International Students
International Student Program
St. Pius X High School has a long history of welcoming students from around the world. Students have attended St. Pius as J-1 exchange students for semester and yearlong programs of study, however St. Pius X High School is also a SEVP certified school for F-1 visas. International students on F-1 visas usually study for multiple years and seek to graduate from St. Pius in order to continue their education at American colleges and universities. Students from Japan, Germany, Bangladesh, China, Korea, Vietnam, Italy, Spain, France and Denmark have attended St. Pius X High School. Our international program provides both St. Pius students and foreign students the opportunity to learn about different cultures, find commonalities, make lifelong friends and expand their horizons. International students will immerse themselves in the English language, adapt to American culture, and prepare for college.
Academics and Spiritual Life
St. Pius X High School is a Catholic College Preparatory school of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. We serve God and the community through faith, love and respect and inspire learning, leadership and service.
Students attending St. Pius are choosing to attend a Catholic school, and as such, are required to take 4 years of Catholic theology as a graduation requirement. The St. Pius community holds other faiths in great respect and does not attempt to convert or proselytize students, however all students are required to take Theology and attend school-wide religious services.
English Proficiency Requirements:
St. Pius accepts a range of English proficiency test scores.
Test Name Score
TOEFL (iBT) 68+
TOEFL Jr. 800+
TOEFL PB 525+
TOEFL CB 196+
iTEP 4+
IELTS 5.5+
St. Pius X High School has a long history of welcoming students from around the world. Students have attended St. Pius as J-1 exchange students for semester and yearlong programs of study, however St. Pius X High School is also a SEVP certified school for F-1 visas. International students on F-1 visas usually study for multiple years and seek to graduate from St. Pius in order to continue their education at American colleges and universities. Students from Japan, Germany, Bangladesh, China, Korea, Vietnam, Italy, Spain, France and Denmark have attended St. Pius X High School. Our international program provides both St. Pius students and foreign students the opportunity to learn about different cultures, find commonalities, make lifelong friends and expand their horizons. International students will immerse themselves in the English language, adapt to American culture, and prepare for college.
Academics and Spiritual Life
St. Pius X High School is a Catholic College Preparatory school of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. We serve God and the community through faith, love and respect and inspire learning, leadership and service.
Students attending St. Pius are choosing to attend a Catholic school, and as such, are required to take 4 years of Catholic theology as a graduation requirement. The St. Pius community holds other faiths in great respect and does not attempt to convert or proselytize students, however all students are required to take Theology and attend school-wide religious services.
English Proficiency Requirements:
St. Pius accepts a range of English proficiency test scores.
Test Name Score
TOEFL (iBT) 68+
TOEFL Jr. 800+
TOEFL PB 525+
TOEFL CB 196+
iTEP 4+
IELTS 5.5+
Note: St. Pius X High School is a college preparatory school and does NOT have an ESL program. Students are expected to be highly proficient in English upon admission.
Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 24 credits are required for graduation. Credits must be earned in the following distributions (one credit counts as a yearlong course):
A minimum of 24 credits are required for graduation. Credits must be earned in the following distributions (one credit counts as a yearlong course):
- English – 4 credits
- Fine Arts – 1/2 credit
- Modern or Classical Languages – 2 credits (in the same language) or communication skills requirements
- Mathematics – 4 credits
- Laboratory Sciences – 4 credits
- Physical Education – 1 credit
- Social Studies – 3.5 credits
- Technology - .5 credit
- Theology – 4 credits
St. Pius X High School welcomes qualified transfer students on a space available basis, however transfers are not normally admitted for the senior year. Senior transfers are only considered for admission on a case-by-case basis and are very rare. (Usually for students who have studied for at least one year at an American Catholic high school).
Homestay Program
International and exchange students at St. Pius X High School live with host families that are associated with the school. Host families may be that of a faculty/staff member, alumni, or current student. International students will become part of the family in every way, including social activities, chores and responsibilities. The host family will provide support in the transition to American life, transportation to school and other extracurricular activities, a separate bedroom and bed, three meals a day and inclusion in family activities, vacations and holidays. Host families are the most important part of an International student’s adjustment to a new culture, refinement of the English language, navigation of the American education system and the development of a sense of belonging.
Hosting an international student is an incredibly rewarding experience and often results in life-long bonding. International students often return to visit their American families and many St. Pius families have traveled to visit their international student in their home country. This opportunity to share cultures, viewpoints, faiths and lives is a once in a lifetime experience and enriches the lives of everyone involved.
Homestay Program
International and exchange students at St. Pius X High School live with host families that are associated with the school. Host families may be that of a faculty/staff member, alumni, or current student. International students will become part of the family in every way, including social activities, chores and responsibilities. The host family will provide support in the transition to American life, transportation to school and other extracurricular activities, a separate bedroom and bed, three meals a day and inclusion in family activities, vacations and holidays. Host families are the most important part of an International student’s adjustment to a new culture, refinement of the English language, navigation of the American education system and the development of a sense of belonging.
Hosting an international student is an incredibly rewarding experience and often results in life-long bonding. International students often return to visit their American families and many St. Pius families have traveled to visit their international student in their home country. This opportunity to share cultures, viewpoints, faiths and lives is a once in a lifetime experience and enriches the lives of everyone involved.