High School Diploma abroad

Having received incomplete secondary education in native country (after graduating from grades 9), many schoolchildren are thinking about studying in foreign states. After 9 grade, the foreign students can enrol on High school program, lasting for 3 years, allowing to become a student of the prestigious universities.

The High School Diploma program, most often combined with Advanced Placement, lasts three years and allows the foreign students to gain the necessary number of credits for obtaining a diploma of secondary education and admission to university. The studying includes 21 subjects, from which students choose their specialization.

Exams in the selected disciplines are mainly held in the form of tests and are evaluated on a five-point scale. Grades obtained during studying and final tests are taken into account when enrolling in universities.

Upon graduation, the foreign applicants receive a High School Diploma, which confirms the completion of secondary education. This diploma is accepted by many prestigious universities not only in the USA, but also around the world.

• Opportunity to obtain knowledge in a wide list of subjects
• To improve language skills and to expand vocabulary
• To adapt to a new educational system
• To immerse in culture and traditions of country
• To enjoy school life
• To make new friends.

The foreign students receive a broader education and deeper knowledge in comparison with completing a similar program in a year.

As part of the program High school diploma, the students often receive theoretical and practical knowledge. Many schools encourage independent research and projects beyond the scope of the program. Education is aimed at revealing the personal potential of the student, developing his capabilities and love of acquiring knowledge.

Victoria Eastman

Director of International Admissions at Mayfield School

Besides teacher qualifications, what else should parents consider when choosing a school?

Look into campus amenities and what they offer in sports, arts, and theater. Consider the school's proximity to major cities, its location in a city or countryside, access to international airports, and whether it's single-sex or co-educational. The school's size, number of full-time boarders, and flexibility in living arrangements during weekends and holidays are also important.

Events are held during the pre-holiday weeks and often on the occasion of sports victories. Book fairs, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, scientific exhibitions, reading meetings, Spelling Bee, talent shows, etc. are regularly held.

Field events are organized – theatre, museum, picnic. Much attention is paid to charity events: some of them are aimed at raising funds for the immediate needs of the school, some for the benefit of other organizations. For example, there is a collection of used books, used warm clothes for those in need. Clubs of interest gather after school, a teacher is assigned to each club: clubs for fans of anime, Japan, robotics, cooking, ping pong, fascinating chemistry. The  children make their own decisions about which circle they will study in, and they sign up on their own. The most popular sections have sponsors who allocate funds for musical productions, creative, scientific projects. The mugs themselves are usually free, but parents pay for field events, costumes, props.

This program is offered by many elite private schools and colleges in the USA and Great Britain, so students collect a standard package of documents for admission to secondary schools:

• Grade card for the last 2-3 years
• Recommendations from teachers
• International language certificate
• Motivation letter
• Completed questionnaires.

The presence of various diplomas and certificates of academic and sports achievements also increases the chances of admission to the High School program in the prestigious schools.

The cost of studying on the high school diploma program depends on many factors, such as school ranking, its location, accommodation type, extracurricular program, etc. Tuition fee varies from 40,000 to 90,000 USD per year, including accommodation, nutrition, studying, educational materials.

• Boarding

The students live in a residence near the school building. The school takes responsibility for the student, less often it is required to find a third-party guardian. All amenities are included in the accommodation: own room (accommodating 1-2 people), personal bathroom, three meals a day, gym, dining room, recreation facilities and much more. This is not only safe and comfortable, but also gives the international student the opportunity to learn time management, social adaptation and diplomatic skills. There are common game rooms, music and computer classrooms. Students develop independence, make friends, organize holidays and trips.

• Host family

The receiving party guarantees a separate room, three meals a day, sometimes pocket money. The advantage of this option is the opportunity to get an English upbringing, study the manners of the English and get directly acquainted with the culture of the country. In addition, parents have a choice of the type of family in which the child will live: it can be a single parent, an elderly couple, couples with children or even military families.

• Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School
• Phillips Academy Andover
• ACS Cobham International School
• Brillantmont International School Lausanne
• Winchendon School