The USA is universally recognized as the most developed country in the world. In this regard, the number of foreign teenagers who, after graduating from the local school, strive to get an elite higher education in America is increasing every year. It is worth noting the goodwill shown towards foreign students by the educational staff of the rating universities of the USA. Leading American colleges and boarding schools are developing such educational programs that are perfectly assimilated by foreign students who are not native English speakers.
Each type of educational direction, its own educational program has been developed at prestigious universities in America. Thus, after completing their studies in the United States, graduates of rated American universities are highly valued among employers, in particular international corporations.
Educational system in the USA
The US educational system is characterized by flexibility and democracy: with a high variety of educational programs, students – both schoolchildren and students – have the opportunity to independently choose the subjects they study, as well as change their specialization. Even at the university, you can switch from one faculty to another, study additional subjects and create your own educational program.
Preschool education in the United States begins almost from the cradle. An international child can be sent to a kindergarten from the age of 6 months. He can stay there from six in the morning to six in the evening. All kindergartens in America are paid and the average monthly fee is about $ 1,200.
For children from three to five years old, there are "preparatory groups" at schools. At this stage, much attention will be paid to general development, socialization, as well as literature, since the preschool education system sets itself the task of primarily teaching the child reading skills.
However, kindergarten and preschool classes are still an optional step. Compulsory education in America begins at school and lasts 12 years.
Unlike many countries, there is no single educational plan in America: in general, the plan is formed by the board of education under the state administration; the council of a particular school determines the more precise one.
School education in the USA is divided into three stages:
- Primary (1-5 grades):children study basic compulsory subjects, general fitness and creativity;
- Secondary Middle School (6-8 grades): compulsory subjects and elective disciplines are taught;
- Secondary High School (9-12 grades) is characterized by reduction of the number of compulsory subjects, maximum freedom in the choice of subjects;
- For the last 2 years, gifted students can study Advanced Placement programs. Upon graduation from High School, an American student will have to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) exam.
Depending on the state, children start studying at the age of five to eight. As a rule, each of the steps of the American school has its own building and is a completely separate educational institution.
Ranking of the best schools in the USA
List of the best schools according to USA ratings 2022:
-
North Broward Preparatory School;
- Phillips Academy Andover;
- Storm King School New York;
- Red Bank Catholic High School;
- Windermere Preparatory School;
- St. Mary's Shattuck School;
- Cheshire Academy;
- Kate School.
Tuition fees and admission policy to high school in USA
To enroll in the High School Diploma program in American secondary schools, foreign students must meet certain academic and language requirements.
Admission to grades 9-10:
- Grades 8-9 of high school with a high average score;
- Certificate of Language Testing in English IELTS 4.5;
- SSAT, SAT exam results;
- Letters of recommendation from teachers of mathematics and English;
- Motivational essay.
Admission to grades 11-12:
- 10 grades of high school with good score;
- Certificate of Language Testing in English IELTS 5.5;
- SSAT, SAT exam Results;
- Letters of recommendation from teachers of mathematics and English;
- Motivational essay.
Tuition fee for the High School Diploma program in a high school in the USA can vary from $ 40,000 to $ 60,000 per year. This can be both full-time education and the format of a 5-day boarding school, when students are on school grounds from Monday to Friday, and on weekends, they relax and spend time with their family or at host family for foreign students. Tuition fees may vary from state to state. Tuition fee usually includes:
- Chosen educational program;
- Accommodation option (residence or host family);
- Full board meals;
- Educational materials.
Some services are paid additionally to tuition fees:
- Air tickets;
- Additional lessons;
- Pocket expenses;
- Excursion programs.