MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT
PROGRAM
OPPORTUNITY
Maranatha provides international students
with a quality college-prep education in
the context of Christian community in a
beautiful Southern California setting. Our
goal is to prepare the whole person
in our students, offering academic
challenge, social involvement, leadership
opportunities, and involvement in music,
the arts, and competitive sports. Studying
at Maranatha prepares our international
students for working in world markets,
refnes their English skills (for students for
whom English is not their frst language)
and provides an opportunity to experience
another culture and part of the world.
Study at Maranatha opens the door to top
U.S. universities and colleges or equips
students to attend the best schools in
their own countries.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
One of the unique features of Maranathas
International Student Program is our
Home Stay program. Instead of staying
in dorms, our international students
live with American families. We fnd this
provides an environment conducive to
language acquisition and to focused
social and emotional support for thriving
as a student. Host families are chosen
after background and reference checks,
home visits and personal interviews.
Student preferences indicated during the
application process help make the best
connections for students and families.
Orientation and ongoing support is
provided to host families and students
in their living settings. Maranatha works
in partnership with My American School,
an independent organization, to place
International Students in loving Christian
homes. Students in the International
Student Program are required to live with
American host families.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DIRECTOR (ISD)
Maranatha gives extra support to our
international students unique needs by
providing a full-time International Student
Director (ISD). From the frst inquiry about
our school, to the day of graduation,
the ISD is available and involved in the
international students life. The ISD
mentors students formally and informally,
providing explanation, advocacy and care.
The ISD maintains daily contact with
students, paving the way for involvement
in school opportunities and creating
extra events to promote connections with
American students, share international
celebrations and learn American
customs. The ISD serves as the liaison
with teachers, counselors and homestay
families.
WHY MARANATHA?
l Limited international student
enrollment: Better integration and
opportunity (only 13.5% of student body
is international)
l Strong Academic Program: Acceptance
at best universities; 17+ AP courses;
district science, math, and speech
competitions; partnership with Cal Tech
Science for top students
l Beautiful Setting: Park-like campus,
Southern California weather, beaches,
mountains, and near Los Angeles
l Warm Campus Atmosphere: Our
involved teachers and friendly students
make the difference!
l Christian: Intentionally Christ-centered,
service opportunities, community
involvement
ADMINISTRATION
David Gyertson, Ph.D.
HEADMASTER
Michelle Purghart, Ed.D.
PRINCIPAL
Kris Dreyer
CEO/COO
Linda Mackessy, M.A.
VICE PRINCIPAL
John Rouse, M.A.
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Melissa Wunderly, M.A.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DIRECTOR
Christie Akins, M.Ed.
DEAN OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Ryan Bell, M.S.
DEAN OF COLLEGE AND GUIDANCE
COUNSELING
Sharon Dandorf, M.A.
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Brian DeHaan, M.A.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Tiany Edwards, M.A.
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
Steven Kozak, M.A., M.T.S.
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Joel Murphy 97, M.A.
CHAPLAIN/DEAN OF SPIRITUAL LIFE
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools
& Colleges
Association of Christian Schools
International
MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM (continued...)
COSTS
International Student Tuition for 2014-
2015 is $29,000. The 2014-2015
International Students are responsible for
purchasing school uniforms, e-texts and
paying for ancillary fees totaling about
$500-$1,500 per year. Tuition for the
upcoming year will be determined by the
Board of Trustees in December.

Home Stay for the 2014-2015 Academic
School year is $14,500 for 10 months
(August, 2014-May, 2015). Home stay
families provide private bedroom,
involvement in family activities, 3 meals
a day (will pack a lunch for school if
student prefers), transportation to and
from school, sporting activities, tutoring,
church, and most social events (as fts
with family life).
Summer Institute may be required for 9th
Grade students at an additional cost for
tuition and home stay. Summer Institute is
held approximately one month before the
start of school. Students will beneft from
intensive English, speech, and theology
study and enjoy weekly cultural activities.
Summer Institute may be required for 9th
Grade students at a additional cost for
tuition and home stay.
VISAS
I-20: Maranatha issues student I-20s
upon acceptance and the completion
of paperwork and payment. This allows
students to pursue their F-1 visa for study
in the U.S.
Green Card: Students with green cards are
enrolled into our International Program
and may be re-evaluated after their frst
year at Maranatha. The support of this
program ensures that the students needs
related to English as a second language,
variations in educational systems, and
integration are cared for.
REQUIREMENTS
l Academically motivated and successful
l Ready for full immersion classes taught
in English (we provide one English
Language Development course as
a support course to our immersion
program)
l Willing to live with an American host
family
l Interested in participation in curricular
and co-curricular activities
l Respectful of world cultures and values
l Desirous of studying and participating in
a Christian environment
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INQUIRY
To learn more about our school,
please visit www.maranatha-hs.org.
For details regarding the International
Student Program and application
process, go to www.maranatha-hs.
org/internationalstudents. Click on the
Inquiry button to indicate your interest
and request additional information.
APPLICATION PROCESS
On our website, under Admissions/
International Students, click on: Apply
online and follow the instructions for
the Green Card and I-20 Checklist to
submit a formal application. Applications
are reviewed by our International Student
Director. Best candidates are contacted
for a skype interview. No application tests
are required for incoming students from
outside the U.S. English assessments
are made based on transcripts,
recommendation forms and the skype
interview. Enrollment opens in September
for the following academic year.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
l 1:1 iPad Educational
Technology Program
l Total Enrollment: 680
l Average Class Size: 22 students
l Over 20 student clubs oered
l 160 Christian church
backgrounds
l Diverse Student Body
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
l 1:15 teacher/student ratio
l 100% hold professional degrees
l 69% hold a Masters
degree
l 4% hold a Doctorate
l 58% have over ten years
teaching experience
SCHOOL MISSION
Te mission of Maranatha High
School is to prepare students
for living lives of purpose and
distinction, as reected by character,
competency and community, by
developing the whole student
through relationships, to honor the
Lord Jesus Christ.
MARANATHA HIGH
SCHOOL
169 South Saint John Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105-1853
www.maranatha-hs.org
CEEB #052686
International Student Director
Melissa Wunderly, M.A.
m_wunderly@mhs-hs.org