International students have been part of the Gunston community's fabric since the inception of the school in 1911. International students attend Gunston with the aim of receiving a rigorous, personalized, and nurturing educational experience, as well as gain admission to selective colleges and universities in the United States. Throughout Gunston's history, we have welcomed international students from the countries of Germany, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and China, among others. International students at Gunston have the opportunity to experience American life and culture through both our school's curriculum and our varied extracurricular programs. Our international students live with host families within the local community, some of whom are teachers and many of whom have their own children enrolled at Gunston. Because of this, the Gunston experience is highly English-intensive and fully focused on an integration into American culture. It also means that Gunston is a less expensive option than many boarding schools. Our host family program allows for a comfortable, friendly, and safe environment that provides a perfect balance of the American experience and excellent preparation for admission into the most competitive colleges and universities.
This class introduces international students to reading complete works of literature and provides careful and thorough instruction in the Gunston writing process. Students who successfully complete the English Literature class are ready to transition into the standard English class for their grade level.
The Writing Center is staffed by an English instructor who works directly with the international students on developing their writing skills. Students either work one-to-one with the instructor or in small groups of two or three. The Writing Center is open daily and students are either assigned for sessions by their English teacher or they may drop in for extra help.
Study time is built into the students’ daily schedules giving them the opportunity to complete assignments, prepare for tests, read, conduct research, write papers, or meet with teachers for extra help.
Tutorial Period is a daily academic support period open to all students. All classroom teachers participate in tutorial period. Students may elect to attend tutorial to review material or to prepare for upcoming assessments. Teachers may assign students to tutorial when they identify the need for extra help or when the student performance is below course and school expectations. Tutorial is designed to ensure academic success by providing early intervention to students who are experiencing academic difficulty.
TOEFL Tests are offered most weekends throughout the school year. Students can seek guidance from the Director of Global Programs or visit the TOEFL Web site at www.ets.org/toefl. Registration can be done on-line and must be done in the students name that is on their passport.
SAT tests are offered throughout the school year. Information on dates and registration for these tests can be obtained from the Gunston College Guidance Office. Registration can be done online through the College Board website: www.sat.collegeboard.org
International students are required to meet the two-season sport requirement each year, and we believe that participation in team sports is one of the most effective ways for international students to facilitate their integration into both the American and the Gunston culture. Students must also attend the required pre-season training for fall team sports. Prior to matriculation, the Director of Global Programs works with the Director of Athletics to coordinate athletics registration.
International students who wish to receive a Gunston diploma must meet the graduation requirements of the school as outlined in the Student Handbook. Applicable credits transfer from other accredited high schools as outlined in the Student Handbook.
International students attend Gunston with the aim of mastering the English-language and gaining admission to colleges and universities in the United States. Therefore, Gunston seeks to be a full-immersion English environment for international students.
International students experience daily American home life and increase their cultural awareness by living with host families. In addition to providing a safe, secure environment, meals, and ensuring transportation to/from school, host families care for their student and consider them to be a part of the family. This arrangement ensures an authentic cultural experience for our international students and also enables them to expand their language proficiency outside of their academic program.
Tuition and Fees
International student tuition is inclusive of the academic program, housing, lunch, auxiliary fees, and any applicable agency fees. Please contact David Henry, Director of Admission at dhenry@gunston.org to get more information on Gunston's tuition and fees for our international student program.
Applying to Gunston
Most international students use agencies to apply to Gunston. If applying to Gunston directly or through an agency that does not have an application form, the application can be found on the Gunston website here. Please contact David Henry, Director of Admission at dhenry@gunston.org with any questions.
The Gunston School is also a proud partner with Cambridge Network to ensure the best possible international program. Cambridge Network’s international student program prepares students for life abroad prior to arriving at Gunston and continues to provide international students with on-going support throughout the school year. International students coming from China can work with Cambridge Network to apply to The Gunston School (if using Cambridge, please use this formto start the process)
From: Kunming, Yunnan, China Favorite Class: AP Statistics, Pottery and Photography Favorite thing about Gunston: The learning atmosphere here is very relaxed and pleasant, there is a special teacher to help you do homework if you do not know how to do it.
From: Barcelona, Spain Favorite Class: I don't have a favorite class because I like learning new things from different subjects and that's one of my favorite things at Gunston, is that I like all the people and also the teachers that make me enjoy all the classes even if I'm not having a good day. Favorite Things About Gunston: I'm interested in my studies and also I'm crazy about soccer.
From: Cologne, Germany Favorite Class: English with Mr Freda Favorite Thing About Gunston: It feels like one big family and the school spirit is really big. I’m happy to be/was here and I’ll miss the school, teachers and my friends.
From: Guangzhou, China | Tianhe Junior High School Interests: Technology and Math Club Favorite Class: Computer Science Favorite thing about Gunston: Everyone treats each other equally and respects each other.
“After I left Gunston, I studied game design at Maryville University and learned programming by myself. While I’m self-learning programming, I think that data science might help me in the future. So I’m applying for the data science graduate program. I’m currently interning in a transportation company doing marketing and design. Eventually, I want to get into the game industry and get another master’s degree in game design at a top university.”
“After graduating from Miami University of Oxford with a degree in Interactive Media Study & Arts Management, I headed back to China and now work for Bytedance (TikTok), where my position is focused on user growth for gaming products. “It is a pretty nice job. I appreciate its corporate culture,” said Heteng. “When we talk about the U.S. I always share my life [at] Gunston with my friends—it [was] wonderful!”
Favorite Gunston memory? “Green and White Day, how we raced with each other, we had lots of fun, it [felt] just like the Harry Potter 4 [movie] to me.”
“I feel so grateful that I had [Mr. Dize] as my art teacher and guidance counselor for life. I learned watercolor and oil painting, and believe it or not, before coming to Gunston, I didn't think I liked painting! Now, I have a great time painting alone and painting with friends. Not just painting, but also being creative. Who else would be lucky enough to see how lithography works?”
Jonathan (Yongah) '21
International students have unique needs, and Gunston is committed to providing our international students and the international program with the appropriate support infrastructure to support their social, emotional, and cultural needs.
Assistant Head of School: assists the student with academic scheduling and academic progress reports.