Foreign Exchange Program

"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."

Westminster Public Schools recognizes the educational and cultural value of international exchange programs as they break down cultural barriers, foster global understanding, and cultivate personal growth. WPS is proud to host foreign exchange students at Westminster High School where they enroll in the same rigorous courses, participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities, and attend other school events. WPS authorizes the admission of a limited number of non-immigrant foreign exchange students to the education programs offered in the district’s schools. The district reserves the right to deny admission to any student, in accordance with applicable law.

Admission Process

The number of foreign exchange students accepted will be collaboratively determined annually by the building administration and the appropriate instructional services administrator.
Foreign exchange students will only be accepted at the beginning of the school year, and the district will not accept transfer students during the year from other school districts.
All applications will be screened by the superintendent or designee before they are forwarded for review and approval of the principal of the school where admission is being requested.
All placements must be approved in advance by the building principal before spaces will be reserved. The foreign exchange student and the host family will be identified and students will attend schools where children of the host family attend. If the host family has no school-age children, students will attend the school in the attendance area of the host family unless an appropriate transfer is approved by the district. Students living with more than one host family will attend the school where they begin the school year. Students who move to a host family living outside district boundaries during the course of the school year may complete the school year in the district high school they are currently attending.
Upon the student's arrival in the district, the adult sponsor (host family and/or local representative of the exchange program) and student must come to the school to complete the enrollment process. Students must arrive in sufficient time for attendance on the first day of school.

Requirements

Foreign Exchange Agency or J-1 Students

This option is for foreign exchange students who are in an educational and cultural exchange program.

Only programs designated by the United States Department of State will be considered for placement of foreign exchange students on J-1 visas. Programs must be approved by the appropriate instructional services administrator.
The program must have a local representative residing in or near the district who will meet with the student, host family, and school personnel on a regular basis.
Orientation, both pre-departure and upon arrival in the United States, must be provided to help foreign exchange students adjust to a new culture. Ongoing contact and support from the local representative of the exchange program must also be provided.
Orientation must be provided to the host family in advance of the foreign exchange student's arrival. The family should be acquainted with the needs and requirements of housing a visitor for a long period of time, advised of potential problems in hosting a foreign exchange student and provided with suggestions for coping with these problems. Ongoing contact and support from the local representative of the exchange program must also be provided.
The available openings will be distributed among various exchange organizations with no organization having more than two students per school as a general rule.
Foreign exchange students on J-1 visas are not subject to tuition.

*Space availability must be confirmed prior to submission of any application documents.

Exchange Agency's Student Application.
Birth certificate (translated in English) or Passport.
Recent official transcript with English translation reflecting courses taken and grades earned.
Verification that the student has not received a diploma or its equivalent.
Records showing required immunizations.
A letter written in English by the student about why they want to attend the desired high school.
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the foreign exchange student's own parents/guardians, the host family, and the local exchange program representative.
A current notarized temporary custody agreement between the student's parents/guardians and the host family and/or exchange program.

All documents must be completed and received no later than June 1st to qualify for consideration for Fall admission of the same academic year.

Academic Requirements

No foreign exchange student will be admitted who has already graduated from the equivalent of the twelfth grade or who will reach the age of 18 years and six months before the program’s start date.
The student must have average or above-average grades in school.
Because it is difficult to determine the foreign exchange student’s educational program prior to attending school in the district, these students shall not be considered candidates for high school diplomas from the district. However, these students may be awarded a certificate of completion.
In order for the exchange experience to be successful, students must be proficient in the use of the English language. Proof of such proficiency must be provided. English as a Second Language services will not be available to foreign exchange students.

General Requirements

Foreign exchange students are responsible for complying with all district policies and regulations.
Foreign exchange students are expected to pay for meals, books, athletic and student activity fees, yearbook costs, and all other fees and expenses normally borne by students in the district, unless the student is considered indigent and/or determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
The eligibility requirements of the Colorado High School Activities Association shall be followed.
The sponsor, host family and local program representative must maintain personal contact with the school, must be available and willing to meet with school personnel when problems or circumstances require, and must assume full and final responsibility for resolving problems, including the early return of the student if personal, family or school difficulties cannot be resolved. The organization must also have a local representative in the Denver metro area.
Foreign exchange students whose grades, attendance, conduct or discipline are deemed unsatisfactory by the school may be asked to leave the district.