Lawson's Middle School/High School Program strives to understand and respect the differences inherent in a multicultural urban environment, and to reflect this diversity in our own community. We encourage an understanding of the complexities of global issues while we help teach young women how to face the world with courage, compassion, flexibility, and commitment.

Lawson's Middle School/High School Program views language as one of the most powerful tools humans possess as individuals and as members of groups. Whether in reading, writing, or speaking, the ability to use language artfully and interpret it critically enhances our understanding of self, others, and the world in which we live. Lawson's High School Program's goal is to help international students develop these skills at one of the many schools that we offer our students. These schools offer many different teaching styles. Every English class offered seeks to have high levels of student participation in student-centered discussions. These school also seek to challenge the students as writers by asking them to write in a variety of genres and styles, but give special emphasis particularly in the upper grade levels to the formal academic essay. Many of these schools also believe that students critical skills are best developed by encountering challenging reading in a variety of genres and styles and from a variety of historical periods and cultures. In the midst of this diversity, however, the larger focus of instruction is consistent at every grade level to strengthen the skills with which young women express themselves and to enhance their ability to analyze the world around them.

To participate in the Academic Year program, students must have very good English abilities, above average academic skills, and a lot of flexibility and maturity! Participants live with U.S. host families and attend public middle schools and high schools, while improving their English, making friends and expanding their vision of the world and themselves. All students are placed with host from Lawson's Homestay only. 

The following course offerings depict a suggested time line. Lawson's Home Stay Program maintains flexibility in programming students who meet course prerequisites. It is recommended that students take Life Skills and Health during Summer School.

Ninth Grade English 9, Honors World History, Honors Biology, Honors Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II Foreign Language - Spanish, French, Spanish Speaker, Italian Physical Ed. (PE), JROTC, or Athletics

Tenth Grade  English 10, Honors Geography or AP European History Honors, Chemistry or AP Biology Honors Geometry, Alegbra II, Math Analysis Foreign Language - Spanish, Spanish Speaker, French, Italian Physical Ed. (PE), JROTC, or Athletics

Eleventh Grade  English Language,  American Literature, AP American History, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Honors Physics AP Calculus, Honors Algebra II, or Math Analysis Fine Arts or Applied Technology Foreign Language - Spanish, Spanish Speaker, French, Italian

Twelfth Grade English Literature, AP Government/Honors Economics, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science Fine Arts or AP Computer Science Other Electives

Other AP and Honors Classes
AP Spanish Language and Literature, Honors Statistics

Public Middle School/High School Study Abroad Program ages 10-18 grades 6-12 only
May include 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms of Intensive Secondary English Course 

The following cost are for a public middle school/high school only:

1 term ( 3 months) September 9 - November 9: $5,750
2 terms (6 months)  September 9 - February 9: $11,500
3 terms  (9 months) September 9-  May 9: $17,250
4 terms  (school year ) September 9 - July 9: $23, 000
Summer School Classes ( 2 Classes Max) July - Aug: $4000 not included in regular school year program.  RECOMMENDED

Public Middle School/High School Program Cost Include:

• School Tuition ( I-20 student visa and I-901 student visa) : Included
  
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Parent Must Provide OWN International Health Insurance
  
• Administration & Support Services Fee ( Middle School/High School Only): Included
  
• Home Stay Bond (Middle School/High School Only):  Included
  
• Home Stay Accommodation (Middle School/High School two meals per day, wireless, microwave and fridge in suite):  Included
  
• Home Stay Placement Fee (Middle School/High School): Included
  
• Airport Reception (Middle School/High School): Included
  
• Guardianship Care (Middle School/High School): Included
  
• Cost of Text books: Included 
• Application Fee and Review: Included 
• Field Trips to Disneyland, Magic Mountain, The Los Angeles Zoo, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios, and the Santa Monica Beach: Included (Student must pay for entrance and food needed for the day) We will provided discounted cost when available
  

Application  Deadlines and Dates:

All applications must be received by the listed deadline.  We do not accept late applications.

• Magnet Program: Deadline Dec 1
• School of Advanced Studies: Deadline May 11
  
• Charter School Deadline: May 1
• Private School Deadline: Feb 1 (Tuition Cost: $25,000 - $40,000 per year) Housing Cost: $14,000 per year
  
• Beverly Hills High School: Feb 1 (Entering 9th grade only)
  
• Public School Program: May 15 
• Hamilton High School: August 1 (Partner School) 
• CAMS California Math and Science High School Feb 1 (Entering 9th grade only)
  
• It is recommended that application be made early for the best opportunity for enrollment. The early application deadline is February 1 (February 15 decision). The standard application deadline is April 1, with decisions made by April 15. Applications submitted after April 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
  Applicants are rated on the following criteria:
  
• transcripts must show above-average academic ability
•  students must be responsible, honest, cooperative,
• demonstrate good character, display character and citizenship, and be respectful of others
  
• students must be self-motivated, responsible for their own success, and able to organize personal time
  
•  applications must be complete and include the main information form, official English transcripts from the last three years, letters of recommendation
  
• Stronger applicants are able to demonstrate proficiency in English. The TOEFL test is not required for admission, but it is required after students are accepted into the program and before students select specific classes. Before a student is accepted into the program, he/she may meet the English proficiency standard by one of the following methods:
  
• submitting a variety of tests, or
  
• participating in a phone/personal interview with our admissions staff, or
  
• showing a strong academic history of English coursework.
  

Program Requirements
Successful applicants must have:

• An acceptable score on the CELDT test of the English language (All students will complete this test the day of registration)
  
• Maintained the equivalent of at least a "C" grade average in their home country
• Have demonstrated openness, flexibility, above average maturity, and a sincere desire to participate in an intercultural program
• Be of good health, sufficient to succeed on an intellectually, physically and emotionally rigorous program
• Complete the application in full and provide all documentation required
• Be between 13 and 18 years of age upon arrival
• Not have graduated from high school in your home country
• Be willing to accept a placement with a host family in Los Angeles, California 

Additional School and Personal Living Expenses:

• Stationery Supplies: $150 per year
  
• Scientific calculator (Years 11 & 12 only): $100
  
• School and Sports Uniform (if required) $250 - $500per year
• School Excursions ( if offered ) $50 – $100 per year
• School Camp (if offered) $100 - $300 per year
• Mobile Phone $30 - $60 per month

Personal Expenses

• (including clothing, local transport, entertainment) $300 - $400 per month
• (personal hygienic items) $30 - $100 per month

Payment Procedures:
Upon receiving the acceptance letter by email, the family must pay the $2,000 enrollment fee to hold the student’s place in the enrollment. The remaining fee of $21,000 must be paid in full by August 1. Payment is to be made in U.S. currency in the form of a bank draft or a wire transfer or PAY PAL Payment. Wire transfer information will be included with acceptance papers. Pay Pal invoices will be included with acceptance papers. The total fees include a refundable $100 damage and book fee deposit.