Admission

International Student Program

K-F seeks to reflect the broader world in which we live. We believe that diversity in all its forms -- including races, cultures, beliefs, and viewpoints -- enhances the educational experience of all students and families.
K-F welcomes international applicants entering grades 6 through 11. Through our international student coordinator, peer program, advisory, and ESL curriculum, K-F supports new students in overcoming language barriers while adapting to a new culture. The small class sizes, low student-teacher ratio, 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 ESL 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 made the most progress in English in my senior year. What this tells us about KF 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

    "This year 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 know that my next years at K-F will be as good as my first one. I already feel sad about graduating and leaving the school in two years. 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 exotic 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 museum workshops, Broadway shows, and corporate tours, etc. Outside the school, international students have numerous forms of entertainment that only NYC can provide: exploring world cuisines, finding street art, attending world-class concerts/shows, wandering Central Park, and seeing the latest fashion in SoHo. The students are fully immersed in an English-speaking environment and western lifestyle while encouraged to maintain and share their unique cultural identities.

Housing

K-F is a day school, and we do not provide housing or make homestay arrangements. However, all homestays are subject to the following school policies:
  • Families must obtain school approval for homestays by providing details of their agreement, and school officials may require a meeting with the prospective homestay parents;
  • Homestays must have a structure resembling a parent relationship, rather than a peer or sibling relationship;
  • Homestay parents must be age 30 years or older and reside in the home full time;
  • Homestay parents must agree to participate in parent-teacher conferences and other meetings requiring parental attendance;
  • Homestay parents will remain in communication with the school, as a natural parent would; and,
  • School officials will inspect each homestay at least once.

English Language Proficiency

K-F does not require a minimum TOEFL score, but substantial English proficiency is necessary for a student to gain admission and succeed in our program.  We assess English skills through student interviews and timed writing samples.

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 only accepts international applicants for grades 6-11.
2 K-F does not require a minimum TOEFL score. English language proficiency will be assessed in the student interview with admission and with an interview and timed writing exercise administered by the ESL Specialist.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions, please contact:

Soraya Díaz Tamayo
Director of Admission & 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.