8 best private schools in Washington 2024

A secondary education in the U.S. is the key to success in most U.S. universities. If anything, studying at a private boarding school in the U.S. is a direct pathway to a top university. Ninety percent of private school graduates go on to the most prestigious universities in the country, including Ivy League schools.

The U.S. secondary education system is represented by both public and private schools. The latter account for just over 10% of all educational institutions. Foreign students can study in both public and private schools in the United States. However, in both cases have to pay for education - in the USA there is no free secondary education for non-citizens of the country. There is a reasonable question of choosing an educational institution here.

Public schools are much cheaper than private schools. However, the quality of education is extremely uneven. There are also some immigration restrictions: foreign students can participate in exchange programs and study in public schools, but only for one year. The program is open to children between the ages of 15 and 18. Another important aspect is the rating of the schools themselves. When enrolling in university, good grades in a "secondary" public school will not be as important as the average grades obtained in a prestigious private school. And since most schoolchildren come to the U.S. precisely to make up for the differences in educational programs and to continue their education in American universities, the choice of private schools becomes obvious. Depending on the ability and opportunities, can study only in the last year or take a full high school program from 9th to 12th grade.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, private schools provide students with the best knowledge in exact sciences (math, physics, chemistry, biology) and foreign languages. Successful completion of an American boarding school is practically a guarantee of admission to a prestigious American university. This is why, despite the considerable cost of education, private schools remain highly competitive.

Unlike public schools, in private schools, children study in small classes - 10-15 students per class. In such an intimate environment, teachers can give each student their full attention. Each student chooses a group of subjects and develops his own personal schedule - that is, in each subject, he finds himself in a new group.

Despite considerable freedom of choice, there are many required subjects - mathematics, nature, social sciences, computer literacy, and English. Other subjects that students choose on their own according to their range of interests.

Physical education is also included in the required curriculum, but at the high school level, students are not only engaged in "physical education," but also in a specific sport. Success in sports is particularly popular in the United States, not only as an influence on schooling, but also as a significant advantage when entering college. In addition, boarding schools have a variety of opportunities to participate in music, various arts and leisure activities.

High school students can take advanced placement courses (AP). Their courses correspond primarily to the first year of college study, and upon successful completion of such courses, the subject can be "recredited" in college.

For international students, attending school in the United States is a good way to adapt to the American learning system. American schools require not only good academic results, but also an active orientation to life: the curriculum and extracurricular activities continue from morning to evening and are aimed at developing leadership qualities, self-actualization of each student, teaching effective communication and proper time management. An undoubted advantage is that in American schools they offer an algorithm for mastering knowledge, they teach them to think independently and find the necessary information. As a result, graduates are better prepared for real life.

At the end of school, students take an exam - SAT, which is divided into two levels. The first - SAT I - includes verbal and mathematical sections. The second, more advanced and complex - SAT II - tests knowledge of three subjects chosen from a list of recommendations. Most colleges require the SAT I for admission, but the most prestigious colleges prefer the SAT II.

Private schools in the United States accept foreign students from the age of 12 - in this case, the children live on campus. From the age of 14, students can attend "day" schools and live in foster homes.

However, most students choose to live year-round: private school campuses have excellent facilities. Children live in comfortable dormitories, and the campuses have cafeterias, athletic facilities, libraries, auditoriums, and often extensive walking parks. Despite the apparent "American" freedom, students are closely monitored by curators: living in boarding apartments has strict rules, and failure to comply can result in "flying out" of the school, even if academic performance is perfect. However, all the rules and restrictions are geared towards one thing only - the development of the child's abilities, his self-determination, academic excellence and social adjustment. As a result, for most students, the campus becomes a second home altogether.

The U.S. private school competition has a maximum of 10 students per place. Upon admission, all students (Americans and foreigners) must

• fill out a questionnaire,
• provide academic transcripts from the past 3 years,
• attach a recommendation from their teacher.

In addition, most private schools require students to take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test), which allows to determine general performance in exact sciences and to determine knowledge and fluency in the use of English. Because the SSAT is a standard school test and is not appropriate for foreigners, many schools require international students to submit SLEP or TOEFL scores. Some schools accept students with insufficient knowledge of the language, but only six months to fully master English, otherwise the student may be dismissed.

After the packet has been sent and the selection committee has made an initial decision on the candidate, an interview (usually by phone or Skype) is held with the child. The conversation not only determines the level of knowledge, but also a general assessment of the student's suitability for this school: how goal-oriented and motivated he/she is, what his/her interests are, and whether his/her professional interests fit the requirements. Specialization of the school.

Data indicate that the national average in 2022 will be approximately $12,000.

In addition to the program itself, parents pay for food and insurance, textbooks, uniforms, access to cultural activities, creative activities, additional English classes, and more for their children. Of course, the cost of education is influenced by the number of classes, the quality of infrastructure, the living conditions in the boarding apartments and the professionalism of the teachers by the equipment.

In 2022, the average tuition for middle school will be about $11,000 (for a full year) and for high school about $16,000.

Education in U.S. public schools is free. However, they are only open to foreign students if their parents move to the United States.

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