New school year sees rise in Northridge Prep’s international students

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Updated: August 18, 2011 3:40AM

With the new school year just around the corner, Northridge Preparatory School in Niles is ready to welcome its largest international class yet.

Northridge, 8320 W. Ballard Rd., will start the year out with 24 international students from various counties such as Mexico, Spain, Columbia, South Korea and China.

The goal of the program is to help the international students improve their English language skills and also immerse them into the United States culture.

Last year there were about 18 slots for international students who attend one of Northridge Prep’s “brother schools” in other countries. This year there are 24. Ten of these students will attend Northridge Prep in Niles for the entire year, while others will be there for a quarter or a semester.

Jack Conroy, director of admissions and marketing at Northridge, said the school anticipates about 50 international students coming through the school at some point this year.

“We’ve seen an increase in the level of demand,” said Conroy, regarding international students coming to Northridge Prep. He said the school tries to limit each section to two or three international students.

Conroy said that the students stay with host families who are families of current students at Northridge Prep.

According to Conroy the students truly become immersed in the culture of families in the United States and improve their English skills by living with their American host families.