213 best English private schools in USA

Learning English in the USA is an opportunity to significantly improve your knowledge of the language in a short time, to get acquainted with American culture and natural resources. Language schools in the USA are located all over the country, so the foreign students can easily find a place where you would like to visit – be it the sunny beaches of Florida, business New York or the northern edges of the Great Lakes.

The nature of the USA is extremely diverse, from North to South – from Alaska to Hawaii, from West to East – from Florida to Niagara. Going to study English in the USA is an opportunity to plunge into the modern American rhythm of life, travel around the country, discovering new horizons for yourself and at the same time choose for yourself an educational program that would ideally suit you, meet exactly your needs and wishes. Additionally, the private schools are located on both coasts of North America, which is undoubtedly another advantage of studying in the USA.

The education received in the USA is highly appreciated all over the world, and educational institutions of this country are proud of the most modern equipment and resources for students. By coming to study English in the USA, you will join the world's largest community of international students, and you will be able to fully benefit from this for your future career or studies. American schools and universities treat the foreign students very well, and Americans as a nation are very friendly and welcoming. Also, many employers will appreciate your knowledge gained in this country, as well as important communication skills that are traditionally instilled in foreign students during their studies in the United States.

• Availability

Most courses have no minimum language level requirements. It influences only the curriculum and is determined on the first day of studying. Schools have a fairly flexible approach to the distribution by level. If the course seems too simple to you, you can move to a group with a higher level.

• American English

There are many accents and dialects in English. In the UK, Singapore and Australia, the pronunciation differs so much that they have official names. But the most common is the American version. We hear it in TV shows and it is spoken in the business environment. In American schools, the foreign students will be able to practice it directly with native speakers.

• University campuses

Some language courses offer placement programs on the campuses of Yale and other prestigious universities. As a rule, these are entire cities where the foreign students can find huge libraries, parks, entertainment venues and sports complexes.

• Pathway programs

These are preparatory programs for future university applicants who already speak the language at the B2 level or higher. The main advantage of these courses is that upon their completion, students can be automatically enrolled in the 1st or 2nd year of the university.

• Multicultural country

Migrants from all continents of the world live in the USA. You will learn more about the culture, cuisine and lifestyle of various countries from other language students, tourists and indigenous people.

• Work during and after school

You can legally work up to 20 hours a week on an F1 visa by obtaining a special permit. A mandatory requirement is employment on campus. This is most often done by students of programs at universities, this almost never happens in language schools.

• A large selection of programs

There are a huge number of both specific courses (for example, Club 40+) and standard (General, Exam, Business) with any intensity.

Svetlana Iakovleva

Director of International Enrollment Management

What makes US schools so special for families from all over the world?

The holistic approach is based on balanced combination of social, emotional and academic development of the young learners. It helps high schools students to become more mature and confident when they apply to the leading US universities.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) is the most common category of courses. It can be either General English or Academic English. All other types of courses are its subcategories, but if the foreign student sees only ESL in the name, then this course is not of the highest intensity, designed for the elementary or intermediate level.
• Intensive English Programs (IEPs) — such courses are distinguished by a greater number of hours per week. Most often, programs for exam Preparation Courses, professional (English for Work, Business English, English for Teaching), as well as intermediate (Bridge program) fall under this category. The latter facilitate, although they do not guarantee further admission to college or university. Usually the intensity on such courses is 20-30 hours, but there are super intensive ones where the number of hours can reach up to 50.
• American Language and Culture Programs (ALCPs) are designed for students with advanced knowledge of English (minimum B2). They are aimed at adapting future students to the US culture, life on campus and working out individual skills (reading, writing, grammar). Universities where programs are held, credit graduates with credits. Upon graduation, you can enter these universities without TOEFL and IELTS certificates. Most often, ALCPs courses last from 4 weeks with an intensity of 20-30 hours per week. Their main difference is that the curriculum focuses on the culture and history of the United States. Some schools may populate you on campus and teach classes in university classrooms.

There are programs that are difficult to categorize. Most often these are individual, tourist or combined courses. Below there are characteristics of the main ones.

• English plus hobby combines learning English with mastering other skills. For example, drawing, music, sports.
• Vacation English is somewhat similar to the previous program, but here you combine your studies not with hobbies, but with rest / vacation. These are more relaxed programs with low intensity. In the morning or in the evening, you study the language for several hours, and then explore the city, or relax on the beach. There are other names for this course. For example, Afternoon, English in the City.
• One-to-One lessons are individual courses with a teacher. They have a high cost, but this is compensated by the quality and effectiveness of studying. You choose the intensity yourself, and the curriculum is adapted to your language level and learning purpose.
• Young adult 13-17 / adult 30+, 40+, 50+ are designed for groups of certain ages. They are distinguished by greater involvement of students. Teachers try to maintain a dialogue with students, teaching primarily conversational skills.
• Summer Language Programs are short-term summer courses. They can be of different intensity and for different age groups. They are often combined with a tourist program. In addition to language schools, many prestigious universities offer summer courses: Yale University, Columbia University, The University of Chicago, The University of Washington.