International Applicants

Find space to explore, and become all that you’re meant to be.

Miss Porter’s School welcomes students from around the world to join our vibrant and inclusive community.

Porter’s is a truly diverse community where different backgrounds, values, and lived experiences are not just welcomed but are essential to fostering belonging.

We define an international student as any student who is a non-U.S. passport or green card holder currently living outside or inside the United States, and who will require an F-1 visa and/or I-20 to attend Miss Porter’s School.

U.S. citizens living outside the United States who are interested in the support services we offer to international students are welcome to participate.

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Support for International Students

We understand that students living outside of the United States have additional needs and we strive to meet them. These include:

Transportation to/from the local airport, train and bus stations for the beginning and end of school and for breaks.
Summer storage (up to 3 boxes/bags).
Early arrival and orientation on campus.
Local host family (e.g., day student family or faculty family) for the first academic year.
International Student Advisors who serve as the primary point of contact for both parents and students for all international student needs.
International Student Affinity, a student group on campus that meets at least once per trimester for fellowship, support and celebrations of countries and cultures,
Visa processing and support for all years on campus
Assistance with the co-validation of studies if returning to home country.

Application Preparation Tips

Read as much as you can in English, and read what you enjoy.

Listen to audiobooks, podcasts or music in English.

Watch movies or TV shows in English, with or without subtitles.

Do your research before coming to campus.

Arrive with specific questions or comments about what you are looking for and what Porter’s can offer you.

Stay in touch!

We will frequently check in with you during the application process, but feel free to reach out on your own.

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Three young women walk and talk on a campus sidewalk on a sunny day. One holds a drink, another carries a jacket, and all appear to be enjoying their time together.

Frequently Asked Questions

TOEFL/Duolingo: For non-native English speakers and/or students who have not been at a school where English is the primary language of instruction for at least two years, we require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Duolingo English Test (DET).

Applicant Grade	Exam	Scoring Scale	Minimum Score Required
9th & 10th Grade	TOEFL	1-6	5
	Duolingo	10-160	120
11th & 12th Grade	TOEFL	1-6	5.5
	Duolingo	10-160	130

Vericant (applicants from Mainland China): All applicants from Mainland China must interview with Vericant by January 1. Visit vericant.com to learn more about Vericant and to schedule an interview with them. Your Porter’s interview will be scheduled once the pre-application testing materials have been submitted and evaluated. Vericant is not required if you are currently living and studying in the United States.

Standardized testing is optional at Miss Porter’s School, but students are encouraged to submit standardized test results if they feel the scores strengthen their academic profile.

Porter’s does not offer formal ESL or ELL courses to support international students. Applicants must possess sufficient English proficiency to succeed in Porter’s rigorous academic environment, as specified by our TOEFL requirements. We offer individual academic support during the school year.

We understand that it’s not possible for all of our international families to get to campus. We offer Zoom or WeChat interviews for any students unable to visit campus.

We do not offer any need-based financial aid to international students.* However, all students, domestic and international, are eligible for our limited merit scholarships.

*If you are a U.S. passport holder and file U.S. taxes, you are eligible to apply for financial aid.

Generally, we do not accept mid-year international applicants due to full enrollment. Please contact the Office of Admission at [email protected] to inquire about availability.