International Students

International students are very welcome to Wentworth, a private, co-ed, fully accredited Academy & College, the oldest military academy west of the Mississippi River. In a historical –National Register of Historic Places - and safe campus with friendly staff and faculty, Wentworth welcomes students from grades 9 – 12 and Junior College.   

Wentworth offers structure and discipline and it has been helping students advance their lives through education and leadership skills for more than 133 years. Its values, traditions, and training are engrained in the school environment.

Wentworth is located along the Missouri River, in Lexington, MO. Lexington was once known as “Athens of the West” for its multiple institutions of higher learning, and is now a small, beautiful town; an ideal study environment.
 
The weather in Missouri is well known for its wide variety of patterns. Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25 – 39 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures are often below zero degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the spring and fall are very pleasant and the colors are beautiful.

Students from different parts of the globe call WMA their home. With a student –faculty ratio of 10:1, students have personalized attention and constantly excel in their studies while developing leadership and character skills, a key factor to the success of leaders. All high school students participate in athletics. For detailed information on the sports offered for HS and College, please visit our athletic website at http://www.wmadragons.com/
 
The International Department assists the students, guiding them through the process of application, student visa, and the enrollment process, while keeping constant communication with the students. As  they are picked up at the airport, parents are kept updated on their academics and any other accomplishments.
 
International students arrive on campus earlier for sports training and an orientation, enabling them to acclimate to their new school environment.   Throughout the school year, many cultural activities allow the international population on campus to share their culture and customs, not only with the their friends, but also with the community.
 
The International Department is committed to advocating and mentoring the international students in their coursework to have optimal preparation for continuing their education at a four-year University and in any other area needed.

Wentworth offers a variety of academic programs.

ACCELERATED SCHOLARS PROGRAM

  • Because Wentworth Military Academy shares its campus with Wentworth Military College (WMC), students are able to take classes through the Accelerated Scholars Program. A full curriculum of 61 classes are offered to the students.  Unlike other dual-enrollment programs, the cost of these classes are included in the cost of the tuition, resulting in a significant cost savings for the students.

ASSOCIATES DEGREE

  • Due to the on campus college, high-performing students can earn an Associate’s Degree while still in HS. They have the possibility to graduate with a HS and an AA diploma. 

ESL/ IEP

  • Wentworth Military Academy and College (WMA&C) is an "open campus", i.e., we accept students without any international proficiency test score which makes it possible for any student to enroll and pursue their academic goals.
  • Wentworth offers an ESL - English as a Second Language program helping academy international students on campus to fully succeed in their academics. The integration into the Cadet Corps facilitates the immersion necessary to develop the language skills.
  • Any international student can also apply to WMC, contingent on providing proof of graduation from HS; TOEFL is not required.  Students will go through the regular application process (including paperwork, fees, and SKYPE interview).  Upon arrival on campus, students will take an English placement test.  Every student testing at the intermediate and/or advanced level will be allowed to enroll in the “Pathway Program”.

Wentworth has  numerous articulation agreements with regional four-year colleges, including University of Central Missouri, Park University, and Missouri Valley College; as well as general transfer agreement with all public four-year colleges in Missouri.  
 
Wentworth offers students the chance to live in the schools on-campus barracks. All the student have a roommate of the same sex, and are expected to maintain a high standard in their appearance, and the appearance of their room.
 
The barracks are safe and secure, and students of different sexes are housed on different floors / buildings.

For more information on our Pathway Program, please click here.
 
Among the many extra-curricular activities, international students can choose to be part of the following military activites:

  • Honor Guard
  • Color Guard
  • Rifle Team
  • Raider Team
  • International Club 

100% of Wentworth Military Academy graduates matriculate to colleges and universities of their choice across the country.  Please look at our FAQ page for more information.
 
Among our notable Alumni, we can name a few.

Politics

The Arts

 Business

 Journalism

Academia

  • Dr. Ovid R. Sellers- internationally known Old Testament scholar and archeologist

Athletics

Military

Application Process for International Students
In order for a student to be considered for accepctance to Wentworth Military Academy & College, a complete application must be submitted. 

  • Complete the application and submit an application fee of $300.00
  • Application for College - Apply Online.  Alternative: (download form)
  • Application for High School - Apply Online.  Alternative: (download form)
  • HS applicants should submit letters of recommendation from the current principal or counselor of his/her current school, math teacher, and English teacher
  • If you are already studying in the United States, you must complete this form (download form)
  • Statement of Financial Resource (download form)
  • School transcripts
  • International Student Supplemental application (download form)
  • Copy of the identification page of the current passport
  • English proficiency test scores are not required; however submit results if available
After all documentation required is received and reviewed by the Admissions Committee, a decision will be made.

If accepted, an I-20 will be issued from WMA&C and the student will receive an enrollment book and contract, along with the I-20 and acceptance letter.  
 
Immigration Information for Admitted Students

  • Form I-20 and Student Visa (F1)
  • You have to contact the closest U.S. embassy and schedule an appointment. The embassy or consulate will issue your visa
  • To enter the United States as a student, you will need your I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status), F-1 visa and a valid passport.
  • When you enter the country, immigration officials will stamp your I-20, return it to you and give you an I-94 card ( a small white card that is proof of your legal entry) that should have F-1 and D/S (Duration of Status) written on it
  • When reporting to the school, you must contact the Director of International Admissions to have your immigration documents reviewed

Maintaining your F-1 Status

  • Once in the United States, you must maintain your status. Failure to maintain your status can result in serious consequences
  • Maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year
  • Attend class and maintain satisfactory grades
  • Notify the International Department staff of any changes

All international students accepted at WMA&C will be required to take an English proficiency test upon his/her arrival on campus, for placement purposes.

For new College boarding students only:

  • Because WMC offers classes in 8 week segments, the enrolling students have an option to complete their studies at WMC by enrolling at three distinct entry periods. For the 2012-13 academic year, college students can enter by August 27, or October 15, or on January 14.  If an international student enters in either October or January, he/she would be required to take classes during our summer session as well.
About Us

Cristhina Starke - International Department Director:

Cristhina has a Bachelor's 
degree in Education and a Master degree in Psychology, both from 
Pontificia Universidade Católica - Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cristhina's first 
exposure to international education was in Canada as an exchange student 
in high  school. Eventually this interest in English lead to a career in 
Brazil, culminating as a CEO of a Language Franchising Business. Upon 
moving to the United States she began her career at Wentworth in 2007 
teaching Spanish in HS and Psychology in College. Since accepting her 
current position as the International Department Director, she has been 
passionate about serving the needs of the international students at 
Wentworth. She has travel extensively both domestically and abroad. 
Cristhina is an active member in many organizations, that promote 
international education.

Monica Leon - International Admissions Coordinator:
Monica has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from ITESM-CEM Mexico City, Mexico and a Master's degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations from the University of Central Missouri. Her goal is to make sure that all international students fell welcome at WMA. Being an international student herself and participating as an exchange student in the United States and England, Monica has extensive experience in guiding international students through the application process and helping them to adapt to the American education system. She processes all international admissions applications and prepares appropriate immigration related documents, and she is enthusiastic about helping international students share their culture and values with all Wentworth student community and staff.

Bethany Peña - ESL / IEP Instructor:

Bethany has a Bachelor's degree in  Spanish  and a Master degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, both from the University of Central Missouri.  During her studies, she had extensive interaction with international students and participated in the International Center's Conversation partners Program. Bethany studied abroad in Spain and gained valuable insight into the experience of living and studying in a foreign country. She has taught at both the high school and college levels, and she is enthusiastic about helping international students at Wentworth expand their knowledge to include the language and culture of the U.S.

Tim Casey - Dean of the College:
Colonel (retired) Tim Casey was born and raised in Missouri. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1973 and served over 26 years in the United States Army. During his military career he served in Korea, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Bosnia Herzegovina. His command assignments included command of an attack helicopter battalion in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Aviation Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division. Colonel Casey earned masters degrees from the Naval Post Graduate School in Aeronautical Engineering and from the University of Central Missouri in Applied Mathematics. Since retiring from active service in 1999, he has been teaching mathematics at Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College and currently serves as Academic Dean of the college. He and his wife, Glenda, have been married 39 years and have four adult children.

Joe Aull - Vice President of Academic Affairs / High School Principal:

Check Out Our New Viewbooks!

Requires Adobe Flash Player

Wentworth Military College   Wentworth College   Wentworth Military Academy


International Links EducationUSA centers are the U.S. State Department‘s network of over 400 advising
centers in 170 countries designed to assist local students find the appropriate college or
university in the United States. Click on the link below to find your center!