International Students

Grier School recognizes the importance of a diverse student body and seeks to enroll students from around the world who will become emboldened, engaged, and poised for the future during their time at Grier. Each year, we have students from more than 15 countries who make up half of the student body. Grier has many resources on campus to support international students including a student transportation coordinator, on-site TOEFL® testing, and ESL instruction. Additionally, Grier faculty members fluent in Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Korean, and Spanish are available to support students and answer their families’ questions.

Please use the resources below as you prepare your application and contact Admissions with any questions.

Steps to Apply

The Application Fee is $50. Payments may be made by mailing a personal or cashier’s check or with a credit card during the application process.

1. Submit Application

Apply Online
Download Application to apply
We also accept printed applications and those completed through the SSAT or TABS.

2. Provide Supplemental Materials (upload through application portal or mail)

To complete your application, please provide:

Two Teacher Recommendations

School Report and Transcripts

Chinese students are recommended to submit the following standardized test scores:

SSAT

School Code: 3586

Language Proficiency Test, such as :

School Code: 2356

TOEFL iBT®

IELTS English test

Duolingo English test

3. Schedule Campus Visit
Visiting Grier is an important component of the admissions process. The informal visit provides authentic opportunities for both the student and the school community to learn about one another throughout the day. Contact Admissions to schedule your visit. If you cannot attend an on-campus interview, please let us know. We may be traveling to your region and can arrange a visit closer to home. Video chats can also be arranged.

Visa Requirements

Grier School is SEVP-certified and is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. In order to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) needed to apply for an F-1 visa, an applicant must also submit the International Student Supplement with her application.

Medical Requirements

Health Insurance

Out of concern for the health and welfare of all our students, Grier School requires that every international student enroll in our comprehensive injury and sickness plan. This plan meets the high cost of medical services and is accepted by local providers and practitioners. This plan was designed especially for private secondary schools and meets the mandated requirements of Pennsylvania law. The premium will be billed through the student’s tuition account.
Physical Examination and Immunizations

All new students, with their healthcare providers, must complete the required health forms and provide an immunization record. These forms are available once a student is admitted and must be submitted to the Health Center prior to arrival.

Request More Information

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ESL Placement

International Student Orientation Program

Grier School

These sisters from Mexico and their parents collect registration information during opening weekend.

Contact Us

List of 2 members.

Kara Lawler

Head of School/Director of Enrollment and Marketing

Bio
Kara Lawler is the Director of Admissions and Enrollment after serving as the English Department Chair and Assistant Director of Admissions over the course of her 16-year career at Grier. Kara brings over two decades of educational experience to the school, with a B.A. in English from the Pennsylvania State University and an M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Kara has also completed coursework at both Manchester University and Oxford University. Kara finds three things to be vocational: her career in girls’ education, her role as the mother of two growing children, and her work as a writer. Kara is the published author of two books, Everywhere Holy (Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins, 12/19) and A Letter for Every Mother (Hachette, 4/18). She has a new children’s book forthcoming in 2023. Additionally, Kara has written for The Today Show (Parents), The Huffington Post, and Parenting, among many others, where some of her essays have been read and shared millions of times. Kara has been married to Mike for 20 years and they have two children, Matt and Maggie. Kara lives with her family in Overlook, an on-campus house, with their Great Dane, Tallulah, and their goldendoodles, Frances and Finnegan.
Kelly Aharrah

Alumnae Coordinator\Assist. Director of Admissions