Admissions Process (U.S. Citizens)

What does it take to become a Herald?

Admission to Whittier Christian High School involves an application, recommendations from your student’s school and church, a placement test (incoming 9th graders only) and an interview. To get started on the application process, complete Step 1 first, then submit all other documents as soon as possible.

Steps to Apply

  1. Complete the application and submit a $50 non-refundable application fee.

  2. Submit a copy of your student’s report cards/transcripts, immunization records and birth certificate.
 (For incoming 9th graders, submit 7th and 8th grade report cards; for incoming 10th, 11th or 12th graders, submit a transcript from the previous two years of academic work.)

  3. Deliver recommendation forms to your student’s pastor, teacher, and school administrator.
 Request that the forms be returned directly to WCHS as soon as possible.

  4. Schedule a placement test (incoming 9th graders only). When WCHS has received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter with placement test details.

  5. Student/parent interview. When WCHS has received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter. Upon receipt of this letter, please call to schedule an interview with an administrator.

Acceptance and Enrollment

When we have received all the required documents and the interview has been completed, the Admissions Committee will make a decision on your application. Notification will be mailed to you at that time.

If accepted, you will need to officially enroll to secure your student’s spot at Whittier Christian High School. To do so, just complete and return the Enrollment Agreement Form (for new students or returning students), Emergency Card, and the required fees. Upon receipt of these forms and payment, an appointment will be made for the parent and student to attend an orientation meeting and select classes.

For more information on the admissions process, please call the admissions office at (562) 694-3803 ext. 311.

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Apply Now

This is where your Whittier Christian High School journey begins.

To get started on your application to Whittier Christian High School, apply online or download and submit a paper application.

Apply Online

Download Application (PDF)

We are currently considering applications for the first semester of the 2012-2013 school year for all grade levels. For any questions or to request more information, please call the admissions office at (562) 694-3803 ext. 311.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

A private Christian education is a major investment in your student’s faith and future.

Recognizing the financial sacrifice it takes to pay for tuition, Whittier Christian High School offers numerous grants and scholarships to assist students with financial needs — ensuring that as many students as possible can experience the WCHS difference.

Tuition and Fees

Annual Tuition: $11,335
Enrollment Fee: $400

Other Fees (approximate):

Books: $300-$600 per year (depending on courses)
Sports: $200-$600 per sport, per season (depending on sport)
Band: $200-$300 per year
Choir: $100 per year (not including choir tour)
Lab Fees: $60-$90 per year (Photography, Art, Food & Fitness)
Graduation Fee (seniors only): $100 billed in April of the senior year; covers senior lunch, facility rental, diplomas, caps and gowns, etc.

Pay Your Tuition Online
Sign up today with FACTS, our online tuition payment system.

Visit FACTS website

Payment Options

Whittier Christian High School has contracted with the FACTS Management Company to manage our tuition collection program. The FACTS plan has several tuition payment options. Choose one of the following:

  1. Full Payment: The entire amount of tuition and fees is paid on or before July 1. This payment is paid directly to the school office. A discount of 4% applies.

  2. Semi-Annual Payment: One half of tuition and fees are paid on or before July 1. The remaining one half is paid on or before January 1. A discount of 2% applies.

  3. Monthly FACTS payments: Tuition is paid over a 10-month period. The 10-month payment plan begins August 1 and concludes May 1. 

    • All payments will be made by electronic debit, as authorized by parents, from their bank accounts (checking or savings accounts). It is important to note that FACTS Management Company and Whittier Christian High School never see your bank account nor have any direct access to your account. The automatic payment process is strictly controlled by state and federal laws to be completely confidential and limited to what has been authorized by the parents.

In addition, FACTS Management Company offers a “Peace of Mind” option for families in the event of a death of a spouse. For a minimal fee of $14 a year the FACTS Management Company will insure up to $30,000 in paid tuition in the event of the death of a spouse.

Please be aware that if your tuition payment is missed or had insufficient funds you will be assessed a late fee and/or a NSF fee. Please communicate with the school to avoid these unnecessary fees.

Financial Aid Programs

Tuition Grant Program

This is a financial aid program based strictly upon financial need. The program is available to families who need assistance with their tuition at WCHS. This program is a grant, generally ranging from 5%-25%. Qualified families are determined from information included in the financial aid application. The student must maintain minimum academic and citizenship requirements (2.0 GPA, no F’s and satisfactory citizenship).

How to apply:

Please complete the Whittier Christian High School admissions application prior to applying for financial aid. FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment will be conducting the financial need analysis for Whittier Christian High School for the upcoming 2013–2014 school year. Families applying for a tuition grant will need to complete an application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by April 1.

Applicants can apply online now

FACTS website

Academic Merit Scholarship

Four $1,500 scholarships are awarded to four outstanding incoming 9th graders. Scholarships are awarded based upon 7th and 8th grade academic performance as well as a sample of the student’s junior high work. Applications must be received by April 1 and will be awarded by April 30.

To apply, download and complete the following:

Music Scholarship

Music scholarships are awarded each year to talented incoming 9th graders. Students will be chosen by audition for instrumental and vocal scholarships. Applications are due by April 1. Auditions will take place on April 10th and April 11th. Please make an appointment for your audition by calling or emailing Paul Barber, WCHS Instrumental Music Director at (562) 694-3803 ext. 324 or pbarber@wchs.com

To apply, download and complete the Music Scholarship Application 2013.

Endowment Scholarships

WCHS has benefited from several endowments. The Logsdon Endowment Fund was established to help families serving full time in missions or the pastorate. The Dan Hemwall Memorial Endowment funds one of the music scholarships in honor of Mr. Hemwall, our former band director who passed away. The Johanna Franz Memorial Endowment, the Mary Chandler Memorial Endowment and the Jackie Endemano Memorial Endowment also assist families with financial need. These scholarships are distributed based on information gained from financial aid applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who reviews the applications for financial aid?

All applications are initially reviewed by the Director of Finance and Human Resources. Data is compiled by the Financial Aid Committee. The final allocation of financial aid is approved by the Financial Aid Committee, based on the financial aid budget approved by the school board.

How does the school determine financial need?

Financial need is assessed based upon the information provided with the financial aid application. It stands to reason that families with lower incomes have a greater financial need than families with higher incomes.

Data is compiled from all applications received and then ranked by family income. Two lines are then drawn which vary each year. The first line is drawn at a minimum income level where it would be unreasonable to expect a family at this income to be able to afford tuition even with the largest grant possible. The second line is set at a maximum income level that would exclude a family from consideration.

The school board authorizes a fixed amount of financial aid to be distributed each school year. Grants are then allocated to the families with the largest grants being awarded to lower income families. The grants generally range from 5%-25% per year.

What if my tax return is not complete by the application deadline of April 1st?

Complete your application with your best estimates. An estimated grant will be offered but will not be made official until after a copy of your tax return is received. We must receive a copy of your tax return before the start of school in August/September.

Can scholarships be combined with financial aid from the Grant Program?

Yes.

Can my student earn an athletic scholarship?

No, CIF regulations prohibit athletic scholarships for any high school.

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Admissions Process (International)

Whittier Christian High School is a diverse learning community that is pleased to welcome international students from around the world.

Our admissions team is here to help guide you through the application process.

Steps to Apply

Note: Students currently in the United States must complete steps 5 and 6; students currently out of the country must complete steps 7 and 8.

Step 1

Complete the application and submit a $100 non-refundable application fee.

Step 2

Currently we will accept two English proficiency tests, TOEFL and SLATE.

TOEFL:  Submit your original TOEFL score report.  A minimum score of 28, minus the speaking section, is required to be considered for acceptance.  Contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) and make an appointment for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

ETS Contact Information:  WCHS TOEFL code: 8162

In the U.S.: 1 (800) 468-6335

Outside the U.S.: Refer to the ETS website: www.ets.org/toefl

SLATE:  iTEP SLATE can be taken at WCHS or an approved test center. An Intermediate score of 3.0 is required for admission.

To schedule an appointment to take the SLATE at WCHS, please call 562-694-3803 x311


Step 3

Submit the following:

  • Transcripts from the previous two years of academic work
  • Immunization record
  • Birth certificate (certificate of personal information); this document
must show student’s name, birth date and birth place, and must be officially translated into English

  • Passport, Visa and I-94 (Departure Record)

  • I-20 Form from previous school (if applicable)

Step 4

Deliver recommendation forms to your student’s pastor,
 teacher, and school administrator. Request that the forms be returned directly to WCHS as soon as possible.

Step 5

For students currently in the United States:

Schedule a placement test (incoming 9th graders only). When WCHS has received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter with placement details.

Step 6

For students currently in the United States:

When WCHS has received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter. Upon receipt of this letter, please call to schedule an interview appointment with the student and guardian.

Step 7

For students currently out of the country:

Once we receive the necessary paperwork to start your admission file, your guardian or agent will receive a letter. Upon receipt of that letter we will need to set up a Skype interview and need you to provide us with your Skype ID. One of our administrators will conduct the Skype interview, which lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Step 8

For students currently out of the country:

Submit the following information for a parent or guardian:

  • Driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card
  • Utility Bill (must show the parent or guardian's name and address)

Guardians must live in the same residence with the student and must be at least 25 years of age.

Acceptance, Payment and I-20 Information

When we have received all the required documents, the Admissions Committee will make a decision on your application. Notification will be mailed to you at that time.

Upon acceptance, the following steps, in the order listed below, are required in order for the student to attend classes:

  • Pay the enrollment fee and annual tuition in full (non-refundable)


  • Complete enrollment forms (for either new students or returning students.)
  • WCHS will prepare the I-20 and will give it to the parent or guardian. The student is to submit the I-20 to the Embassy and obtain an F-1 visa (student visa).
  • Upon arrival in the United States, the student must bring their passport, visa and I-94 to the Admissions Office.

International Student Tuition and Fees

(2013-14 Academic Year)

Annual Tuition: $15,515

Enrollment Fee: $400

Other Fees (approximate):

  • Books: $300-$600 per year (depending on courses)
  • Sports: $200-$600 per sport, per season (depending on sport)
  • Band: $200-$300 per year
  • Choir: $100 per year (not including choir tour)
  • Lab Fees: $60-$90 per year (Photography, Art, Food & Fitness)
  • Graduation Fee (seniors only): $100 billed in April of the senior year; covers senior lunch, facility rental, diplomas, caps and gowns, etc.

For detailed information, including payment deadlines, download the tuition and fees form (LINK).

For more information on the admissions process for international students, please call the admissions office at (562) 694-3803 ext. 311.

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Visit Us

One of the best ways to determine whether Whittier Christian High School is a good fit for your family is to experience the school in person.

We invite you to pay a visit to our campus, whether through one of our visitation events or a private tour.

Information Night

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 @ 6:30pm

For prospective students and their families. Join us for this exciting information night. No reservations needed.

Shadow Days

Enjoy a day with new friends! Experience the amazing WCHS spirit! See what life at WCHS is all about! Come and shadow a WCHS student. 

Schedule a Visit

Call the admissions office at (562) 694-3803 ext. 311 for more information.

Campus Tours

Our team would love to arrange a tour of the campus for you and your family.

Schedule a Visit

Call the admissions office at (562) 694-3803 ext. 311 for more informaiton.

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