WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Who is the person to contact with financial questions?

All financial questions can be directed to:

Jodi Iwankiw, FLA International Student Coordinator
JNL Global Consulting
  1-989-331-2525
jodi@jnlglobalconsulting.org


Marile Estrada, Forest Lake Academy Business Manager
407-862-8411
marlie.estrada@forestlake.org

Homestay Accommodation Pricing

Forest Lake Academy partners with Jodi Iwankiw at JNL Global Consulting to provide homestay options for international students. Homestay placement and pricing inquiries should be directed to:

Jodi Iwankiw – Director
JNL Global Consulting 
1-989-331-2525
jodi@jnlglobalconsulting.org
www.jnlglobalconsulting.org

Where do I get payment wire information?

For wiring instructions or other payment methods, please contact: Marlie Estrada - 407-862-8411

• Application Fee ($500) is due before the I-20 form can be issued.
• Full Tuition Payment must be received after acceptance when the financial contract is signed.
• It is strongly recommended that each international student travels with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) for incidental expenses throughout the school year.

What about medical insurance?

ll students must have proof of medical insurance coverage before enrolling.

Recommended providers for international student health insurance include:

• Patriot Exchange Insurance – imglobal.com | 1-877-340-7910
• World Trips Traveler’s Insurance – americanvisitorinsurance.com | 1-877-340-7910
• Study USA HealthCare Insurance – my.travelinsure.com | 1-800-937-1387

What possible fees are covered by the Student Bank?

Covered by Student Bank (may vary based on participation):

• School Photos (optional package)
• Music, Art, or Multi-Media Class Fee (optional): $100 per class
• Music Uniforms: Determined by Teacher
• Musical Instrument Rental (optional)
• Innovation or Robotics: $175
• Physical Education Uniform: $20
• Banquet Tickets (optional): ~$100 per banquet
• Senior Testing and Graduation Fees: $185
• Fines: Cell phone violations, ID card replacement

Are there any possible fees that would NOT be covered by the Student Bank?

Not Covered by Student Bank:

• School Trips (e.g., Junior History Tour, Senior Class Trip, Marine Biology Trip, Music Tours)
• Varsity Sports: $250-$300 per sport + travel fees for tournaments

What is the Refund Policy?

1. Visa Denial: If your child does not receive a visa or is denied entry to the U.S., you will receive a refund minus the $500 application fee.
2. Pre-Term Withdrawal: If your child decides not to attend and notifies us at least two weeks before the start of school, you will receive a refund minus a $1,000 administrative fee.
3. Refund Timing: Refunds are processed within two weeks of receiving a written request to the Business Manager.
4. No Refund: No refunds will be issued if the student withdraws, is dismissed, or is expelled at any point during the school year.

Florida is a warm state in the USA. It is no wonder that a very high concentration of theme parks is found 35 miles (56 km) from our school. The average high temperatures range from 71oF (22oC) in January to 92oF (33oC) in June. The average low temperatures range from 49oF (9oC) in January to 74oF (23oC) in June. The average precipitation in January is 2 in. (5 cm.), and in June is 7.5 in. (19 cm.). June through September we experience about 10 minutes of rain in the evenings almost every day. The average humidity is between 60 and 75%. Most students dress in cool clothing in the summer (Polo’s, t-shirts, shorts, skirts) and light warm clothes for the winter (light to medium jackets, pants, and tennis shoes). A jacket, with school logo, is provided to all new students.

Forest Lake Academy uses Land’s End for the purchase of school uniforms. Continual violations of dress code may result in serious discipline and possible dismissal. No jewelry is part of our dress code. If you have a tattoo it must be covered at all times, it is also prohibited to get a tattoo or body piercing while attending FLA.

Through shared experiences and activities, International FLA students enjoy enhanced personal and social growth at an important time in their lives. A variety of clubs and student organizations are available to keep students engaged and connected to peers outside the classroom. These activities include:

• Varsity Sports (Cheer, Boys & Girls Golf, Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball)
• Music (Choir, Cantabile, Bells, Strings, Concert Band, Jazz Band
• Art Club
• Asian Culture Club
• Black Fellowship Association
• Campus Ministries
• Chess Club
• Creative Writing/Classis Literature Club
• FLA Student Ambassadors
• Garden Club
• Gospel Choir
• Hispanic Culture Club
• National Honor Society
• National Technical Honor Society
• Panther Press
• Theology Club
• Servant Leadership
• Panther Productions
• Robotics Club
• Student Association
• Women Can STEM Club
• Class Officers

Academic Information - Susan Becker, Vice Principal susan.becker@forestlake.org
Admissions/Registrar - Gabriela Lopez (gabriela.lopez@forestlake.org)
Student Finances - Linda Acosta (linda.acosta@forestlake.org)
IT/Technology - Reggie Simons (reggie.simons@forestlake.org)
ELL Teacher - Martha Nelund (martha.nelund@forestlake.org)
Discipline - Jaymie Pottinger, Vice-Principal (jaymie.pottinger@forestlake.org)
Principal - Dr. Glen Baker (glen.baker@forestlake.org)

Our mission is to provide a challenging curriculum and Christian education in an innovative and safe environment that values diversity. We believe education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing the whole person. Therefore, we strive to create an environment that fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

At FLA we are committed to providing a curriculum that challenges students to think critically and creatively, which helps them develop the skills necessary to become lifelong learners. Our Christian education is grounded in the belief that each person is a unique and valuable creation of God, and that we are called to love and serve one another. We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to engage our students, whether through the use of technology, hands-on learning experiences, or other creative approaches. We believe that by embracing innovation, we can better prepare our students for an ever-changing world.

At the core of our mission is the commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. We believe that every student deserves to feel valued and supported, and we strive to create a community that fosters diversity, respect, kindness, and understanding. We recognize our differences make us stronger and enrich our community.

Our program is designed to ensure students’ success both at the high school and university level. In addition to college preparatory classes, we offer an ELL academic enrichment program for students who desire a stronger foundation in the English language. The school also offers honors-level classes as well as a variety of dual enrollment classes that enable students to earn college/university credit while still in high school. Current dual enrollment classes include English Composition I and II, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Elementary Statistics, Calculus I w/Analytical Geometry, and Jesus in a Contemporary World.

University admission is the goal for most of our international students, and we work with each student individually to guide him or her through the application process. Graduates of FLA’s international program have gone on to attend universities all over the United States.

Forest Lake Academy partners with JNL Global Consulting to provide homestay options for international students. Homestay placement and pricing inquiries should be directed to:

Jodi Iwankiw – Director
JNL Global Consulting
 1-989-331-2525
jodi@jnlglobalconsulting.org
www.jnlglobalconsulting.org

FLA requires that each international student have a local guardian (with temporary guardianship authority) who can sign consent forms and respond to academic, behavioral, or disciplinary issues. This role is fulfilled by our coordinator, Jodi Iwankiw.

All host families undergo thorough background checks and screening in an effort to ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive home environment. Host families are committe to treating students as part of their family.

The classroom environment at Forest Lake Academy is both student-centered and rigorous. Students are nurtured by their teachers in a manner that promotes learning. Often, students are seen working collaboratively on specific content-related tasks. Classroom behavioral expectations are held at a high standard, as this is integral to an environment that fosters focus and ultimately, learning. Students are cooperative with both their teachers and their peers.

Forest Lake Academy recognizes that to be successful and take advantage of the opportunities available at our school, it is important for our students to be feel confident in both written and spoken English. Our expectation is that once accepted, students will dedicate themselves in all aspects of school life, i.e. participating in classes, extracurricular activities, and attempting to utilize English in all conversations. To be academically successful as a student, it is recommended that international students demonstrate the following minimum iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) proficiency.

• 09th grade:     50
• 10th grade:     60
• 11th grade:     70
• 12th grade:     80

NOTE: Many top universities require a TOEFL proficiency of 110 to 120 for admission, so actively working to improve English proficiency must be a priority for students wanting to go on to college or university.

Students who are unable to reach the recommended minimum score may still apply to be a student at Forest Lake Academy, however, it is important to understand that reduced English proficiency may make it difficult to be academically successful in all classes.

The TOEFL test is the most recognized tool for measuring English proficiency. There are several variations of the TOEFL, each with its own scoring. In order to avoid confusion, international students will be required to submit scores from the Internet Based TOEFL, often called the iBT. This test is widely available in testing centers. Being able to book a testing time may be limited and it may take several weeks to receive scores. Students interested in studying in the USA should schedule a test as soon as possible.

Our program is designed to ensure international students feel supported, enriched, and at home during their time studying at our school. Students’ needing English support will be placed in required ELL classes until such time as it is no longer necessary (determined evaluative testing and the ELL teacher recommendation). Peer tutors are also available to provide additional academic support in classes where a student is having difficulty. In addition, teachers provide after-school support as well as “Power Sessions” during lunchtime which gives students an opportunity to receive additional assistance.

The primary goal for our guidance and registrar departments, which includes academic advising, is to provide our students with the appropriate guidance and resources that are necessary for achieving academic success in high school, and strategic planning for college entrance. The guidance counselor and school registrar support students at the different grade levels by providing academic counseling including the following:

1. An overview of the diploma types offered and their relevant graduation requirements
2. A grade-level, "What Every Student Should Know" checklist
3. Testing and assessment information
4. Effective study skills
5. Simple and effective test-taking strategies
6. College planning
7. College financial aid
8. Career planning
9. Standardized Testing results (MAP Testing, SAT, ACT, PSAT)
10. Upcoming year Course Request process
11. Individual student planning

All FLA students are supplied a personal Apple Macbook laptop for use at school. The laptop can be used for all classes and textbooks can be accessed electronically. Every international student will be given instructions and guidelines on the use of their laptops, email, RenWeb, Canvas, printing, etc.

Smoking, drinking, or drugs are illegal and are strictly prohibited on or off campus while you are a student at Forest Lake Academy. A violation of this policy will result in being asked to withdraw from school. Please be advised that all FLA students may be drug tested every year as all students are subject to random drug testing. If a student test positive they will be subject to school discipline, including substance abuse evaluation and counseling. They will also be subject to additional testing every 90 days at the school’s discretion and at the cost of the parents. Should a student test positive again they will be asked to withdraw from FLA.

Please be advised that if you break the law and are arrested, it could result in your deportation or being jailed. Forest Lake Academy will not bail students out of jail.