International Student Policy
Flex Academy teaches everything from a Biblical Worldview. Students require a commitment to Christian Education. This means that parents and students must embrace the values and lifestyle of a Christian approach to life as they will be in an environment that practices a Christian way of life. The administration, teachers and school families all have a strong Christian Faith. Students should also be comfortable in a completely English environment for their education. This means they need a fairly advanced level of English training before they come to Heritage. Every student is valued for their unique place in God’s creation no matter what culture or nationality they come from. Students who successfully complete a Grade 12 level Christian Studies Course will receive the Flex Academy Graduation Certificate.
Admissions
All International students must complete the Admissions process in order for Flex Academy to administer a Letter of Acceptance. The Admissions process would include the following:
- A completed Application Form
- A one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $500.00
- A copy of their Passport, if available
- A current picture
- A transcript for the last 2 years of education
- A Pastor’s Reference (if they are a Christian and attend church)
- A Student Letter stating ‘why’ they are wanting to attend FA
- A Skype Interview
Invoice and Letter of Acceptance
Once this paperwork has been submitted and the student is approved, an invoice will be submitted to the family. When this invoice has been paid, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued by courier.
Homestay
Students will be placed in Christian homes where families have been thoroughly screened and gone through a home interview. The family placement should meet the request of the student (to the best of our ability). All families will have had a Criminal Record Check done and submitted to FA. For Homestay Guidelines, we refer to the BC K-12 International Student Homestay Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education 2018 taking into consideration that there will be no situation that will be allowed to elevate to the degree where the student would feel that they are in need to contact the BC Children’s Helpline for any reason. All concerns would be dealt with immediately.
Custodianship
Students who attend FA and are under the age of majority will be assigned a custodian during their stay. Currently, the International Student Program Coordinator is the custodian for all the International students unless other arrangements have been made. The custodian will undertake responsibility for the students during their stay as agreed upon with the student’s parents. All custodianship paperwork is to be authorized by a Notary Public both here in Kelowna and in the country of residence.
Visas
All Visas are the responsibility of the student. If an extension is needed, FA will go through a similar Admission’s process in order to issue the student a Letter of Acceptance. The International Student Program Coordinator can assist in this process.
ELL
It is best, but not mandatory, that any English Language Learner (whose native language is not English) have a Level 4 English equivalency to enter high school. This is based on the ICOS (International Christian Online School) English testing. Once the student has entered Canada and is attending FA, it may be mandatory that they continue with their ICOS online English training. This may or may not be teacher assisted.
Tutoring
All tutoring is at the student’s cost and is in addition to their full-time program.
Agents
FA is willing to work with Agents. The amount of Commission payable by FA to the AGENT with respect to each Registered Student shall be at a prescribed percentage of the tuition registered and fully received. The amount of Commission payable by FA to the AGENT for a Re-registered Student for a consecutive year shall be 0% of the tuition registered and fully received. A Commission is earned, by the AGENT, only when the Full Tuition is received by FA. Please refer to the Agent Agreement.
Financial
Please see our website and contact our International Coordinator for more information on finances and/or refund policies.
Health Care
It is mandatory that all International students have medical insurance while attending FA. They may choose either BC Medical or Guard. Me Insurance for International students.
School Representative
A School Representative will act on behalf of FA when interacting and assisting International Students. This person is the International Student Program Coordinator.
Discipline
All International students must adhere to FA’s policies; otherwise disciplinary action may be taken.