The Independence High School

Director: Debra Latteri.

The philosophy and basic principle of the Independence High School's work is the conviction that each student can be taught at a high level and demonstrate excellent results - you just need to find an approach to it. The skill of critical and analytical thinking, independence, discipline, the ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and respect their point of view is brought up in pupils.

Independence High School is an active participant in the educational program Nacel Open Door F-1 Public School, which enables children from all over the world to study in American schools. The feature of the course is the comprehensive and constant support of international students. Employees are well aware that many of them for the first time traveled abroad for so long period and unaccompanied, so they are trying to do everything possible to ensure that a stay in America was productive, comfortable and safe. The program of the Nacel Open Door F-1 Public School has been successfully working for more than 10 years: hundreds of people from all over the world took part in it, and today about 500 pupils study in this scheme, many of whom decided to continue or partially repeat the course . Absolutely every students are offered the following options:

• The assistance of the local coordinator and the regional director (they are appointed for each student and family, follow the rules of residence and training, help in solving domestic and administrative issues);
• A fully trained, qualified social worker, helping with any issues;
• 24-hour telephone support and assistance: 7 days a week, 365 days a year!;
• Travel coordinator (responsible for the safety of the student's arrival and departure, keeps track of changes in the flights, organizes the transfer.

The High School program for children aged 15-18 was chosen as the training program for the Nacel system. The minimum duration of study is 1 academic year (August-June). Schools participating in the program are located throughout the country, in different states - Maine, Vermont, North Carolina, California and others. All staff of the school are trying not only to give the bulk of knowledge in academic disciplines for senior studetns, but also to prepare them for a full, independent life in the international community. At the heart of world partnership lies the principle of respect for each other, mutual understanding, the ability to communicate with representatives of different nationalities, cultures, religion. International students of Independence High School become more confident in their abilities, independent and mature, ethical and tolerant towards other people.

High school programs (and not only) in the US are selective: students are expected not only to achieve academic excellence, but also to actively participate in extracurricular activities, in the social life of the school, in studios and clubs of interest. In turn, all staff and educators  - take full responsibility for the life and health of the wards, ensure their safety throughout the training period.

The US state educational institutions encourage and welcome student exchange - it helps to make the ethnic and cultural composition of students more diverse, create a comfortable multicultural environment, teach students to be more tolerant, sociable, respect a different point of view. Foreign students need not only good academic performance, but also a keen interest in the extra-class life of Independence High School, participation in sports and creative electives, studios, clubs and circles of interest, in project and social activities.

Consider the fact that The Independence High School does not guarantee the enrollment and receipt of a diploma, as well as the transfer of earlier received educational loans - all this depends only on the diligence and perseverance of a particular student, his willingness to work. It is also possible that some training courses will be repeated at the new school - this is due to the differences between the curricula in the home country and the US.

Lessons are usually held from 8:00 to 15:30, there is a half-hour lunch break - you can go to the cafeteria, you can eat dinner cooked at home. One lesson lasts 45-55 minutes.

All host families in which pupils live are continuously monitored by Dos Pueblos High School staff, with most of the cooperation going on for many years. They are decent and calm people, receiving compensation for their careful and caring attitude towards foreign students (usually a payment higher on the east coast due to a higher standard of living). Both family members and students are constantly interviewed to monitor the level of comfort and security provided to students. Living in a family is an excellent opportunity to constantly communicate with native speakers, learn more about the traditions and culture of Americans, their national characteristics. For long summer holidays, students return to their home country. 
Please pay attention:

• Foreign students are not allowed to drive a car;
• Smoking, alcohol and drug use is prohibited;
• Students are not allowed to work during training.

Subject list: Art, biology, business, chemistry, drama, economics, Entrepreneurship, history, maths, music, physics, sociology, theatre studies
Activity list: baseball, basketball, football, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball

High schools offer not only high-end academic programs, but also extra-curricular activities, a large number of groups and sections - sports and creative. As already mentioned, foreign students are expected to actively participate in extracurricular activities, social and project work: this helps them show their talents and abilities, gives them the opportunity to find new friends and like-minded people, to communicate with Americans and representatives of other cultures, and to develop communication and speech skills.

The Independence High School traditionally focuses on sports: there are various sections of different levels (for beginners, amateurs and professionals) and school teams. As the most popular it is possible to note football (and the American variant -soccer) and basketball: competitions (regional and national level) are constantly held, comradely meetings and friendly matches, stadiums are filled with fans, special attributes for fans are sold. The most successful teams have their own colors, talismans and symbols, support teams.

Tuition fee includes:

• Administrative fees;
• Host family accommodation (accommodation and meals, pension);
• Training on the selected program;
• 2 collective recreational activities per year;
• Monthly full reports for parents, annual progress and activity report;
• Round-the-clock support and assistance , Hot line operation;
• Medical insurance;
• English language course E-learning.

Some services are not included in tuition fee and paid additionally:

• Registration fee (non-refundable);
• Teaching aids, books and materials;
• Additional physical education classes or some electives;
• Some activities and excursions;
• Classes in laboratories;
• Air tickets in both direction, travel insurance (from flight delay, loss Luggage, etc.);
• Examination fees;
• Visa fees and services;
• School lunches;
• Transfer (before school and back);
• Pocket expenses.

Prior to enrolling in the Independence High School, each entrant is interviewed (via Skype). To enroll in a US school you need:

• Age: 15 to 18 years;
• To have no higher education received at home;
• To have a sufficient level of English and want to improve it;
• To prefer education in the United States according to the state education program;
• To have a flexible budget and sufficient financial support;
• To demonstrate a good and excellent academic knowledge.

A standard package of documents consists of documents containing personal information about the applicant, his/her mental and physical health, academic performance and extracurricular activities. Most often a medical card with a list of vaccinations is required, an essay written by the student on the topic "Why do I want to study at your school?", As well as confirmation of all achievements in sports, creative and scientific activities. Prepare all the certificates, thanks letters, cups and medals - this will make you a more promising candidate in the eyes of the admissions committee.

Contrary to strong opinion, it is not necessary to be the best student in your previous class, but the average level of knowledge is enough: as statistics show, in American schools, children progress quickly and raise their level of knowledge from C to BA.

Depending on the chosen institution, the dates for receiving applications may differ, it is always recommended to clarify this matter in advance. The application submitted after the end of the main applications period can be considered if there are still places left on the selected course. Also be prepared for the fact that the Independence High School has the right to organize additional introductory tests (most often it's a test in English, mathematics and other basic disciplines).

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision