areas noted in your acceptance notice. By May 1, submit written travel details to WAnet for arrival at SEI in July and to your designated WAnet School following SEI. The family is responsible for transportation costs.
- On July 8, arrive at Wheaton Academy to begin SEI. Students arriving early or departing late, according to scheduled dates, will be charged an extra fee per day.
- On August 4, complete SEI and begin east coast educational trip.
- On August 11, return to Wheaton Academy and begin orientation or transfer to your assigned WAnet School throughout the U.S.
WAnet reserves the right to cancel the WAnet placement for the 2012-2013 school year if the student does not meet expectations during SEI. The SEI fee will not be refunded. All but $5,000 of the WAnet school tuition will be refunded.
2012-2013 Important Dates:
October 1 - May 1 WAnet applications accepted
July 8 Summer English Institute begins
August 11 Summer English Institute ends/ transition to WAnet schools for orientation
August 13-27 WAnet schools begin
May 25 – June 15 WAnet schools end
Cost of International Services
2012 Summer English Institute:$8,000
2012 Summer English Institute:$6,000 (excluding WAnet School Placement and Ivy East Coast Trip)
2012-2013 Wheaton Academy Tuition: $37,500 (all inclusive of school and home stay)
2012-2013 WAnet School Tuitions Ranges from $20,000 - $48,000
All funds will be wired to Wheaton Academy / WAnet. Wire information will be provided at time of application and acceptance. WAnet tuition will be forward on to the specific WAnet School on behalf of the family.
All transportation to and from school remains the financial responsibility of the parents.
Students are responsible to purchase their own day to day personal items.