Providence High School

The Independent School of Cooperative Education Providence High School was founded in 1955 by the Providence Sisters who wanted to create an institution of quality academic education with strong moral principles (the official religion is Catholicism). Today the school enjoys well-deserved popularity and fame, respect for the colleagues in the educational world. This school has Accreditation of the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), is actively working in the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). The institution is a member of the Blue Ribbon High School.

Initially, the Providence High School was only for girls - coeducation was accepted only in 1974, and the campus was organized for young men. Today about 400 children from different countries of the world are studying here (mostly Americans). The official slogan and credo is "You Belong Here".

Providence High School participates in the Nacel Open Door F-1 Public School Program, an international program aimed at providing foreign students with the opportunity to study in US government institutions in the High School program. The peculiarity of this course is the comprehensive, constant support of international students: the curators understand well that many children for the first time have left their country for long time, and strive to provide them with the most comfortable and convenient conditions. The Nacel program has been working successfully for over 10 years, hundreds of students have participated in it - only now about 500 students are involved in it, many of whom decided to repeat or extend the previous course. Such useful services are offered free of charge and on an ongoing basis:

• Regional director and local coordinator is responsible for the quality of the student placement, monitors the relevant conditions of studying and residence, helps to solve administrative and everyday issues - the coordinator is assigned to each student personally;
• Social staff, specially studied and qualified to work with foreign students;
• 24-hour telephone helpline and support where the student can address any problem or question;
• The travel coordinator is responsible for travel and transfer, arranges a meeting and seeing off, keeps track of the flight schedule and their changes.

In US high school students not only lay the foundation for basic, key knowledge in academic subjects, but also instill valuable social and personal qualities. Graduates should be ready for life in a multinational modern society, should respect another's point of view, with understanding of treating people of different nationalities, cultures, religions, and freely communicate with each other. It is understanding and mutual respect that underlies successful cooperation and peace throughout the world. Students become more independent, tolerant, learn to take responsibility for their words and deeds, demonstrate maturity in their judgments, self-confidence and their own strength.

Teaching programs in US schools are selective: this requires students not only to be successful, but also to have good behavior and knowledge of etiquette, involvement in extracurricular life, active participation in activities, groups and sections. In turn, employees and teachers are fully responsible for the health and safety of their wards. Public schools in America are very positive about student exchange, support these courses in every possible way and participate in them with pleasure: it helps to diversify the ethnic and cultural makeup of students, to make learning and pastime more interesting and comfortable, and to teach children to communicate with each other.

Consider the fact that American schools do not guarantee foreign students the transfer of educational loans received early, receiving a diploma and compulsory admission - all this depends on the perseverance and diligence of a particular student. There may also be a partial repetition of the educational course in the home school and the US institution - this is due to the difference in the curricula.

The age of students is 15 to 18 years, the minimum period of study is 1 academic year (from August to June). The institutions supporting this program are located in various American states: North Carolina, Maine, Vermont, California. They may have slightly different academic programs - a unified, strictly standard in this regard, no. As a rule, students are engaged on weekdays from 8:00 to 15:30. The school provides enough time for lunch - you can go to a local cafe or cafeteria, eat lunch brought from home.

The educational approach at Providence High School combines academic rigor with individualized support and spiritual growth. Each student is assigned an academic and college counselor who considers individual goals and needs, assists with course selection, college admissions, and the transition from high school to college.

The schedule includes an X-block period used as office hours for additional instruction with teachers or independent study. Students may receive peer tutoring before or after classes, and all teachers are available for extra consultations. The staff includes a Learning Specialist and personnel for short-term crisis intervention.

The Wellness Center provides resources for students experiencing stress, anxiety, or overload. The Counseling Office offers short-term support including individual check-ins, crisis intervention, group counseling, wellness programs, and referrals when needed. The school organizes therapy dog visits, adolescent mental health events, and provides a Wellness Resource Guide.

The school day begins with prayer, and all members of the school community are invited to participate. The Cinema Arts program features masterclasses led by faculty and visiting professionals working at the top of the industry. Ninth-grade students produce a 3–5 minute short film and learn editing on Adobe Premiere workstations.

Providence High School offers college preparatory education for grades 9–12 with a full range of academic disciplines and specialized programs.

• Academic areas: STEM (Dean of STEM), Humanities (Dean of Humanities), Arts & Wellness (Dean of Arts & Wellness),
• Specialized programs: Cinema Arts (four-year professional filmmaking course), Medical Program (hands-on emergency medicine experience and CPR certification), Technology Focus Program (makerspace, 3D printers, computer lab),
• Advanced coursework: more than 17 Honors courses and 20 Advanced Placement courses,
• World languages: Spanish, French, American Sign Language (ASL),
• Arts: Cinema Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts,
• Community Impact program: integrated into the curriculum and develops over four years of study and includes Senior Capstone Project, a UC-approved course for seniors.

Providence High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education in 1998.

School athletic teams have earned 80 league championships. The women's volleyball team won the Independence League championship in 2026, defeating Buckley 25-22, 25-17, 19-25, 25-17. The team also claimed the silver championship title at the Crescenta Valley Tournament, overcoming Pacific Palisades.

The school offers three award-winning arts programs: Cinema Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.

• The first class of 81 girls began the school year on September 19, 1955, in temporary canvas circus tents provided by neighbor Walt Disney, as construction of campus buildings had not yet been completed,
• The school mascot has been the Pioneers since fall 1955,
• Foundress Week is an annual tradition honoring the legacy of the Sisters of Providence and the life of foundress Blessed Emilie Gamelin, concluding with the Honor, House, Heritage ceremony,
• The Table of the Kings tradition includes an ice cream treat for the entire school community in honor of Blessed Emilie Gamelin's legacy,
• In 1988, the school announced closure due to declining enrollment, but efforts by parents, alumni, administration, and faculty increased enrollment and saved the school,
• School values inherited from the Sisters of Providence include compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity,
• The Equity & Social Justice Committee and student affinity groups have been active at the school since 2019,
• The school publishes Vista, a print and digital magazine featuring campus news, alumni notes, and important community topics.

• Harvard University,
• Yale University,
• Columbia University,
• Cornell University,
• Stanford University,
• Johns Hopkins University,
• New York University,
• University of California, Los Angeles,
• University of California, Berkeley,
• University of Southern California,
• United States Air Force Academy.

Providence High School is a day school and does not provide on-campus housing. International students must reside with a documented relative or legal guardian. The school does not recommend or provide housing resources for international students.

Subject list: Art, Basics of health protection, Career development course, maths, Natural science, physical education, social sciencies

Providence High School offers more than 40 clubs and organizations along with 21 athletic programs. 54% of students participate in a sport. Athletic teams include volleyball, basketball, baseball, flag football, wrestling, swimming and diving, softball, golf, beach volleyball, cross country, track and field, soccer, and tennis.

Academic and creative clubs include Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, Model U.N., Bull & Bear Investment Club, Makers Club, Yearbook (Pioneer Collective), Blackout Brigade (technical theater), American Red Cross Club, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, National English Honors Society, National Honor Society, and California Scholarship Federation.

Affinity groups include Asian American and Pacific Islander Club (AAPI), Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Black Student Union (BSU), Kehillah, Prism, Providence HYE, Red Whistle Club, and Well Aware. The Associated Student Body (ASB) organizes diverse events for students, fostering school spirit and identity.

Annual traditions include Pioneer Week (class competitions in athletic events) and Theme Day (the signature event of the year with themed performances). Kairos Retreat is a four-day retreat for seniors. Each spring semester, the school holds a Day of Impact, a school-wide day of service, reflection, and collaboration.

• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA), and California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS),
• Member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Independent School Management (ISM), and Making Caring Common,
• Student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.

The Providence High School campus is located in Burbank, California. The first three campus buildings were completed and dedicated in 1956. In 2002, the Fritz B. Burns Student Activity Center opened, hosting community events such as the Fall Sports Rally.

The Science Center opened in 2012 with three dual-purpose laboratories (wet lab and classroom) for biology, chemistry, and physics instruction. In 2015, the Cinema Arts Center was unveiled, featuring a state-of-the-art production studio with professional-grade cameras and editing suites. In 2017, a new Technology Focus Program center opened with a makerspace and 3D printers in a multipurpose computer lab.

The campus Chapel is open every school day as a sacred space for prayer and reflection for students, faculty, and staff. A Campus Store and Providence Creative Studios with a creative director are also available.

Tuition fee includes:

• Administrative fees;
• Host family accommodation (accommodation and meals, boarding house);
• Studying on the selected program;
• 2 collective recreational activities per year;
• Monthly full reports for parents, annual progress and activity report;
• Round-the-clock support and assistance, hot line operation;
• Medical insurance;
• English language course E-learning.

Some services are not included in tuition fee and paid additionally:

• Registration fee (non-refundable);
• Teaching aids, books and materials;
• Additional physical education classes and electives;
• Some activities and excursions;
• Classes in laboratories;
• Air tickets for both parties, travel insurance (from flight delay, loss of luggage, etc.);
• Examination fees;
• Visa fees and services;
• School lunches;
• Transfer (to school and back);
• Personal pocket expenses.

Graduates of Providence High School enroll in leading universities across the United States.

The college counseling program focuses on finding institutions that align with each student's goals and values rather than brand prestige. Each academic and college counselor guides a cohort of students in grades 9–12, assisting with financial aid.

Students in the Cinema Arts program are prepared to apply to the most prestigious film programs in the country by their senior year. The Senior Capstone Project allows graduates to design and carry out a culminating learning experience, meeting with organizational leaders in ecology, healthcare, youth development, housing, immigration, and food security.

Prior to enrolling in Providence High School, each entrant is interviewed (via Skype). Students must meet the following requirements:

• 15 to 18 years;
• No higher education, received at home;
• Sufficient level of English and wishes to improve it;
• Preferences to study in the USA according to the state education program;
• Flexible budget and has sufficient financial support;
• Good and excellent academic knowledge.

The standard package of documents should contain as much as possible full information about the student, his academic successes, extra-curricular activities, mental and physical health. Usually you need a medical card indicating the vaccinations made, an introductory essay (written by the entrant himself on the topic "Why do I want to study at your school?"). It will also be useful to provide all the certificates, awards, medals, certificates, thank you letters - in short, everything that confirms achievements in the academic, sports or creative fields. In addition, Providence High School can organize entrance examinations in basic disciplines.

Admission dates vary - we recommend clarifying this issue in advance at the selected school. The application can be submitted after the official deadline, but it will be considered only if there are vacancies on the course.

Providence High School provides financial assistance through the Providence Fund toward tuition.

A Financial Assistance Coordinator is available to advise families on payment and scholarship questions.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision