Admission

International Student Program

K-F seeks to reflect the broader world in which we live. We believe that diversity in all its forms enhances the educational experience of all students and families.
K-F welcomes international applicants entering grades 6 through 11. Through our international student coordinator and ELL class, K-F supports new students in continuing to develop their English language skills while adapting to a new culture. The small class sizes, low student-teacher ratio, regular availability of extra-help sessions with teachers, and college counseling will prepare them for higher education in the United States or abroad.

An international applicant is a student who meets any or all of the following criteria:
  • Is applying from outside of the US
  • Is not a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Will reside in the US without a parent in a homestay
  • Will require an F-1 student visa
  • Will require ELL support as determined by the School*
K-F may assess an annual International Student Fee of $3,900 for additional oversight and services provided by the School. The School is authorized to issue I-20s for students requiring an F-1 student visa.
 

Student/Alumni Testimonials

List of 2 items.

  • Eva from China ’19 (now attending New York University)

    "I came to Kew-Forest in 10th grade and I am so glad that I made the decision to come here. From a student who doesn’t know how to participate in English class, I received The Rodell Cup award for the student who made the most progress in English in my senior year. What this tells us about K-F is that, here, everyone is given an opportunity. Maybe it is a sports team that has never existed in the school, a class that was not previously taught, or a whimsical club you just want to create; whatever it is, you have a chance to make it real."

  • Polina from Russia ’21

    "...I came to Kew-Forest as an international student from Russia. I had gone to four schools before, so I knew how hard it can be as a new student. Immediately, I felt welcomed by both teachers and students. Even people from different grades greeted and talked to me. During the year, the teachers helped me with patience and support when I had questions and some difficulties understanding the material. My ESL teacher helped me tremendously, almost every day, explaining, teaching me new vocabulary, writing and grammar. My English has really improved. ... I have never in my life been as happy being at a school as I am here."

Living in Queens, NY

Queens is the most ethnically diverse and the second most populous borough in New York City. There are 800 languages spoken and countless international cuisine options. Located at the heart of Queens where Kew Gardens and Forest Hills meet, the Kew-Forest School reflects this rich cultural diversity: our community represents over 70 different nationalities and speaks over 30 different languages at home. 

Being only 11 miles away from Manhattan, K-F enriches students’ educational experience with numerous forms of entertainment that only NYC can provide: trying out world cuisines, finding street art, attending world-class concerts and shows, exploring Central Park, art galleries and museums. Students are fully immersed in an English-speaking environment and American lifestyle while being encouraged to maintain and share their distinct cultural identities.

Housing

The Kew-Forest School is a day school and does not provide housing or make homestay arrangements. International students being sponsored by the School on an F-1 student visa must make their own homestay arrangements. However, all homestays are subject to School policies as outlined in the Homestay Agreement which must be signed by the student's parents and the homestay host parents. Some important points of the policy are:
  • Students must be fourteen years of age or older to reside in a homestay.
  • Homestays must have a structure resembling a parent relationship: the Homestay Parent must be at least 21 years of age and must reside in the home full-time.
  • The Homestay Parent agrees to serve as the parent representative in communications with the school when the legal parents are not available.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate intermediate level English language proficiency to gain admission and succeed in our program. Language proficiency will be assessed through a standardized online ELL test provided by Kew-Forest and the student interview. We do not require the TOEFL score.

Application Checklist

  • Application for Admission1
  • International Applicant Supplement
  • Application fee ($150)
  • Parent Statement, Student Statement
  • School Records Release & Administrator Recommendation
  • Math and English Teacher Evaluations
  • Optional Teacher Recommendation
  • Graded English writing sample
  • Transcripts from the current and two previous school years
  • Student Interview (remote)
  • English language proficiency assessment2
Notes:
1 K-F accepts international applicants for grades K-11. Lower school applicants (grades K-5) must be accompanied by their parents in the United States. 
2 K-F does not require a minimum TOEFL score. English language proficiency will be assessed through a student interview and a standardized online ELL assessment.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions, please contact:

Soraya Díaz Tamayo
Director of Enrollment & Tuition Assistance

Lyla Eaton
Admission & International Student Coordinator
718-268-4667
admission@kewforest.org

The Kew-Forest School

119-17 Union Turnpike
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 268-4667
The oldest independent school in the borough of Queens, The Kew-Forest School is an independent co-educational, college preparatory school for students in Preschool through Grade 12.