Welcome to California Lutheran Academy!

CLA welcomes students from across the globe. Our engaging, Christ-centered academic program challenges students to grow with confidence and use their gifts to their fullest potential. We get to know each one of our students by name and support them with spiritual guidance and a strong sense of belonging.

We invite you to contact us to schedule an in-person tour. We also understand that it might not be easy for our international students to visit in person. We invite you to take a Virtual Tour of CLA.

View down the center aisle of the chapel during a service, with students seated and a lit cross at the front

Centered on Christ

California Lutheran’s uplifting, Christ-centered community sets us apart from other private schools. Everything we do begins with Jesus. His Word shapes our teaching, His grace fills our relationships, and His wisdom guides our daily lives. We want students to know Christ personally and grow in faith that shapes how they think, how they live, and how they love others. From the classroom to chapel, from friendships to service, students are surrounded by the truth of Scripture and the example of Christ-like mentors.

Two students sit on the lower bunk of a dorm room bunk bed with striped bedding

Supported Through Relationships

CLA international students gain a strong sense of belonging when they participate in athletics, fine arts, and other student activities. Many of our international students compete in C-Hawk athletic programs, including American football, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Lifelong friendships are forged on and off the field at California Lutheran. Fine arts and other student activities at CLA are made richer and more meaningful through involvement by international students. Our faculty and staff help students discover their gifts and use them to the fullest potential.

Graduates in caps and gowns wearing leis embrace on the field after commencement

Equipped to Rise

With a low student-to-teacher ratio, CLA students receive personal attention, meaningful challenges, and the support they need to thrive. As a result, our students have been accepted at premier colleges across the United States. Beyond academic success, our students develop a servant-hearted mindset so that they can rise to every opportunity and serve with purpose.

Two students sit on a brown leather couch in the dorm looking at a laptop together

Boarding at CLA

Our international students enjoy making friends within the dormitories, which can house 40 students and are supervised by full-time dorm staff. Students enjoy weekend outings to beaches and other activities in beautiful Southern California.

International Student Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for international students at CLA include all costs, including boarding in our dormitories.

Take a Virtual Tour of CLA

“The fact that we can share one singular faith in Christ, and it’s not just sharing faith, but living it as well, and this is done by spreading love, support, and care. I appreciate the blessings we receive in knowing more about God’s words and how we can effectively apply them in both our academics and our everyday lives. The CLA environment has been a space where I’ve felt highly supported and encouraged. Although I have been away from my family for years, I didn’t feel isolated; rather, I realized that I have people I can call family here as well.”

MI, International Student

Ready to Get Started?

We are happy to walk you through our application procedure for international students.

All international student applicants should follow our International Application Process. We recommend that you apply early for the best opportunity for acceptance for the fall semester.

International Admissions Timeline

Early Application Deadline

February 1

Early Application Admission Decisions Made by Admissions Committee

February 15

Standard Application Deadline

April 1

Standard Application Admission Decisions Made by Admissions Committee

April 15

Applications submitted after April 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis

Your Enrollment Interview

After completing your application, we’ll contact you to set up an enrollment appointment. A virtual meeting is acceptable for international students. We want to meet your family and get to know you all a little better. This is the foundation for the supportive, nurturing relationship your family will have at California Lutheran. After this meeting, your family will be invited to create a Family Portal and complete a short enrollment form, which will complete the enrollment process.

CLA Welcomes Students from Across the Globe

“The biggest blessing I found at CLA is the kindness of people, who never judged me and always helped me with my English, my difficulties, and my misunderstandings. Another blessing was playing sports and being part of a team, which I consider like being part of a very big family. Finally, a blessing was being able to learn many new things about this amazing country that I’d never learned before I came here.”

AB, International Student

School Accreditation

Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) logo