Primary, secondary education in San Diego, California 2024
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According to information for 2019, an average SAT score made up 1200USASan Diego, CaliforniaCurrently watching: 10from 76400.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 59050.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 36000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 39390.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 36000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 65170.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 69195.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 36000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 36000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
San Diego (California) is known for its warm climate and medium-sized educational institutions, which attract a significant number of foreign students every year. There are more than a thousand different educational institutions in the city - in them students from abroad get a unique experience, learning English, immersing themselves in the local environment and traditionally high-quality education. Schools in San Diego adhere to high academic standards, they have modern technical equipment of classrooms and laboratories. At the final exams, graduates demonstrate outstanding results: the certificate obtained opens up wide opportunities for admission to universities in the United States and other countries.
What advice do you have for applicants to American schools and why?
Take the time to study centres of learning: 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!
Overview of Secondary Schools in San Diego
Public Schools
San Diego boasts over 700 public schools, primarily serving children living in their respective districts. Quality varies, so visiting and meeting the staff is advisable. There are also dual language immersion public schools, teaching in English and Spanish, with some offering German, Chinese, and French.
Specialized Schools
These government-funded institutions specialize in specific subjects, making them ideal for foreign students with exceptional talents in certain areas. Options include a focus on mathematics, science, performing arts, and more. Auditions may be required for admission.
Charter Schools
Charter schools offer high-quality education with more flexibility in teaching methods and curricula than public schools. Some offer specialized programs and alternative teaching philosophies.
International Schools
These educational institutions offer the globally recognized International Baccalaureate certificate, suitable for foreign students.
Private Schools
San Diego hosts over 300 private schools, each with different educational approaches including:
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Co-educational,
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Single-gender,
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Christian religious,
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Alternative (Montessori, Waldorf).
Private schools offer in-depth knowledge in subjects like math, chemistry, biology, and physics. Admission requirements can include entrance exams and interviews. They are often rated higher than public schools and are among the top 10 educational institutions in the country. Classes typically have 8-12 students, with flexibility in choosing subjects and scheduling. Mandatory subjects include English, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, social sciences, and physical education. These educational centres are an ideal way for foreign students to adapt to the American education system, with a day full of classes and extracurricular activities. They emphasize high academic performance, active participation, leadership development, and independent learning.
School Education Features in San Diego
Education starts at age 6, with mandatory schooling until 16. High school students aiming for university study until 18, completing 12 grades. The education system consists of three stages:
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Elementary (1st-5th grade),
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Middle (6th-8th grade),
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High (9th-12th grade).
Students prepare for college or vocational training. After high school, students take the SAT exam, available in two types:
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SAT I: standard test including math and verbal sections,
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SAT II: advanced test covering three chosen subjects from a wide range, required for top universities.
The best private schools in San Diego typically admit students aged 12-14. Boarding schools, where students live year-round with full amenities, are particularly popular among foreign students and their parents. These centres often have excellent facilities, modern residences, sports facilities, dining halls, libraries, parks, and recreational areas, with round-the-clock security and strict discipline. The staff includes highly qualified and experienced teachers, hired through a competitive process.
Top Private Schools in San Diego: Programs and Courses
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Many middle schools in San Diego offer the International Baccalaureate program, which includes four stages:
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Primary Years (ages 3-12),
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Middle Years (ages 11-16),
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Diploma Program (ages 16-18),
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Career-related Program (ages 16-18).
In the primary years, students learn about the world around them, math, art, and engage in physical development. Middle Years involve research work and various experiments. The Diploma Program teaches critical thinking and information processing, including six subject groups:
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English Language and Literature,
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A Second Language,
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Social Sciences,
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Experimental Sciences,
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Mathematics,
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Arts.
Students study three subjects at a standard level and three at a higher level. Standard courses involve 150 teaching hours, and higher-level courses 240 hours. Additional components include:
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Theory of Knowledge,
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CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service),
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An extended essay of 4,000 words.
Upon completion, students take exams and are graded on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest. The total IB score is out of 45, with universities generally requiring scores from 32 upwards.
Advanced Placement (AP)
High schools in San Diego offer Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for further education. These courses help students specialize, work in teams, and adapt to university-level teaching. AP graduates often have a better chance of getting into top universities (sometimes directly into the second year) and are more likely to receive scholarships. AP credits can also help students finish university earlier and save money.
In high school, students select several disciplines related to their chosen specialty. These one-year courses cover over 40 subjects such as:
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Chemistry,
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Biology,
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Physics,
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History,
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Economics,
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Politics,
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Foreign Languages,
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Art,
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Philosophy, etc.
The exact list varies by school. Students typically choose up to five subjects. Final scores range from 1-5, with 5 being the highest, and exams are held in the summer (usually May), lasting 1.5-3.5 hours.
Cost of Education in San Diego's Private Schools
The cost of education in San Diego's primary schools starts from $10,000/year, and in middle schools from $65,000/year. Diploma + Advanced Placement programs in high schools cost from $36,000/year, and IB programs from $73,000/year. Summer English programs start from $5,000 for three weeks.
Admission Requirements
Foreign students must pass an English language test (California English Language Development Test) when applying to a chosen school. Required documents include:
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A completed application form,
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Recommendations from teachers or principals,
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Grade transcripts for the last three years,
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English proficiency certificate, usually TOEFL,
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Portfolio,
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Motivational essay describing the goal of studying at the chosen educational institution.
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
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GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2024
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |
Literature and references
- List of high schools in San Diego County, California — Wiki
- High schools in San Diego County, California — Wiki
- The top public high schools in San Diego County, according to Niche
- San Diego County
- Most San Diego County high schools exceeded statewide graduation rate
- Educational Attainment in San Diego, California (City)