SCA students consistently score well above national and state averages on standardized tests as well as the ACT college entrance test. SCA students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

SCA offers 93 hours of college credit classes, transferable to American colleges and universities. Students who have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA may take dual credit courses through communication arts, math, science, social sciences, religion, foreign language, and music.

SCA enjoys having students from countries all around the world. We celebrate a rich, cultural diversity with students from Brazil, China, France, Germany, Norway, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela, and Uganda.

The majority of our international students are enrolled at the high school level. Elementary school students are only considered for acceptance when they live with a family member.

The best experience for international students is to begin at the start of the school year in August, which begins with orientation, in order to have a successful experience. It is extremely rare that a student is considered for second semester, and only if they have previously been in the U.S. school system, demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, and have excellent grades and references.

Students accepted to SCA must have an English language proficiency that allows for success in our college preparatory program. International students are required to take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) class. English proficiency is assessed and personal skill objectives are established in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The EAP instructor offers classroom assignment support and helps students prepare for the ACT, SAT, and TOEFL tests. Cultural adaptation assistance is also provided and students have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and encourage one another in their American experiences.

SCA requires applying students to take the iTEP Slate Plus test, which is easily accessed online. Score requirements are: 8th grade--3.5, 9th grade--3.8, 10th grade--4.2, 11th grade--4.5-5, and 12th grade--5. Students applying for a one year may be accepted with a lower language score. Part of the application process includes an interview with the International Program Director, either in person or through video conference, where their English proficiency is further assessed.

We do work with carefully selected agencies that bring students on J-1 and F-1 visas. We also deal directly with students for private placement. After a student is accepted to SCA and we have received the necessary paperwork, we issue an I-20 form that the student takes to the U.S. Embassy in order to request an F-1 visa.

SCA has a very user-friendly uniform policy. Students may wear khaki, black, or navy blue slacks, walking shorts, or skirts. They can wear any color of solid shirt or sweater. SCA also has sweatshirts and hoodies with the school logo available for purchase several times a year. Please refer to the Uniform Policy on the SCA website.

SCA does not require that students be professing Christians in order to attend the school. We do require, however, that a biological parent, guardian, or host parent be a professing Christian. The mission of SCA is to “inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.” Emphasis is placed on strong academics, good character and spiritual formation which is further explained in our Foundational Beliefs and Core Values.

Some students live with family members but most students live with a host family.

We work with agencies to find host families and host families are provided for students who work directly with SCA. Students are placed in Christian host families that are carefully screened and prepared to make the international student a part of their family. A homestay arrangement is for a full year. Changing families during the year is discouraged and may not be an option.

SCA is located in Lee’s Summit, just 20 minutes from the center of Kansas City (2.1 million population). Lee’s Summit is a family-friendly community and one of the most prestigious cities in the metropolitan area. Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains, with the number of fountains second only to Rome. It is a beautiful, historical city that enjoys all four seasons. There are a wide variety of attractions including Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs), Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals Baseball Team), Children’s Mercy Park (home to KC’s soccer team Sporting Kansas City), The Plaza shopping and dining district, Union Station, Crown Center, the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, The Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the Kansas City Power and Light District with the Sprint Center that is home to major concerts and performances, Worlds of Fun amusement park, the Jazz District, and the Kansas City Zoo.

Twelve-month medical insurance is included in the cost of Tuition and Fees and covers students who participate in the SCA interscholastic athletic program.

It is best if students arrive in Kansas City by the end of the first week in August in order to settle in with their host family, meet their SCA Buddy, attend Open House, and participate in the Orientation Weekend for new international students.

The number of international students is limited and is quite competitive, so early application is suggested. The enrollment process takes several weeks so sufficient time must be allowed to complete the application process. Applications should be received by April 1. Please refer to the Application Process on our website.

Complete the application and submit by email to International Program Director Rocco DeFelice.