Welcome, International Students!
Lake Ridge Academy welcomes international applicants from around the world! Our international families are attracted to our rigorous college preparatory academic program that offers curriculum flexibility for first-year international students, exceptional college counseling, and an established international support system. Lake Ridge Academy is located outside Cleveland, Ohio, on a large 93-acre campus. Our Midwest location makes it central to both the east and west coasts of the United States.
We value the diversity and perspective our international students bring to campus. We believe that international students enrich our community. Bringing together people from multiple cultures into one classroom can create a positive and productive learning experience for everyone in our community.
If you are interested in learning more about Lake Ridge Academy, please complete an inquiry form and our admission office will contact you. You can also virtually visit a few of our campus facilities including our newest building, Kemper Science and Engineering, along with our Fine Arts building and Rob Hall gymnasium (select the green dots on the doors to enter a new building).
International Program Highlights
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A Niche A+ School
Founded in 1966, Lake Ridge Academy is an exceptional independent school with an 8:1 student to teacher ratio. Our students acheive an average SAT score of 1320 and a 95% AP exam passing rate. View our school profile.
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Grades 9-12 International Program
We welcome students from all over the world to join our Upper School international program.
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8th Grade International Program
International students entering 8th grade are welcome to join a one-year program specifically designed to prepare them for attending high school in the US.
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College Planning
Our Upper School international students are individually supported in the college search process. Many of our international students are accepted to prestigious college and universities in the US and abroad. Visit our college counseling page for a full list of college acceptances for the Class of 2020.
International Student Application and Enrollment Process
Application Process
To apply, contact your agency or complete our application.
Two teacher recommendations and one must be your English teacher.
School records from the past two year (translated into English).
TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., or ELTIS are preferred. Lake Ridge Academy's TOEFL code is C662
Applicants must have a complete admission files before the interview can be arranged. View the interview calendar to schedule an interview appointment.
Enrollment Process
Accepted students must confirm enrollment by returning the signed contract with a non-refundable deposit of 10%, which will be applied toward tuition.
Submit copies of your passport and proof of funding. (SEVIS regulations require these forms). Confirm your address with the admissions office to have the student i20 sent via FedEx via email at [email protected].
Copies of your health records, including immunization records, must be sent to the school. Please review the list of necessary immunizations.
Student orientation will be held for all new international students before school starts. More details will be shared by the admissions office.
FAQ
Learn more about independent schools.
We have four Graduate Certificate Programs for students who are interested in studying a certain subject more indepth during high school.
- Global and International Studies Program
- Institute for Engineering and Innovation
- Institute for Scientific Research
- School of Fine Arts
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English: Black Literature & the African Diaspora, Literatures of Self-Identity, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Honors Dramatic Literature, Honors Women’s Literature, Modern Interpretations of Classic Literature
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Fine Arts: Mixed Media, Time Based Media Design, Foundations of 3D Modeling, Improvisation for the Theater, Musical Theater Workshop, Directing
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Math: Discrete Mathematics, Multivariable Calculus
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Science: Botany, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biomimicry and Design, Honors Introduction to Developmental Biology and Embryology, Animal Behavior, Astronomy
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Engineering: Introduction to Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical, Engineering Design and Fabrication 1 & 2, Computer Aided Design 1 & 2, Computer Aided Machining
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Social Studies: Nazism and the Holocaust, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, Honors Global Politics, Honors Comparative Politcs, The Roots of a Global Religion: The History of Islam in the Middle East and the Maghreb, Oil and Water: Energy, Resources, and the Remaking of the Modern World, History of Art: Survey of Western Art History of Art: Survey of Modern & World Art, History of Western Music: Ancient to Classical, History of Western Music: Classical to the 21st Century
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Technology: Honors Computer Science, Honors Software Engineering 1 & 2, Digital Publishing
- World Languages: AP and Post AP French and Spanish
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students can be accepted and enrolled space permitting.
Lake Ridge Academy offers ESL support for new international students who need the additional support
School typically begins in mid-August. We like new students to arrive in the area at least 5 days before school starts. This will give you time to move into your new home, adjust to the new time zone, as well as attend new student orientation
Yes, we accept mid-year applicants. Our second semester usually starts in early January.
Students can obtain insurance from either their agency or the school. Please consult the admissons office for more details.
Lake Ridge Academy will send you an I20 with other enrollment materials after we receive the signed contract, deposit, copy of passport, and proof of funding paperwork. Please confirm with the Admissons Office the address you want to be used when we send these documents to you.
Living in Cleveland
Lake Ridge Academy is located in North Ridgeville, Ohio, a suburban town about 25 miles from Cleveland and 15 miles from Hopkins International Airport. Our Midwest location makes our school central to both the east and west coasts of the United States and the border of Canada. Northeast Ohio offers a wide range of activities including some of the top cultural institutions and health care organizations in the United States, along with major league sport teams, and quick access to natural treasures like Lake Erie.
The area is home to many well known cultural institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Orchestra and Playhouse Square.
Other fun attractions include the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, a world-class amusement park, and four professional sports teams.
Northeast Ohio is home to three nationally recognized healthcare systems including the Cleveland Clinic, the number two hospital in the nation and the number one hospital for heart care according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-2021 Best Hospitals rankings
Cleveland is home to a number of colleges and universities. Most prominent among these is Case Western Reserve University, a world-renowned research and teaching institution and top ranked by the U.S. News and World Report.
Some other institutions in the area are:
Oberlin College and Conservatory
Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland Institute of Music
Cleveland State University
Baldwin Wallace University
John Carroll University
Cleveland also has one of the largest libraries in the United States with a collection of over 10 million items and 40 locations. The NASA Glenn Research Center is also located nearby.
The Cleveland Metroparks is an extensive system of parks, hiking trails, golf courses, and even a nationally acclaimed zoo. Students have the ability to enjoy city life and be in a beautiful park, hiking trail, or next to a waterfall in minutes.
Winter means snow in Northeast Ohio! From ice skating to skiing, enjoying winter activities is part of the experience!
