How long have you been working in secondary education?
6 years
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.
Why do parents choose US primary and secondary schools for their children?
I love the trend when the parents give their kids the freedom to choose a school based on the kids goals and inner comfort and support the student with the final choice. Many students choose education in the US as it gives a lot of opportunities to grow, develop and pursue their dreams. Another good thing, if a student wants to change a university major, it is an easy and comfortable process.
US boarding school rankings: what criteria are used to compile them? How much can they be trusted?
I have been asked this question many times and finally Forbes Education, Russia, offered me to write an article about the ranking criteria, so all detailed information can be found there. The general approach – please do not make the choice for your kid based only on the ranking position of the school. Please consider your choice from different angles and make sure that the school will be able to provide a full academic and social environment where your student can thrive and plan a bright future ahead.
What are the most important factors parents should consider when choosing a school?
Academically: the list of AP and Honors classes, ESL for international students, college counselling. Socially: clubs, activities, events.
What is the best time to apply to American schools? What should students prepare for?
My daughter started from grade 11 and it was not easy to adjust for the first couple of months. The best option is to start from Grade 9 and to do all four years of a high school in the USA.
What subjects have students chosen most often in recent years?
There are more and more students who choose Visual and Performing Art. This is the trend of last 3-4 years. There are also more students who would like to study fundamental science like Physics or Chemistry. Five – ten years ago most of the students were interested in Business or IT. The trend has been changing.
Do all schools strive to be ranked among the best?
Many schools do not play a ‘ranking game’ but they are still highly competitive to get in. The schools can be well-known for their unique programs, Art is a good example.
How has the number of students been affected by COVID-19? How do boarding schools help children and families during this period?
The period of the pandemic was hard for the schools and for the students. If it was a COVID-19 case in the school, the school moved to on-line mode and the students needed to follow COVID-19 rules and regulations. The good thing is that the schools are fully back to normal track.
Is it hard to get a scholarship if you are a talented student? What are the usual discounts?
Another good thing about US education is that the schools and colleges are interested in talented and high achieving students and offer good scholarships, but the student needs to be outstanding academically to be qualified for a merit scholarship.
At what age do foreign students usually enter US schools?
Most of students from Asia start early, at the age of 14 when they apply for Grade 10. Students from Europe and LATAM tend to apply for Grade 10 or even 11 when they are 16 or even older.
Do all schools offer ESL language support for international students? How important is it?
It is important for international students. Academic ESL helps students to work on the essays, statements and projects on a better level and acquire the academic writing skills which are needed when it is time for college application.
What expenses await parents during the year, apart from accommodation and tuition fees?
Pocket money and different additional field trips are the biggest part of the extra expenses. In the US it is possible to buy pretty much everything, and the students do a lot of shopping during first months in the States. Eventually, their spendings become more reasonable. Most of the schools organize additional trips to help students explore the US. Some of them are included into a boarding package and some of them offered extra.
What details do parents consider first when choosing a school, apart from academic success?
The families consider location and I agree with them that the logistic is important. The best schools in many cases are located in the suburbs of the big cities. It is safe and comfortable to stay and study there and at the same time it is easy to find flights.
What advice would you give to future applicants before applying to US schools and why?
School rankings should be a small part of your decision process. Please watch the school videos, read more about the place when the school is located, read about the teachers, explore AP and Honors courses and learn about clubs and other activities offered by a school. Do not forget about ESL if you dream big and plan to apply to top-100 US universities.
Can your graduates apply for universities in other countries? What support do students receive?
Amerigo students also apply to universities located outside of the US including the UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, Hongkong and other countries all over the world.
