Questions & Answers
We've put together a large list of questions and answers for students
and parents alike, and organized them by category:
Arrival
General
Host Families
Dorm Life
Q. How much does it cost to attend Washington Academy?
A. Our base tuition for boarding students is $21,500. Compared to
other quality schools, Washington Academy is a truly affordable way
to get quality U.S. education. Even so, we realize that tuition is
a real investment and we want to make it as easy as possible for you
and your parents. We have payment plans and financial aid packages.
Q. Is financial aid available for international students?
A. Yes, all accepted international applicants are eligible to receive
scholarships. This first-year partial scholarship is based on academic
merit and financial need.
Q. Can I apply to Washington Academy online?
A. You can begin the application process now by filling out our Online
Inquiry Form.
If you prefer, you can also download and print our Entire Application PDF and return it all through the mail or via fax.
Q. When is my application due?
A. Washington Academy has "rolling admissions," so you can apply anytime. However, remember that it takes time to finish your application and to get a visa. It's a good idea to apply by the spring for fall admission.
Q. When will I know if I have been accepted?
A. Admission decisions are usually made within 1-2 weeks after we receive your application. You will be notified by email or telephone, whichever you prefer, followed by a letter by regular mail.
Q. In my country, our school year does not run from September to June. Can I still attend WA?
A. Yes. It's best if you join us in September, but we may have openings available in January. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information.
Q. Some of the questions on your application form do not fit with my educational program. What should I do?
A. We recognize some of our questions, such as a request for test
scores, may not "translate" exactly to other school systems. We are
here to work with you so that you can provide the information we need.
Please call or email Samra Kuseybi, our Admissions
Director, with your specific questions.
Q. My teachers don't know me very well. May I substitute
recommendations from a coach or from a family friend instead?
A. It's important for us to learn about your ability in the classroom from teachers who have taught you recently in academic subjects. If you wish, personal recommendations from coaches or friends may be submitted in addition to the academic recommendations. Also, feel free to include samples of your work, if you have skills that your school records don't show.
Q. I already know what my future goals are. How do I know that Washington Academy is the right choice to help me get into the college or career that I want?
A. We have very high placement rates of our graduates in the college of their choice. This is because we have a large variety of classes and we keep our class size small so each student gets individual attention. We also choose excellent teachers, so learning is exciting. We would be happy to talk about your goals.
Q. How do I obtain a Visa to attend Washington Academy?
A. When you are accepted to the Academy, admission documents, called
Form I-20, will be sent to you. This document may be used to support
your request at the Embassy. An education consultant or travel agency
can help you and your parents with the application. Visa applications
should be submitted to the United
States Consulate in your country. For more information on student
visas to the U.S., visit http://travel.state.gov.
Q. What if my application for Visa is denied? Will you refund any tuition already paid?
A. Yes, any tuition pre-paid will be promptly refunded. Your application fee of $50, however, is not refundable.
Q. Can I work in the United States during the summer?
A. It is against the law to take up any form of employment in the United States as an International student unless you have the appropriate authorization to work. For more information, visit the US State Department Web site.
Q. Can I stay in the United States over the summer?
A. Yes! Summer is a great time to study or volunteer. There are lots of options for just about any area of interest. See our Summer Opportunities section for ideas.
Arrival
Q. When do I need to arrive at Washington Academy?
A. We hope to see you several days before the school year opens, so you can get to know the school and get comfortable. Please view our current academic calendar for this year's schedule.
Q. What airport should I fly to?
A. We prefer you arrive at Bangor International Airport (1.5 hours from Washington Academy) or Portland International Jetport (3.5 hours from Washington Academy).
Q. Will someone pick me up from the airport?
A. Yes. You will be met as soon as you get off the airplane, and will enjoy a tour of the beautiful coast of Maine on the drive to Washington Academy.
General Questions
Q. Do students have to wear uniforms? What do we wear to classes?
A. Students do not wear uniforms. Go ahead and wear what makes you feel comfortable. Jeans are always a favorite. We do have a general dress code requiring students to dress with reasonable modesty.
Q. Do you have mandatory study halls?
A. For students living in the dormitories, yes. Mandatory study hall is from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Q. Where will I eat?
A. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all eaten at the school cafeteria. Kitchen dorms are also available for student use, with permission.
Q. What happens if I get sick?
A. We have a doctor that our students see when they are sick. His office is only five minutes from the school. If you are very sick, we have hospitals nearby. All international students are required to buy U.S. health insurance before arriving, so your doctor visits will be covered.
Q. Is Washington Academy a safe school?
A. Absolutely. We are located in a small, friendly town in Maine, which has very low crime rates. We do not allow weapons of any kind into our school and make certain the main office checks any visitors to the school. Keep in mind that the media has made some American schools seem more dangerous than they really are. In our part of the country, school violence is very rare.
Q. Can I learn to drive while I'm a student at Washington Academy?
A. Yes! You can take our driver's education classes, get your driving
permit and actually get driving experience. You can even practice
and get your license, although you will not be able to use it with
a student visa. Our driving program costs $500.
Q. I like to take exercise classes and workout. Do you have any gyms nearby?
A. We have a wonderful facility -- The Center for Lifelong Learning at the University of Maine at Machias -- that offers free classes in many areas from karate to yoga. A shuttle bus goes to UMM every afternoon for our students.
Q. What can I do for fun on weekends?
A. We make sure you have plenty to do. We have fun things to do right around town, and most weekends we take a day trip to a Maine attraction, from the Bangor Mall to the Bar Harbor area. We also offer trips to places like Boston, New York and Sugarloaf Mountain during school vacations.
Q. How can I contact other international students with more
questions?
A. You can e-mail a student recruitment volunteer via our contact us section.
Q. Is there a place my family can stay nearby if they come
to visit?
A. There are a number of places nearby where your parents can stay.
We can help make reservations. Click
here to see lodging options both near the school and near the airports.
Host Families
Q. Why do some students live with host families rather than in a dorm?
A. Some students would rather live in a family than with other students.
It is a personal choice. Both options offer advantages. We encourage
you to discuss both options with our admissions director, Samra Kuseybi,
by phone, email or online chat.
Q. Do I have to pay my host family room and board?
A. No. Washington Academy pays host families a stipend to help with your food and living expenses.
Dorm Life
Q. What are the dormitories like?
A. Our dorms are like large houses with lots of high tech advantages! You'll be able to surf the Internet in your room. You'll have plenty of space, even though you'll probably share a room. Each dorm has large common rooms on the ground floor for eating and relaxing.
Q. Will I have to follow a lot of rules?
A. We don't have many rules. We expect you will be helpful and respectful of each other's needs. Of course, for everyone's well being, we don't allow alcohol, drugs, weapons or harassment anywhere on school grounds, including the dorm. And we shut off the lights at eleven!
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. You'll need to bring some basic clothes, toiletries and whatever you need to feel at home: photographs, favorite music, a lucky pen.
Q. What if I need clothes or school supplies?
A. We have several stores within a few minutes from the school. We also frequently visit the Bangor Mall on weekend trips. When it comes time to buy coats, boots and sporting equipment, we take a trip to the to world famous store, L.L. Bean. If you need it, we will help you find it!
