International graduates will receive a Seal of Biliteracy Award from the Michigan Department of Education. This honorary award is designated to recognize graduates who have attained proficiency in English and one or more languages. The award is designed to provide universities and future employers to identify candidates that will benefit the labor market and global society. It can also fulfill a foreign language requirement at the university level.

Grades 6 - 12
Completed online through U-Tech Preparatory Academy, from anywhere in the world. This option saves money on travel and visa fees, while providing progress towards graduating from an American High School.

Grades 10 - 12
Students can apply for an F-1 student visa to attend Jenison High School face-to-face.*

Grade 10 students will take the PSAT in preparation for the SAT college assessment.

Grade 11 students take the PSAT & SAT in preparation for university applications, and are eligible for extra accommodations.**

Grade 12 students will need to provide transcripts to ensure graduation requirements can be met prior to enrollment.

*Due to government regulations F-1 students can enroll on-site for a maximum of one year at a secondary public school.

**SAT accommodations include 50% more time, translated instructions, and an approved word-to-word glossary in the student's native language. English Language Learner accommodations are available when applied for and the test is taken at the High School.

“As a Chinese student, I did not have experience with the American school system. Fortunately, there was the International department that was always there to help me and answer my questions.”

Acting as a bridge for international students, JIA assists with the enrollment process at Jenison High School.  In doing so, JIA provides the following services:

“Being a Jenison International student [was a] very unforgettable experience. It promoted my personal growth not only academically but also mentally. It paved a good road for my future life in university."
Maggie (University of California, Berkeley)

“My studying experience in Jenison helped me to expand on my extracurricular interests while maintaining a strong academic standing.”
Charlie (Carnegie Mellon)

Jenison is a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan but offers safety, affordability, and a small-town feel. Grand Rapids has been ranked “#1 best city to raise a family” by Forbes, and in the top 23 for best, safest, and most affordable place to live, by U.S. News and World Report.

Host families will open their homes to support a successful transition to a new culture and our education system. The international department at JIA will work to provide opportunities for continued learning and growth.

International students are encouraged to participate in any of the extracurricular offerings such as the Multicultural, E-Sports, Engineering, or Thespian clubs. Jenison also offers athletic programs like soccer, cross-country, and swimming.

Students must be represented by an agency to attend face-to-face classes. We currently work with the following Partners.**

Chans International
McGrath Education
Student Management Group

Exchange Mate
Rotman Educational Technology Group

**If you are interested in becoming an agency partner, please contact us at [email protected].

International students interested in applying to Jenison must be represented by an approved agency. Completed applications received by May 1 will be given priority for the upcoming academic year.

Please use the following government resources for students planning to study in the United States: