International

BBHS is the premier co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school in scenic Seattle, Washington. Our students are taught to value faith, scholarship, and service. 99% of our graduates go on to college after graduation.

We offer international students an authentic American high school experience in the heart of Seattle. This includes a rigorous college-preparatory academic program, a vibrant student life with diverse extracurricular opportunities, and a welcoming homestay experience within our BBHS community.

BBHS provides an excellent education that seeks to prepare all students for success in college. International students who attend BBHS are generally admitted with a higher English proficiency level so that they are able to quickly take advantage of the college prep courses available to them.

BBHS does not provide an English Language Learner (ELL) program. Students are expected to take fully integrated college prep classes, but may be placed into an International Advisory course in their first semester. International advisory classes are designed to provide students with a structured, closely monitored learning environment that supports their transition to American education and Bishop Blanchet’s unique cultural environment as a Catholic college preparatory school.

International students have a dedicated counselor for academic advising and college counseling. Students work closely with their counselor to navigate through their time at BBHS and prepare for graduation and beyond.

Our goal is for BBHS international students to feel supported both at school and at home where they feel part of a caring community. International students are invited to live with families within the Bishop Blanchet High School community. Host families will provide students with a private bedroom, a place to study and transportation to and from school. Most importantly, host families look forward to welcoming international students into their regular family traditions and events, while learning more about their student’s culture and traditions.

BBHS offers a small homestay program. If we are unable to offer a spot in our homestay program, we encourage families to work with one of our homestay provider partners:

Global Bridge Associates                     Student                       Room Stay

More info on becoming a host family

Please click here to complete the online application, pay the $250 application fee and remember to check the box indicating that you are an international student and will need an I-20 issued from our school.

Within 10 business days of submitting your application, you will be contacted by the international program director for additional supplementary materials. You will be required to provide the following to be considered for admission:

1. We accept a variety of English language proficiency tests, including TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test.
   As a general guideline, we recommend a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 70 or an IELTS score of 6.5. Score reports should be sent directly to Bishop Blanchet High School. Our school code for the TOEFL is 7476.

2. Sealed, official transcripts for any schoolwork done in 9th-11th grade. For students applying into 9th grade, please provide transcripts for schoolwork done in 7th and 8th grade. Please also provide an unofficial translation of these transcripts.

3. A copy of your passport.

4. A 250 word writing sample for the following prompt:  What are the advantages that AI (artificial intelligence) can provide to a student's education? What might be the disadvantages that could impact a student's education?

5. Minimum two academic recommendation letters. Teachers may write a letter of recommendation or use the BBHS Confidential Teacher Evaluation Form.

Once all materials have been received, you will be contacted to set up a Zoom interview. Admissions decisions are usually made within 10 business days from the interview.

We gladly welcome you for a tour of BBHS! Tours and admissions visits are by appointment only. To set up a visit, or for any other questions regarding the international program, please contact Janah Valenzuela Cardin, Director of International Student Services, at jvalenzuela@bishopblanchet.org or 206-527-7718.

Please contact our Director of International Student Services for updated tuition, fees, and scholarship awards at jvalenzuela@bishopblanchet.org.

BBHS Global Diversity Scholarship

The Global Diversity Scholarship is a merit based award offered to incoming international students only at the time of admission. Scholarships are awarded to top scholars who demonstrate academic promise/achievement, strong language proficiency, leadership skills and enhance the cultural diversity of our community. Our scholarship awards range from $500- $12,000, pending on various factors including length of program.

International students are automatically considered for this scholarship when they apply for admission to Bishop Blanchet. No separate scholarship application is required. Financial need is not a criteria for merit-based scholarships. This award is automatically renewed each year.