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. Over 98% of our students go on to college after graduation.

Our international student program consists of three major components: a college-prep academic program, extracurricular activities, and a homestay within the BBHS community . International students seeking a well-rounded American high school experience that involves a strong academic program, opportunities to thrive socially through our vast extracurricular activities, and a supportive homestay community are encouraged to apply.

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.

More information on becoming a host family.

BBHS recognizes that your social needs are as important as your educational needs. Students at BBHS are very involved and enjoy participating in various clubs and activities. International students are strongly encouraged to participate in the many opportunities BBHS is known for- athletics, performing arts, leadership, campus ministry and over 50 student-run clubs.

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. Official TOEFL iBT scores of 70 or higher OR official IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher. The score reports must come directly to BBHS. Our school code is 7476. In light of the pandemic, we will be flexible with the English proficiency test accessible to your student.

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 do you believe your generation will contribute to the world and how do you think a Bishop Blanchet High School education can help you accomplish that?

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.