Primary, secondary education in Boston, Massachusetts 2024

Studying in foreign countries is distinguished by its quality and prestige, and secondary education is also gaining more and more popularity. Thanks to studying in American schools, schoolchildren have all the necessary conditions for comfortable adaptation to study in an international environment, obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills for admission to foreign universities. Boston is a popular student city: it is here that the universities of the famous Ivy League are located — Harvard University, Massachusetts University of Technology and many others. Hundreds of balanced educational programs have been developed here for foreign students. Boston is an excellent intellectual environment for the versatile improvement of their knowledge and cultural education: there are many museums, art galleries and cultural and entertainment events.

Studying in Boston follows a structured progression across three main levels:

• Primary Education in Boston (Ages 5-10):

  • At this level, children delve into fundamental subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, and the basics of natural sciences.

  • Additionally, they explore music, physical education, and drawing.

• Middle School (Ages 11-14):

  • This stage introduces compulsory subjects like mathematics, history, natural sciences, and English.

  • Students also have the flexibility to choose 2-3 subjects of their preference.

• High School (Ages 15-18):

  • High school students gain the autonomy to select their subjects, typically focusing on those required for university admission.

Simon Kizhner

Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

What advice do you have for applicants to American schools and why?

Take the time to study schools: seek information yourself and trust your educational agents, their experience and knowledge. Focus on those schools that fit your specific goals.

Ask questions! Attend job interviews, school trips, connect with staff and admissions.

Prepare well for exams - SSAT, ISEE or TOEFL - learn the rules for writing essays.

And, of course, discuss with your family the financial possibilities, the conditions of each school.

Go for it!

One of the standout educational programs is the American High School Diploma, which caters to both American and international students. Upon completion, students receive a secondary education diploma.

For students in grades 11-12, the option exists to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB diploma holds global recognition and provides an advantage when applying to prestigious universities worldwide, offering comprehensive preparation for university admission.

In grades 11-12, students can also choose to tackle one or multiple subjects at an advanced level through the Advanced Placement (AP) program. With 34 subjects taught at a university's first-year level, completion of the AP program grants students a competitive edge in university admissions.

Students typically devote 5-6 hours per day to their studies. At the end of each academic year, exams gauge their knowledge, facilitating progression to the next grade. Graduates from private schools in the USA are often well-prepared for university entrance exams. Additionally, students enjoy a rich extracurricular life, with a wide array of creative and sports activities, as well as cultural programs. Holding a secondary education diploma from Boston opens doors to some of the world's best universities.

Public education in Boston is free for all, including foreign students. On the other hand, tuition fees for private schools in the state typically range from around $15,000 per year, with the most prestigious institutions commanding prices as high as $45,000-$50,000 annually. These fees generally cover various aspects of studying abroad, including accommodation, meals, textbooks, school uniforms, leisure activities, registration fees, insurance, English language courses, preparation for final exams, and the option to participate in sports activities.

To secure a school education in Boston, foreign students should apply approximately a year in advance. The application process entails providing a specific set of documents, including:

• Academic transcripts from the past 3 years, along with current grades.

• Recommendations from teachers in English, mathematics, and the class teacher.

• A personal essay from the student.

• Responses from parents regarding their child.

• A description from the head of an extracurricular club or sports section.

Additionally, students may need to undergo an interview with the admissions committee, either in person or online, and submit results from English proficiency tests such as SSAT or TOEFL/IELTS.

Some schools offer 1 trial semester admissions and commence recruitment in January. Certain international schools may even waive the GMAT and TOEFL requirements, conducting their own entrance exams instead.

• CATS Academy Boston:

  • This prestigious boarding school operates based on the foundation of the Catholic school Trinity.

  • CATS Academy offers high-quality educational programs in both the USA and Britain for international students.

  • Situated in the picturesque town of Newton, the school provides an elevated level of service.

  • The international students follow a program devised by Uri Feldman, an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which grants them a dual diploma: a school diploma and a Certificate of Excellence in Global Business.

  • Students attend lectures at some of Boston's finest universities.

  • The academic rigor at CATS Academy prepares students to gain admission to top-notch universities in the USA.

  • International students can choose between residence or host family accommodations.

  • Tuition costs begin at $17,850 per semester (half an academic year).

• Cambridge School of Weston:

  • This institution offers effective programs tailored for international students.

  • The school boasts an impressive teaching staff, with over 80% of teachers holding academic degrees.

  • The high school program is modular, allowing students to focus on their priority subjects.

  • Learning emphasizes practical knowledge, with students actively engaging in laboratories, various projects, and research.

  • The annual cost of studying starts at $59,400.

• Walnut Hill School for the Arts:

  • This school specializes in a unique program that integrates academic studies with various forms of art.

  • Ideal for gifted young individuals, the School of Arts boasts a 100% success rate, with all graduates moving on to renowned universities in the country.

  • Students enjoy comfortable living arrangements in 2-3 person rooms with amenities.

  • Tuition fees begin at $28,900 per semester.