Primary, secondary education in New York 2024

One of the advantages of moving to New York with your family is that it is very multicultural, there are many people from all over the world and everyone will find a place for themselves. For foreign schoolchildren and students, education in New York is a useful experience that allows them to gain high-quality academic knowledge, study at the best universities in the world, to attend lectures and seminars from industry experts. There are several respected international schools, popular, prestigious private and public universities operating here. New York is huge, stretching far beyond the center: in the suburbs there are popular residential areas for families with children, and in the city there are campuses of several elite universities.

The best schools in New York offer foreign students all the advantages of secondary education in New York that meets American standards. High school education in New York opens up opportunities for children to enter American colleges, higher education institutions in the USA, Canada and other countries. Elite educational institutions accept students for permanent studying, summer schools, English language schools in New York.

In the vibrant landscape of New York, school education encompasses a range of options, including secondary schools, middle schools, and more. In this guide, we'll delve into key details and intriguing facts about schools in New York.

Diverse Educational Landscape in New York

New York offers both public and private schools, typically co-educational, with public institutions accommodating up to 2,000 students. Here are some captivating facts about the New York educational system:

• In the 2018-19 academic year, New York City boasted 2,099 private schools, serving a student population of 4,987,735.

• The average tuition cost at private schools hovers around $23,834, while the student-teacher ratio averages 11 to 1.

• A significant portion, 67%, of these schools are affiliated with religious denominations, with Roman Catholic and Jewish institutions being the most prevalent.

• The educational landscape encompasses 136 schools for girls, 180 for boys, 96 Montessori schools, 227 offering summer programs, and 1,289 preschool education facilities.

Key Features in Secondary Schools in New York

Secondary school education in New York spans the ages of 11 to 17. Students follow a "core" curriculum, completing specific programs within designated timeframes, as set by individual states. The core subjects typically include English, mathematics, general sciences, health, physical education, and social sciences, covering world and American history, geography, and sociology. In grades 9-12, students delve into four subjects each quarter, with more than half of the courses being elective.

Education in New York schools unfolds across three main levels:

• Primary Education (Ages 5-10): Focused on core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and basic natural sciences, with additional components such as music, physical education, and art.

• Middle School (Ages 11-14): Compulsory subjects include mathematics, history, natural sciences, and English, supplemented by 2-3 elective choices.

• High School (Ages 15-18): Here, students have the autonomy to select their disciplines, aligning their choices with university admission requirements.

• Enrolling in secondary schools in New York involves several steps:

• Apply approximately a year in advance to your chosen school.

• Provide certificates of completion of secondary education, teacher recommendations, school director endorsements, certificates, and diplomas attesting to participation in international tests, Olympiads, and academic competitions, showcasing your academic, sports, and social achievements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language, often through an oral interview or language test.

• Submit results of the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) academic assessment.

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!

New York secondary schools offer a wide array of subjects, allowing students to tailor their curriculum for college or university admission. Beginning in the ninth grade, American students receive career guidance, plan their educational paths, and create programs aligned with their chosen fields of study. Schools typically offer courses in three key areas:

• Academic Program: Geared towards students aspiring to attend college or university, this program emphasizes natural sciences, higher mathematics, in-depth English literature, social sciences, and foreign languages.

• Professional Program: Divided into four areas – agricultural, business education, home economics, and commercial and industrial education.

• General Education Program: A comprehensive approach combining elements of both academic and professional programs, providing exposure to various professions.

Upon successful completion of the 12th grade, students are awarded a high school diploma.

For those seeking exceptional education, here is a list of the top secondary schools in New York:

• Baccalaureate School for Global Education

• High School of American Studies at Lehman College

• High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY

• Staten Island Technical High School

• Brooklyn Latin School

• High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies

• Townsend Harris High School

• Bronx High School of Science

• Queens High School for the Sciences at York College

• Stuyvesant High School

In public schools, education in New York is tuition-free, even for foreign students. However, the average annual tuition cost in private schools across the state is around $15,000, with prestigious institutions commanding prices ranging from $45,000 to $50,000 per year of study.

For primary school education in New York, foreign students should apply approximately a year in advance and provide a comprehensive set of documents:

• Grades from the last 3 years, including current ones.

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

• A personal essay written by the student.

• Parental responses to questions about the child.

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

In addition, students may need to undergo an interview with the admissions committee (either in person or online) and submit results from the SSAT or TOEFL/IELTS English proficiency tests. Some schools may exempt students from GMAT and TOEFL requirements, opting to conduct their own entrance exams.

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