International Program

Thank you for your interest in The Charles Finney School. We hope that after you review the information on these pages you will gain a better understanding of who we are and the details of the program. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school. We are more than happy to assist you in the process of studying abroad.

A Strong College Preparatory Academic Program

• Advanced Placement opportunities
• Dual Credit offerings with local colleges
• A senior internship program that provides hands on experiences
• Students have attended colleges and universities that include; The University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Penn State, Arizona State, Ohio State, Eastman School of Music, Oregon State, Roberts Wesleyan College, Notre Dame, Grove City College, Houghton College, and many others prestigious colleges and universities.

A Professional and Caring Faculty

• Over thirty full and part-time faculty members with Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. Professional development is an important part of continued growth of our faculty.
• A faculty dedicated to individual student needs.
• A faculty with an average tenure of over 15 years. The school has experienced minimal turnover allowing for a more cohesive faculty that understands the mission and vision of the school.

Strong Extra Curricular Programs Available

• Award-winning Robotics Team: Finney placed first in 2016, 2013 and 2004 in regional competitions. They placed second in the WORLD COMPETITION after the 2016 season! This program is supported by our CAD program and CNC machine a 3D printer and other technical equipment that students learn how to use and operate in the building of a robot.
• A variety of interscholastic athletic teams, such as: girls volleyball, boys and girls soccer, football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, girls softball, and track and field. International students current participate on most of theses teams.
• Fine arts opportunities that include high school choir, musicals, orchestra/band, and art competitions.
• Community and global outreach opportunities: Project Compassion is an organized school group that has been involved in touching hundreds of lives in both large and small ways; from disaster relief efforts to providing a meal to a family in need. The school has also sent groups to Panama, Haiti, Mexico, and Uganda on short-term international missions trips.

Please contact the school for the current tuition rates. Tuition covers the following:

• School counselor & academic support
• Textbooks & workbooks (high school courses only)
• AP testing fees
• Yearbook
• Field trips (does not include Sr. Trip expenses)
• Administrative Costs
• School uniform polo (2)/ one fleece 9-11th grades only; school uniform is not required of seniors)
• Physical Education uniform; one t-shirt
• Orientation
• Communication with host parents
• Extracurricular activities that require fees (robotics, sports, etc.)

Living Arrangements

The Charles Finney School is a day school and does not offer boarding. International students typically find host families through an agency. However the school will find a host family if you chose not to use an agency. There is a monthly host family fee above tuition.

Home-stay Fee

International coordinating agency fees will vary from agency to agency.

Typical host families should provide you with the following:

• 3 meals a day (student may chose to purchase school lunches with personal funds)
• Transportation
• A separate bedroom and healthy home environment
• Social, spiritual, cultural and emotional support
• Monitoring of student academic progress
• Communication with home family
• Involvement in family activities and outings

Additional expenses beyond Tuition

• Registration fee is $300
• Student medical and accident insurance is required of all international students. International students must send documented proof of accident and sickness short term insurance. These fees will vary depending on the company you use and are the responsibility of the student. These fees are usually worked out with the agency you are working with.
• Dual Credit tuition fees: The Charles Finney School offers several courses that allow our students to earn college credit. Our agreement with several local colleges allows us to offer these courses at a substantially lower rate here on campus. These fees are approximately $300 per class. Payment of these fees is the responsibility of each international student.
• Students should also show evidence of sufficient funds in a bank account to cover additional living and social expenses.
• Students may purchase lunch with cash or by adding funds to their lunch accounts in the main office. Stop by the Business Office for more details.
• I-20, passport, transportation and all other associated fees are the responsibility of the student. You will need to check with the agency you are working with to see if any of these fees are covered in your agreement with them.
• English Language Learning Tutoring (ELL) There may be additional English language support needed to be successful in our school. The amount of tutoring required is based on the student’s English Language Proficiency Standards set by the school and a Skype interview. The school will determine what level is required and when a student advances to a new level. Occasionally the agency will provide additional tutoring services outside of the school day. Fees for these services are to be worked out between the agency and the student.

Payment Information

1. Pay in full by June 1: Pay by check mailed to the school’s business office or by wire sent to the school’s account.
2. Pay by Semester: Two equal installments are due by June 1 and December 1 prior to the beginning of the upcoming semester. Pay by check, mailed to the school or by wire sent to the school’s account.
   *Special Note: When figuring out the amount due please include tuition and all other fees

Tuition Refund Policy

1. A full tuition refund will be given if the student is unable to attend prior to the first day of school.
2. A 50% tuition refund will be granted up to the 5 week point of the first quarter for those who are using the two payment options. A 70% tuition refund will be granted for those who used the full- year pay option.
3. No tuition refund will be granted after 5 weeks into the first quarter

Tuition Agreement

Financially responsible parties, without exception, must sign a Tuition Agreement. Return a signed agreement to the business office immediately in order to finalize course registration and class enrollment. If no contract or payment is received, classes and/or enrollment will be offered to other students.

Multiple Student Discounts

Multiple student discounts are available for families wishing to send more than one child to the school. You will need to contact the school for more information regarding these discounts.

General expectations of a host family:

1. Provide a loving and caring atmosphere based on Christian values in your home that provide emotional and spiritual support. International students are required to attend church with your family even though they may not be Christian.
2. Complete a host family application, a family interview with the International Student Program Director and allow for a tour of your home.
3. Providing a room with a place to study. Students must have a room of their own.
4. Regular communication between the school, student’s family, and teachers. Host families need to check the on-line grade book as they would for their own child and stay on top of academic and or behavior issues.
5. Be willing to take student to the grocery store with you and let them show you the things they would like to eat. Family meals should not be altered but an understanding that a trip to the international grocery store and the opportunity for the student to share their favorite meal with you is a good way to lay a foundation for a great relationship.
6. Provide a clear understanding of family rules and duties with the student. Having the rules written can be very helpful. Not all students are familiar with housework or have domestic responsibilities. It may be necessary to spend time explaining and demonstrating how to complete expected tasks. Remember, this is a huge transition for anyone, especially a teenager.
7. A willingness to have your student be involved in school activities, including special events held for our international students. This would include providing transportation to these events.
8. Providing breakfast, lunch (packed on school days), dinner and snacks. If they choose to purchase a school lunch, it will be at their own expense. If a student prefers a school lunch they will need to pay for the lunch.
9. Attending occasional training and gatherings for our host families and their students.
10. Helping your student get organized with a bank account and cell phone account if needed. (Both set up in the student's nam
11. Visits to the doctor or dentist if necessary. Our students will arrive with health insurance and you will not be expected to cover any medical expenses. You will be asked to provide transportation to appointments and help them find the necessary care. The school will assist you in finding care givers if necessary.

Additional Information:

• It is our desire that our international students attend the school with a desire to earn a high school diploma and graduate from our school. With this in mind, your commitment to host would only be for one school year and you can choose to continue or not.
• The student may arrive in mid-August to participate in a fall sport. They are to make arrangements for travel home over the Christmas and summer breaks.
• Agencies or school will do their best to provide a temporary hosts for a weekend or break if necessary.
• You can request a preference for a male or female student.
• All personal items are to be purchased by the student. If you plan to take a vacation, the sending family will be requested to cover the student’s costs.
• You do not need to have a high school student or a student at The Charles Finney School in order to host.
• A criminal background check is required of all persons over the age of 18 living in your home. If family dynamics change (someone moves into the home) the school must be immediate notified of the change.
• Families are allowed to host more than one international student if their home provides adequate space.