Arriving at a new school in a new country can seem very daunting. To help students and parents prepare for this, we have put together a comprehensive pre-arrivals guide that can be found below.?
Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 |
New Students Please Arrive Between:? Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 Returning Students Please Arrive Between:? Wednesday, September 2 and Friday, September 4 | All Students Please Arrive Between:? Saturday, January 9 2027 |
Arrive Between:? 9am – 6pm? | Arrive Between:? 9am – 6pm? |
Orientation Commences:? Monday, August 31 | Orientation Commences:? ? |
Classes Commence:? Tuesday, September 8 | Classes Commence:? Tuesday, January 12 2027 |
?* Students arriving for the College Counseling Preparation Program and the High School Preparation Program will be expected to arrive on Sunday, August 16 2026. A separate communication will be received by these students providing full details.
International students coming to study in the United States normally require a Visa.?
Please read our Visa Guide to ensure you have organized the correct Visa required for your studies.?
Before you arrive in the U.S, you must email Student Services:?
Remember to complete and submit the forms sent to you by the school prior to your arrival. These include all medical forms and the housing preference form.
Families are responsible for arranging transportation from the airport to CATS Academy Boston unless they request a school organized airport transfer.
School Organized Taxi: Please let us know as soon as possible (at least 48 hours before you arrive)?if you would like us to book you a taxi from the airport.
Email Student Services with:
Once the booking has been confirmed we will add the cost of this taxi to your next invoice.??
Students arriving outside of the school’s designated arrival dates and times, or before 9:00 AM or after
9:00 PM, must contact the Residential Life team in advance so staff are aware of the expected arrival. Families should reference the school’s published arrival dates and communicate any concerns ahead of time.
A $300 Late Arrival Fee will be charged for arrivals after 9:00 PM to cover staffing and transportation costs. This fee will be billed directly to the student’s account.
Refer to the?confirmed arrival dates?to ensure you arrive on the correct day.? If your flight arrives outside of the confirmed arrival times, please ensure you have informed the Residential Life Team via email.?
In the case of flight delays or issues outside of the confirmed arrival times, please refer to the Pre-Arrival Booklet you will have received and contact the relevant Dorm Parent.
Public Transport:?For step-by-step journey planning by public transportation,??The closest stop in Braintree to CATS Academy Boston is Bus 230, Washington Street and Virginia Road.
You will receive a packet of medical forms once you have enrolled in our school. You? MUST?complete these forms with your family doctor?PRIOR?to arrival in the U.S as this is a legal requirement in the State of Massachusetts. Completion of these forms is compulsory and students will not be allowed to begin their courses until the packet is completed in its entirety. You?MUST?bring up-to-date immunization records when you arrive.?
All medical documents and prescriptions must be translated into English.
Health Insurance:
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all students enrolled 大象影院 Academy Boston, in accordance with Massachusetts state law.
Domestic Students are required to maintain active health insurance coverage throughout their enrollment
大象影院 Academy Boston.
Prior to enrollment, domestic students must submit proof of insurance coverage, including a copy of their insurance card, to the Health Office.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to confirm with their insurance provider that coverage extends to services received while the student is attending school in Massachusetts, particularly if the family resides in another state. Coverage levels, provider networks, and out-of-state benefits may vary by insurance plan.
The school reserves the right to request updated proof of insurance coverage at any time during a student’s enrollment.
International students are required to participate in the school’s health insurance plan. The cost of the plan is included in tuition and boarding fees and is not optional.
Students are automatically enrolled in the school sponsored health insurance plan at the start of each
academic year or upon arrival if enrolling mid-year. Coverage remains in effect through the end of the
academic year or until the student withdraws from the school.
No refunds or reimbursements will be provided for health insurance premiums if a student withdraws,
transfers, graduates early, or otherwise leaves the school before the end of the coverage period.
Competitive Sports:
If you wish to take part in any competitive sports whilst studying 大象影院 Boston you must bring an up-to-date physical that has been signed by your doctor. This will need to be updated annually.??
PASSPORT & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:?
It is recommended that students carry important items (passport, visa, medications, chargers) in their carry-on luggage to avoid issues in case of baggage delays.
LAPTOP OR TABLET: ?
Students can choose their device but should be able to type up essays, carry out research and connect to a printer.?
CELL PHONE:?
All students are required to have a U.S based cell phone. You may bring a U.S compatible phone with you or purchase one on arrival.?
CLOTHES:?
At CATS Academy Boston, students are expected to always dress in a respectful manner that promotes a safe, healthy, and inclusive community.
As well as clothes suitable for the school day and weekends, please also bring:?
TOILETRIES:?
BEDDING:?
Ensure you organzie the correct size bedding to avoid any issues.
DESK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES:?
U.S POWER ADAPTORS:?
Bring sufficient U.S power adaptors for your electronic items.?
SPENDING MONEY:??
Please ensure you have money available for arrival and the first two weeks. We suggest around $250.??
A LETTER FROM YOUR DOCTOR:??
If you bring any medication into the USA, also carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor explaining what the medicine is and what it is for.?
ANY MEDICATION THAT YOU ARE TAKING:??
Bring any medicines you need to take prescribed by a doctor and a copy of the prescriptions, preferably with generic names. All prescriptions must be translated in English and reported to the Health Office. Medicines that are not regulated in the U.S and are not translated to English will not be permitted and confiscated by our Medical Team.
CATS Boston cannot accept responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, your personal belongings.?
All students are encouraged to follow the advice below:?
Your first week 大象影院 Boston
At CATS Boston, we are committed to supporting you. When you arrive, you are provided with a detailed schedule for the first week of Orientation where you will have the opportunity to explore the school campus, meet your teachers, visit Boston and make friends.?
Your full induction program will include:?
In the first week of school, the faculty of CATS Academy Boston will provide extra time to allow you to adjust to your new environment. We accomplish this by holding information sessions to help you settle into life 大象影院 Academy Boston. In the first week of school, you can expect to attend fun and exciting activities to help you to get to know your classmates and teachers.??
When you arrive in Boston, life will be very exciting and upbeat. At times, however, you may miss your friends and family back home. It is perfectly normal to experience homesickness or culture shock when arriving in a new country and it is a good sign that you are engaging in the local culture and a healthy part of adjusting.?
To cope with homesickness, we recommend:?
If you have a personal problem, worries or concerns of any kind (such as relationships, health, depression, anxiety) please speak with any of the school staff. If required, our Medical Team can make referrals to a school counselor or school psychologist who can support you with managing any concerns you may have.?
LIVING IN A COMMUNITY
At CATS Academy Boston, we believe that living and learning in a diverse, residential environment offers a unique opportunity for personal growth. As members of this community, students are expected to uphold shared values of respect, responsibility, and readiness. These principles guide how we treat one another, how we engage in our learning, and how we contribute to a safe, inclusive, and purposeful school culture.
ATTENDANCE??
Attendance is compulsory. Missed assignments will affect your overall grade. A high attendance rate is also an immigration requirement to keep your I-20 and International Student status valid. Late arrivals at the start of the semester are subject to approval by the Head of School, which may only be granted in the case of Visa delays. Please note that late arrivals may have limited elective options. You must be here for the start of each term and not leave before the end. Make sure your travel arrangements comply with this. End of year examinations may not be taken early, and any missed exams will receive no credit, so we recommend that you plan your travel for after the last day of class.?
CELL PHONE USE?
We recognize that cell phones can be a useful tool for you to make notes, record an assignment, translate a word, or send an email. If you wish to use your cell phone during a specific class, you are expected to gain permission from the faculty member prior to using the device. Failure to do so could be determined as a misuse of a cell phone. Cell phone use in public restrooms or during a school meeting, such as an assembly, is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are permitted in all common spaces during student free time.?
SMOKING?
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all CATS Academy Boston property and on all related events and excursions. In the USA, purchasing tobacco products is illegal for anyone under the age of 21. If you have been smoking in your home country, you may find it difficult to adapt to the rules. Please understand that smoking will not be tolerated 大象影院 Academy Boston and you will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. If you have difficulties adapting, it is always better to communicate this with us so we can provide support to help you adjust.?
ALCOHOL?
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink or possess alcohol. Though not illegal for anyone over the age of 21, alcohol is and will be treated as an illegal drug by the Head of School and will be subject to the same policies.?
DRUGS & SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Illegal drugs are not allowed under any circumstances. Legal drugs that are sold or misused will be dealt with as illegal drugs. The Head of School may, at their discretion, expel anyone caught in possession of, or having taken illegal drugs, may suspend the students, or may take other appropriate measures in keeping with school policies.?
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS?
Students are expected to uphold the principles, standards, values, and mission of our school. The discipline system 大象影院 Academy Boston is designed to hold students accountable for their actions and decisions, while providing feedback and helping them understand the impact of their choices and behavior. Discipline responses are not meant to punish for the sake of punishment; rather, warnings and sanctions are designed to focus students on that which is most important – their studies and their development as maturing young people.?
Please refer to our Student Handbook for further information on school rules and expectations.?
