Boarding schools in USA 2024

While choosing a private school abroad, parents often consider TOP boarding schools in America. Firstly, they provide prestigious and high-quality education. Secondly, studying there increases chances to successfully enter university in America from the world’s TOP-100 list.

The cost of studying programs at top boarding schools in America is high. At the same time, it is fully explained by high academic standards, as well as requirements for students. The average US boarding schools show high results: graduates often enter the Ivy League universities. According to the statistics, 90% of yesterday's students become students of selected universities.

SMAPSE services are free of charge. SMAPSE can also help get discounts, scholarships or grants for studies. With our professional assistance you will give your child an opportunity to study at best boarding schools and colleges in the United States of America.

You can at any time address to the samples of entrance tests for admission to private boarding schools in America, which you can complete in our office without visiting the school.

One of the defining features of the best  boarding schools in America is their holistic approach to education. These schools aim not just for academic excellence, but also for the overall intellectual development of the students. This allows students to excel in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. A strong focus is also placed on personal development, making students more independent, goal-oriented, and socially skilled.

Graduates of best boarding schools in the USA have a competitive edge when it comes to university admissions. They typically excel in interviews and entrance tests, setting them up for success in higher education.

Types of Schools and Boarding Options

Boarding schools in the USA offer various options, including co-educational settings, as well as single-sex schools for boys and only for girls. U.S. schools generally fall into three categories: public schools, which are free and attended by up to 90% of American students, private schools (including both day and boarding options), and homeschooling.

For personalized assistance, consider consulting experts like those at SMAPSE, who can provide a curated list of schools that match your child's needs and ambitions.

Most best boarding schools in the USA admit students starting from the age of 12. These students usually reside on campus until they reach the age of 14, after which they may opt for a host family arrangement. However, due to the well-developed campus infrastructure, many prefer to stay in on-campus residences.

When choosing a school, SMAPSE recommends looking for those with extensive on-campus facilities such as recreation areas and sports complexes. The top boarding schools in the USA often resemble small towns, complete with robust sports and entertainment infrastructure, including theaters and creative studios.

Sports are a significant focus, and students have ample opportunities to engage in various athletic activities and represent their schools at state and even national levels.

Admission to these prestigious institutions is highly competitive, with up to 10 applicants vying for each spot. Typical application requirements include:

• A fully completed application form

• School reports from the last 2-3 years

• Teacher recommendations translated into English

• An interview, which can be conducted in person or via Skype

• Entrance examinations, typically in Math and English

• Some schools also require the SAT, SLEP, or TOEFL tests for language proficiency

The cost of attending a top boarding school in the USA varies based on its prestige, ratings, grade level, and location. According to SMAPSE data, the annual fees, including accommodation, meals, and tuition, range from $35,000 to $90,000 USD.

To apply for secondary education at private boarding schools in the USA, you'll typically need the following:

• School reports for the last 2-3 academic years

• A copy of the student’s passport or ID

• Letters of recommendation from teachers and school administrators

• Language proficiency certificates like TOEFL or SAT

• Optional motivation letter

• School registration forms

Additional Pathways to U.S. Secondary Education

• Exchange Programs: These programs offer the chance to study for up to a year in the USA and are usually highly competitive.

• Paid Exchange Programs: Similar to the above, but financed privately, costing between $4,000 to $8,000 USD per academic year.

• Direct Admission through Educational Agents: If confident in your child's academic and financial standing, you can opt for direct admission, usually recommended at least six months to a year in advance.

For free assistance in school selection and application processes, consider reaching out to SMAPSE, official representatives of most U.S. private boarding schools.

The educational system in the United States comprises three main stages, spanning a total of 12 years:

Elementary School: Laying the Foundation

In elementary school, children acquire basic knowledge in core subjects. Typically, one teacher instructs students in most subjects except for specialized classes like art, music, and physical education. Students undergo initial testing to determine their academic levels and are grouped accordingly into various tiers (Tier A for the most gifted, for example).

Public vs. Private: Parents have the option to enroll their children in either public or private schools. Public schooling is free but is restricted to specific districts based on residence. To switch schools, parents would either have to move or opt for a private institution.

Middle School: Diversifying the Curriculum

Here, the concept of educational credits comes into play. The list of mandatory subjects shrinks, but students have more elective choices. They also start studying foreign languages intensively. At the end of each year, they undergo exams evaluated through a credit system.

High School: Preparing for University

High school is the final stage, focusing on specialization and preparing students for university life. Students earn credits in various subjects, vital for scholarships and college admissions. The curriculum includes a few compulsory subjects such as math and English, but the rest depend on the chosen specialization.

Simon Kizhner

Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

What are the most important questions parents ask when choosing a school in the US?
 

- The main thing to consider is how the chosen school suits your child, his habits, ambitions, interests. In principle, the criteria that are taken into account in the rankings will become good determinants: class size, names of universities that graduates choose, composition of the student community, location, etc.

Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, as one of the first independent schools in Lower Manhattan, has a remarkable "district" history and reputation, but has a global perspective. Located between New York City's most important cultural attractions, plus the IB International Program - the gold standard for college and university preparation worldwide - provide excellent preparation for our graduates. These are confident leaders, real purposeful citizens of the world.

American boarding schools offer a democratic atmosphere, with a higher degree of student freedom compared to traditional Swiss boarding schools or UK day schools. Unlike the uniform curriculum in many countries, boarding schools in the USA allow for individualized learning plans. Students aren't confined to a fixed set of classmates; they interact with different peers in different subjects, fostering greater tolerance and communication skills.

Cost and  Fees Boarding Schools in USA

The fee structure varies across schools, but credits earned can significantly aid in obtaining scholarships, sometimes even offering a 100% tuition waiver.

The Academic Year and Assessment System in Top Boarding Schools in the USA

The academic year is divided into semesters. The U.S. employs a 100-point grading scale and also uses a system of letter grades (A+ being the highest, F the lowest). Credits are vital for progressing to the next academic level and also play a significant role in scholarships and financial aid.

Safety in the Best Boarding Schools in the USA

Strict rules govern student behavior in many private American boarding schools. These rules cover everything from attendance to dress code, and violations could result in expulsion. Student safety is a top priority, monitored through various security measures, including video surveillance.

Regulations in Top Boarding Schools in the USA

• Restricted corridor movement during classes.

• Strict attendance monitoring.

• Designated eating areas.

• Prohibition of weapons, drugs, and intolerance.

• Dress code policies.

Ensuring safety, especially for younger students, is a paramount concern, right down to their commute in the iconic yellow school buses.

For more information, don't hesitate to contact our experts at SMAPSE. We're always here to help answer any of your questions.

Boarding schools are educational institutions where students live on the school grounds rather than going home after classes. They spend most of their time inside the school and have the opportunity to learn, live and develop under the supervision of teachers and administrators.

The school year in boarding schools is usually divided into two semesters: fall and spring. It starts in August or September and ends in May or June, depending on the particular school. There are vacations, breaks and study trips throughout the year.

The cost of boarding school tuition varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the prestige of the school, its location, the quality of the academic programs, and the services provided. On average, costs can range from $55,000 per year, but some elite schools may charge more.

Boarding schools usually offer a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities such as soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, art, music, theater, drama and more. This allows students to develop in a variety of areas.

Yes, many boarding schools actively welcome international students and have programs for international learners. This provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and learning about American culture.

Language requirements may vary from school to school, but generally international students must prove their English language skills by taking tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some schools also provide ESL (English as a Second Language) courses to prepare you to study in English.

The following documents are usually required for admission to a boarding school: a completed application, an academic transcript with grades, and letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors. Some schools may also interview applicants.

Yes, some boarding schools provide scholarships or financial aid based on outstanding athletic or academic achievement. Students may apply for these programs and check with each individual school for specific conditions.

Boarding schools offer a diverse curriculum, including required subjects such as math, science, and literature, as well as many additional subjects including art, music, foreign languages, and advanced placement courses (AP courses). This provides students with a wide range of educational opportunities.

Student safety is a priority for boarding schools. They usually have strict security measures that include student monitoring, access control, and security training. Parents can also rest assured that their children are in safe hands.

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