International Admissions

Students need to have good academic standing and an English proficiency test to be accepted. 

To apply, you will need: 

• Copy of Passport
• School transcripts
• A teacher's letter of recommendation
• An administrator's letter of recommendation
• Financial documents - Current bank statement with $10,000+ USD
• English language test: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ELTIS and more.
  • TOEFL: 64+
  • IELTS: 5.5+
  • ELTIS: 650+
  • Duolingo: 100+
• $200 application fee

All documents should be uploaded to the student's online application in step two. 

  Enroll Now for the '24-'25 School Year  

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are open now through May, 31st! 

Please note: Parent/guardian or agent must complete application

After applying, the international student coordinator will contact you. It is at this time that you may do an interview. When a decision has been made about your application, the international student coordinator will contact you by email.

Applications and immigration paperwork is processed within one to two business days.

*non-refundable

Step 1: After you have been accepted to O’Gorman, we will email you an I-20. Sign and date your new I-20 under “Student Attestation” as soon as you get it. Your parent or guardian must also sign and date in this section.

Step 2: Now you need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee here: http://www.fmjfee.com/.

Step 3: After you pay the fee, you can apply for your visa at a US embassy or consulate.

For more information about your I-20 and getting a visa, visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students

If you need a homestay family, please contact the international student coordinator for the student homestay application.

Notify Admissions Coordinator about when you will be arriving in the United States. You must arrive before new international student orientation. You should fly into the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. This airport connects daily to Boston, New York, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas and Minneapolis.

All new students are required to attend the new international student orientation. This orientation includes:

• Introduction to life in the US
• Meeting new and current international students
• Learning strategies for adjusting to home life and classes in English
• Getting a peer mentor
• Introduction to the school and its policies
• View class schedule and make changes
• Meet teachers and other students
• Ask questions to faculty and staff

During the fall semester all international students are enrolled in “US Language and Culture,” to help students adjust to life at O'Gorman High School. We also provide opportunities for international students to make a smoother transition to our high school through our International Club. This organization offers social opportunities outside of the classroom.