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Foreign Exchange Students

Catawba Ridge High School is excited to welcome three exchange students to our school each academic year.  Students are required to be working with an accredited exchange company and have a host family, living in the CRHS zone, willing to house them for the entire academic year.  Students are required to stay the full academic year.

The application process is on a first come first served basis.  Companies or host families can begin submitting applications on March 1, 2024 at 9:00 am.  Any application turned in before this date and time will not be accepted. 

Applications must be submitted through this form.  No applications will be taken over e-mail or in person.

The first three applicants associated with accredited exchange companies received through this Google form will be offered placement at Catawba Ridge High School for the 2024-2025 school year.  If a student turns down the spot, is not eligible because of zoning, or any other reason, we will then move to the next person on the list, in the order of the documented time stamp on the Google form.

If you have any questions please contact Kristie Hill at hillk@fortmillschools.org. 

All applications must be submitted through the Google form below:

Catawba Ridge High School Student Exchange Application 2024-2025

Protocol for Foreign Exchange Students

  1. Catawba Ridge High School will accept 3 foreign exchange students per year.

  2. Students are accepted for the full year, not just one semester.

  3. Applicants must be a high school student in their home country, 9th-12th grade.
  4. The host family must reside in Catawba Ridge High School’s attendance zone.
  5. A host family may have only one foreign exchange student attending Catawba Ridge.
  6. Applicants must be participating in an accredited foreign exchange program and will be considered only after the following information has been received and reviewed by Administration and Guidance:
    • Profile/Brochure about the sponsoring foreign exchange program
    • Completed application from the student including immunization records
    • Letter from the host family indicating their intent to sponsor the student
  7. Students will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

 Foreign Exchange Student Enrollment

The host family must complete the New Student Enrollment process:

  • New student registration opens mid June for the next school year.

  • On the CRHS website, click Guidance, and New Student Registration
  • Complete online forms through Registration Gateway
  • Schedule an appointment through Registration Gateway
  • During the enrollment appointment, please allow time to meet with the school registrar to complete enrollment and then class scheduling with school counselors. 


Foreign Exchange Student Policies

  • Foreign Exchange students will be classified in age appropriate grade level based on date of birth. 

  • Foreign Exchange students must follow their program guidelines regarding coursework.  Fort Mill School District requires all exchange students to take American Literature (English 3) and United States History.

  • Foreign Exchange students will take EOC Exams (if applicable) but are not required to take PSAT, ASVAB, ACT, SAT, or Career Readiness assessments.
  • Foreign exchange students may attend prom regardless of their grade level.
  • Foreign exchange students may receive 1 ticket to attend graduation.


End of Year Procedures

  1. Recognize students at the Awards Program via Certificate of Participation

  2. Provide students with a copy of their transcript and report card

  3. File copies of the students’ schedules, report cards, and transcripts