International Program

Salesian College Preparatory is located in Richmond and San Pablo, California within the East San Francisco Bay Area. The secluded and gated campus spans 21 acres surrounded by majestic redwood and pine trees, Wildcat Creek, and flowering gardens.  

Salesian currently offers transportation service covering various East Bay communities including Berkeley / Oakland, Fairfield / Vallejo, Hercules / Pinole, and Martinez / Concord / Pittsburg.

• Salesian is 9 miles (15 kilometers) away from University of California, Berkeley

• Salesian is 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville

• Salesian is 17 miles (27 kilometers) away from Salesforce Tower

• Salesian is 19 miles (30 kilometers) away from the Warriors Chase Center

• Salesian is 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Silicon Valley (Google, Meta, Apple, Cisco)

For international students studying at Salesian, there are several key areas we focus on to ensure our students thrive in learning, diversity, academics, and college readiness:

1. Learning Support
   - English as a Second Language (ESL) We offer courses to help non-native speakers improve their language skills, which is crucial for academic success.
   - Tutoring Services and FLEX programs- We provide daily tutoring to help international students catch up if they face challenges in understanding the curriculum.
   - Learning Resources- We ensure access to learning resources, such as online platforms, libraries, and study groups, that cater to diverse learning needs.

2. Diversity and Inclusion
   - Cultural Exchange Programs: We facilitate cultural exchange events where students can share their traditions, food, and cultural practices. This helps build a more inclusive school environment.
   - Diversity Workshops: We offer workshops on diversity and inclusion to educate students and staff on the importance of embracing different cultures and backgrounds.

3. Academic Excellence
   - Rigorous Curriculum: We provide a curriculum that challenges students academically while accommodating diverse learning styles.
   - Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Classes: We invite international students to enroll in AP and honors classes to prepare for college-level coursework.
   - Academic Advising: We offer personalized academic advising to help students choose the right courses that align with their college and career goals.

4. College Readiness
   - College Counseling: We provide specialized college counseling that addresses the unique needs of international students, including understanding the application process for universities in different countries.
   - Test Preparation: We offer preparation courses for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS, which are often required for college admissions.
   - College Fairs and Visits: We organize college fairs and campus visits, giving them exposure to different universities and their admission requirements.

 5. Social Integration
   - Extracurricular Activities: We encourage participation in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities to help international students integrate socially and build a sense of community.

These initiatives can help international students excel academically while also feeling supported and included in the school community, ultimately preparing them well for college and beyond.

Our international students participate in an ESL course (four days per week) which allows them to develop better English vocabulary and grammatical structures so that they can successfully communicate. Also, students will develop literary and analytical skills which will enable them to be successful in future courses. Every unit will develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Our international high students applying for admission should follow the instructions listed below. Please contact Director of Admissions, Christina Karabinis (ckarabinis@salesian.com or (510) 234-4433 ext. 1416) if you have any questions.

An international student’s application must include the following:

1. Online application: Apply Now

2. Test results from one of the following (within the past six months): TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., iTEP SLATE, ELITiS, or IELTS.

3. Transcript/Grade Report

Complete and electronically sign the Transcript Release Form and email it to your school through the Application portal. 

The following are the types of transcripts we accept at Salesian:

• Current 8th grader: Transcripts and standardized test scores from the 7th and 8th grade years.

• Current 9th or 10th grader: Transcripts and standardized test scores of all high school work and a copy of your current course schedule.

4. Recommendation forms:

Salesian requires three recommendation forms from your current math teacher, English teacher, and principal or counselor.
Email the recommendation forms directly through your student's Application portal. 

5. Copy of front page of passport

6. Interview via Zoom (All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English)

Supporting documents should be mailed to:
Salesian College Preparatory
Office of Admissions
2851 Salesian Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804

Or email to:
Director of Admissions, Christina Karabinis ckarabinis@salesian.com

Experience Safe and Memorable Study Abroad Experiences with StudentRoomStay

We welcome international students and encourage students to live in personally-matched homes with local families to get a once in a lifetime cultural experience. We provide students with a welcoming family and a place to call home while pursuing their education at Salesian College Prep.

SRS Concierge specializes in providing safe, easy and world-class homestay experiences. 

Learn More

We love to meet our students' parents and families.  If you are planning a visit to the U.S., please let us know so that we can meet you in person and provide a tour of our beautiful campus.  Below are some hotel recommendations in the area:

• Hyatt Place Emeryville / San Francisco Bay Area, 5700 Bay Street, Emeryille, CA 94609 - (510) 285-9232

• Hyatt House Emeryville / San Francisco Bay Area, 5800 Shellmound Street, Emeryville, CA 94608•(510) 601-5880

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Berkeley Marina, 200 Marina Boulevard, Berkeley, CA 94710 - (510) 548-7920