Primary, secondary education in USA for international students

Secondary school education in the USA gives an opportunity to enter best universities in the world. For foreign students it's possible to start studying in the United States at any age. More often studies in America for international students begin after finishing upper grades. However, doors of private boarding schools are also open for younger students.

International students can get secondary school education in America in one of the two ways:

• One-year exchange program that allows to enter a public institution (in this case, the official cooperation of the current school and the host educational institution is obligatory, as in most cases your school is willing to pay for your education abroad)
• Entering private boarding school. Each of the educational institutions of this class is considered to be elite, each of them offer comfortable living conditions and effective education.

Such programs are an excellent preparation for entering institution of higher education. Foreign students can get primary education at public institutions – this option is optimal for children constantly living in America with their parents or relatives.

SMAPSE can help you get discounts, scholarships or grants for studies,. With our professional assistance you will be able to give your child secondary education at private 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 the United States, which you can complete in our office without visiting the school.

When applying to schools in the United States, the foreign students should be ready for careful planning and attention to detail. Firstly, it is necessary to find the institutions, which you prefer, considering such factors as location, tuition fees, available courses, and entry requirements. Most schools in the U.S. have admissions requirements that include standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. Additionally, it is required to confirm a good level of English knowledge, which can be made by taking tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

When you’ve decided on the schools, where you want to apply to, you need to prepare all required documents and fill out the application forms. The gathering of documents usually stipulates submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and in some cases samples of your work, depending on your field of study. Pay attention to application deadlines, which vary depending on institution chosen or even between different programs within the same school. Submitting a complete and timely application will significantly improve your chances for enrolment.

Financial issues are another important aspect to consider when applying to schools in the U.S. Foreign students usually are required to provide confirmation of sufficient funds to pay for education and living during the period of studying. This confirmation can be provided in the form of bank statements or financial guarantees from sponsors. Some schools also offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It's recommended to consider these options before applying to school. When you have submitted an application and paid for education, the waiting period begins. During this period of time, schools may request for additional information or to set an interview. It's important to respond promptly and monitor your application status.

In case of getting an offer of admission, further you need to obtain a student visa. The most common type for full-time international students is the F-1 visa. The visa application process stipulates an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy and submitting various documents, in particular the form I-20, which your school will provide upon admission.To sum up, applying to schools in the United States is a multi-level process, which stipulates search of schools, complying with admission requirements, submitting applications, and planning finances. Due diligence and timeliness in each of these steps can greatly aid in successfully securing a spot in a U.S. institution.

The obtaining of secondary education in the USA lasts 12 years, starting with elementary school, including pre-school education. The foreign students can attend these programs in case of living in the United States with their parents or having a legal guardian residing in the country. From the age of 5, children are invited to attend preparatory classes. While studying in primary schools usually begins for children aged between 6 and 8 years old. These schools offer a great number of extracurricular activities, such as sports and creative clubs, contributing to comprehensive development.

Simon Kizhner

Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

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

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.

Studying in secondary school is necessary for academic and personal growth. If you decide to study your child at one of the best secondary schools in the USA, the educational program will include studying mathematics, English, natural and social sciences, physical education, and one or two elective disciplines. Statistics show that many students choose courses in crafts, foreign languages, and the arts.

Tailored Learning: Profile-Oriented Education at the Best Secondary Schools in the USA

Based on academic performance in disciplines, the students are divided into groups in secondary schools in the USA. If a student excels in particular subjects, he may attend a more intensive program, stipulating difficult tasks and additional materials for self-study.

Senior-level education typically offers two main programs:

• High School Diploma Program: Depending on the student's language knowledge and number of academic credits earned, period of studying varies. Deciding on taking this program, students obtain high quality academic preparation for applying to American universities.

• International Baccalaureate program: This program is globally recognized, aimed at preparing students for universities worldwide, mostly in English-speaking countries.

Public vs Private: Understanding Schools in the USA Ranking

If you consider the list of boarding schools in the USA for studying abroad, pay attention that the secondary education system consists of both public and private institutions. Studying in one of the best schools in the USA allows one to successfully enroll into some of the top American universities. While tuition at these prestigious schools can be steep, many believe the investment is justified by the educational quality and future academic opportunities.

In Private schools in America, classes are usually smaller, with about 15 students, allowing for more personalized attention. The curriculum is flexible, letting students choose their subjects and thus shape their academic paths. Moreover, the educational process in schools stipulates not just obtaining theoretical knowledge by students but also on the practical application of this knowledge. So, students are taught to be self-sufficient.

Standardized Testing: Preparing for the SAT

Upon graduation from secondary school, there is a requirement to take the SAT exam, divided into two levels. SAT-I assesses mathematical and verbal abilities, while SAT-II evaluates knowledge in three chosen disciplines. The type of SAT certificate required depends on the college or university to which the student is applying.

Exploring Future Pathways: Specializations at Language Camps

Foreign students can further explore their interests at American language camps, with popular specializations in:

• economic studies

• legal studies

• mathematical studies

• engineering

• sports.

By learning  specific features of secondary education in the USA, the foreign student can make a more informed decision about studying abroad, and obtaining good prospects about future.

The tuition fee at the best institutions in the USA depends on various factors, among which are school ranking, academic performance, and historical prestige. On average, the cost of studying varies from $45,000 to $80,000 per year, including the curriculum, accommodation, and meals.

Secondary education in the United States is the level of education that follows elementary school and precedes higher education. It includes grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, which corresponds to the ages from about 14 to 18. During this period, students prepare for university or college and receive basic education in a variety of subjects to develop their knowledge and skills.

The structure of secondary education in the United States includes a diverse curriculum, compulsory and optional subjects. It usually includes subjects such as math, English, science, social studies, arts, and physical education. Students can also choose additional subjects and courses based on their interests, allowing for individualization of education.

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a student's grade point average, which is calculated based on grades earned in all courses. It plays an important role in university and college admissions. GPA helps in evaluating the academic performance of a student. It is usually graded on a scale of 0 to 4, where 4.0 is the highest grade and 0 is the lowest.

The high school provides students with a wide variety of subjects that they can study. These may include different levels of subject difficulty, arts courses (music, visual arts, theater), physical education classes, and additional interest courses such as programming, foreign languages, or science studies.

To earn a high school diploma, a student is usually required to successfully complete all credits of courses in the school's curriculum. He or she must also comply with the attendance and behavior policies established by the school. Each state may have different requirements for high school graduation.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are advanced courses developed by the College Board that may be offered in high school. They provide students with a higher level of difficulty and allow for college credit if the student successfully passes the appropriate exam. AP courses can increase a student's academic preparation and GPA.

There are several college preparatory programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and Honors courses. IB is an international program that provides more in-depth instruction and prepares students for higher education. Honors courses also provide a higher level of challenge and focus on academic preparation.

There are many prestigious private and public schools in the United States, and their grades can depend on a variety of factors. A school's grade can depend on its academic reputation, test scores, athletic performance, and other factors. Some of the most well-known and prestigious US schools include Harvard-Westlake School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Yes, international students can enroll in U.S. high schools. There are study programs for international students that may include both short-term exchanges and long-term courses in the United States. These often require an F-1 visa and appropriate documentation.

Participation on the school's athletic teams may be available to students who have been selected and meet eligibility requirements. These may include physical fitness, meeting academic standards, and participation in practices and competitions.

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