Foreign Exchange Policies and Procedures

  1. Home
  2. District
  3. Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice
  4. Foreign Exchange Policies and Procedures

Northside Independent School District (NISD) welcomes Foreign Exchange Students from around the world. Below are the policies and procedures required for a student to be accepted at one of Northside’s comprehensive high schools.

General Policies

  • Capacity: NISD will accept up to 5 Foreign Exchange Students per comprehensive high school. (No Exceptions)
  • Grade Level: Students must have the equivalent academic credits of an 11th or 12th-grade student. Graduates or students who have completed a high school equivalency from another system are not eligible.
  • Certification: Foreign Exchange Programs placing students must be CSIET certified.
  • Processing Order: Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Paperwork must be fully completed and submitted, including prior year transcripts, before processing. Placement is determined by the order of completed submissions.
  • Testing Requirements: Foreign Exchange students must take the End of Course Exams or STAAR Tests for any courses requiring them.
  • Host Family Changes: If a host family change is needed, the Foreign Exchange Agency must secure new placement and notify the SASC department. If the new host family is within a different NISD school zone, the family can apply for continued enrollment.


Required Documentation

Please send the following documents as individual files to:  SASC@nisd.net

  1. Completed and Signed NISD Guidelines Form
  2. Agreement/Authorization Form:
    This should include the host family address and high school on your agency’s letterhead. Ensure there is a space for NISD to authorize with the appropriate signature.
  3. Buses and Boundaries Report:
    Visit NISD Buses and Boundaries to locate the host family’s address. Print a copy of the report indicating the school the student should attend.
  4. Health Immunization Information:
    The agency is responsible for obtaining all required immunization information prior to registration. Visit NISD Health and Vaccinations for more details.
  5. ELTIS 2.0 Score Report:
    The student must achieve a minimum score of 670 on the ELTIS 2.0 (English Language Test for International Students) or a comparable test of English proficiency.
  6. Student Profile with Academic Records:
    Provide all academic records translated into English. Note: NISD will only accept students with a minimum of 11th or 12th-grade equivalent credits.


Important Notes

  • A Foreign Exchange Student approved for participation may attend a NISD school only during the approved school year.
  • If the student completes the required credits and passes the necessary exit exams, they may be eligible to receive a diploma.
  • All Foreign Exchange Students must adhere to the NISD Student Code of Conduct and Compulsory Attendance Laws.