Explorations Academy welcomes applications from students of high school and middle school age, typically 11-17 years old.  Applications are accepted year round and students can be enrolled at the beginning of any term, if space allows.  Fall term begins after Labor Day, Winter term begins the second full week in January, and Spring term begins approximately the first week in March.

The application process begins when a prospective student and family, having read and reviewed informational materials on the website, submits a request to tour the school (either virtual or in person), and decides to pursue enrollment.  The steps to the process are as follows:

Admissions

1. Tour: The prospective family requests a tour of the school. During this tour they receive a physical or virtual tour. The tour includes a high level overview of the learning experience, and prospective families provide information about the type of learning environment their child thrives in and what is driving them to want to study in the United States. 
2. Application: The prospective student and family complete an application and send it with a non-refundable $75 application fee to Explorations Academy via email to admin@explorationsacademy.org or mail to: 1701 Ellis St Ste# 215, Bellingham, WA 98225 USA.  Please include a current transcript and letters of reference from an adult outside the immediate family.  Following review of these materials, we contact the family to arrange an interview. 
3. Admissions Interview:  The prospective student will be interviewed by the Director, in some cases along with another staff member.  At least one parent or guardian must attend this interview as well.  The interview allows us to learn more about the specific interests and needs of each student, to clarify our expectations for students in the program, and to ensure that the student and school are well matched.  A successful interview culminates with the applicant making a set of admission commitments. 
4. Admission Decision: Following the interview there may be a review period prior to admission.  Admission selections reflect our need for a diverse and balanced learning community of motivated students.  An acceptance letter is sent to the family to formalize the admission of the student.  Once a student is admitted, the family may begin the enrollment process.

Enrollment

1. Initiating Enrollment: The family will be provided a folder of enrollment documents. The family sets an appointment with our Administrative Manager to finalize the enrollment contract and clarify the forms and other details that are needed.  Full tuition families can move toward formal enrollment and secure the student’s place in our student body by submitting a complete enrollment contract and tuition deposit.  Financial aid families must apply for and secure financial aid  (which includes making a deposit, receiving a financial aid award letter, and completing the enrollment contract, including acceptance of the award) in order to move toward formal enrollment. (Families seeking financial aid must complete the financial worksheet and provide a letter requesting the amount of scholarship needed.)  
2. Formal Enrollment: An enrollment letter is sent to the family once all necessary paperwork, as identified in the preceding paragraph, has been received.  There may still be some outstanding forms (e.g. a health history form) that need to be completed prior to the start of school.  The enrollment contract outlines the tuition payment schedule and makes reference to the financial aid award where applicable.  
3. I- 20: Once the family has completed formal enrollment, Explorations Academy completes the I-20 Form. You will be registered in SEVIS and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Once you are registered, Explorations Academy will issue you an I-20 form. The I-20 form lists the start date of your program, and you may enter the US 30 days before your academic program begins. Your F-1 or M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date of your program.
4. Paperwork and Preparation: New students need to complete a packet of Explorations forms and occasionally provide other paperwork.  Prior to the start of school, Explorations Academy will provide a Community Handbook containing policies and information along with a list of required school supplies and field trip equipment.  We work to provide all needed information to families, answer any questions that arise, and offer assistance in preparations.

Tuition, Deadlines, and Discounts for the 2024- 2025 School Year

 Full tuition may be reduced by 5% when the completed application and application fee and enrollment contract and full payment are made by August 31st.  This discount does not apply to financial aid applicants.

We work to keep additional costs to a minimum.  Tuition is comprehensive and covers most school expenses, including most transportation and food costs on field outings.  Students may occasionally be required to purchase a textbook or other class materials.  An enrollment fee of $1200, separate from tuition, covers most other school expenses; the enrollment fee is not eligible for financial aid. Student participation in international expeditions involves a separate enrollment and selection process with separate fees and, if applicable, separate financial aid.

Families of current students must complete registration renewal materials by our Early Enrollment Deadline of April 25th to retain priority enrollment. All new students are encouraged to complete and submit student applications and get financial aid applications in before May 1st.  We have a second deadline for financial aid applications on June 15th. When all financial aid funds have been allocated, remaining financial aid applicants will be placed on a waiting list (see below).

By August 31st, tuition must either be paid in full, or the first of three bi-monthly lump sums or the first of ten monthly payments must be received (see Enrollment Contract for payment options). Contact our Business Administrator for our account policy and other details. 
As an international student, you will be expected to pay an International Student Placement and Administrative Fee in addition to our regular tuition. These fees cover the administration and staffing specific to this program and they are necessary for maintaining a student visa. We are also prepared to arrange housing for international students for a homestay hosting fee. Typically, international students stay for the full school year, but we can sometimes arrange a placement for one term.

Here is a breakdown of the International Student Placement and Administrative Fee Schedule:

International Student Placement and Administrative Fee Schedule:

Tuition: $18000 high school, $14,500 middle school

Enrollment Fee: $1200

Administrative Fee: $1000
Homestay Coordinator Fee: $8,000 

Homestay Hosting Fee (waivable if housing placement is not needed): $6,000 

ESL Program (waivable w/ enough English proficiency): $4000

Total cost: $28,200- $38,200 

We understand that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, but we believe that the experience is well worth it. Our Global Student Program offers a unique opportunity for you to develop your academic skills, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

Withdrawal Policy

A student may withdraw with written notice to the director 60 days prior to the start of the school year or prior to the start of any subsequent term.  A family withdrawing with such notice will receive a tuition refund for the term(s) of withdrawal less the tuition deposit.  Withdrawal or expulsion does not otherwise alter financial responsibility as specified in this Enrollment Contract.  One exception is withdrawal for a documented medical reason that prevents a student from continuing in the program.  In such a case, the family remains responsible for the current term’s tuition, but the period of advance notice for future term withdrawal may be reduced or waived at the Director’s discretion.  The tuition deposit is nonrefundable and applies when a student leaves the school for any reason.  Explorations Academy reserves the right to cancel any program with a full refund.

Waiting List

The Director maintains a waiting list for enrollment, consisting of admitted students.  Any available openings will be filled from this list.  Consideration in filling openings is based upon the order in which applications are received, evidence of student motivation, any involvement of siblings in the program, balance of gender and age, and availability of scholarship and financial aid funds.  Applications from admitted students who cannot be enrolled will be held until an opening is available.