San Marcos Academy has a rolling enrollment process which means our Admissions staff will review every application regardless of the time it was submitted. Prospective international students should consider the amount of time it takes to acquire the proper student Visa when applying and are encouraged to start the process as early as possible.

No, international students, defined as students studying on an F-1 visa (those who are not U.S. citizens, do not hold a U.S. passport and are not permanent residents of the U.S.) must live on campus in the residential boarding program as they participate in the in-person learning in San Marcos that we provide. Students are not permitted to live with relatives or family friends, but they may be checked out of the dormitory (by adults previously approved by the parents) on weekends or on other occasions during the week.

Yes, San Marcos Academy is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to issue the I-20 visa application. In order to receive the I-20 visa application, a student must (1) submit a completed application for admission (2) be accepted to the Academy (3) submit a tuition deposit ($7,000 for the 2021-22 school year) and (4) provide proof of financial support (ability to pay the total tuition).

After these steps have been completed, we will issue and mail the I-20 to the student's home address. If the student is denied a visa, the family may request a refund of the tuition deposit, minus a $500 fee.

SMA can also assist students who need to transfer a valid student record from another school.

English language proficiency test scores are not required for ESL or ELL students. However, if an applicant has taken an English proficiency test, we encourage him or her to submit the score (or scores) for class placement purposes. All students will be considered regardless of their test score. The admissions office reserves the right to request a Skype interview to help us evaluate a student's level of proficiency in conversational English prior to acceptance.

San Marcos Academy provides health insurance that covers the required immunizations as well as sickness and accidents for all international students. The fee for the health insurance will be automatically billed to the student's account. The policy will be in effect from the first day of school (or first day of arrival on campus) until the last day of school. To opt out of the Academy's health insurance, a student must provide proof of current insurance. Current insurance must be based in the United States to be considered valid.

The Residence Hall at San Marcos Academy is open throughout the school year with three exceptions: (1) the week of Thanksgiving break (2) the three-week Christmas and New Year break and (3) Spring Break. These dates are noted on our 2021-22 school calendar. Parents are encouraged to plan ahead and make arrangements for their students during these times when the Residence Hall is closed. Parents are also expected to provide travel plans for their students, so that staff can coordinate getting students to and from the airport. Travel plans should be provided to the dormitory directors as early as possible.

SMA will help parents arrange a home stay for their students during Thanksgiving Break or Spring Break if needed (a daily fee will be charged) when the dormitories are closed. Parents should request home stays as early as possible.

At San Marcos Academy all students at SMA must acquire the credits necessary for graduation as listed by the Texas Education Agency. International students will receive English as a Second Language support through English immersion in the core classes with ELL assistance as needed on an individual basis. SMA does have an ESL specialist on staff.