Study in the USA – education information
Secondary education in the USA provides opportunity for the foreign students to enroll in the chosen prestigious university of America or the world. It is possible to start studying in any age. As a rule, studying in America for the international students begins with the passage of high school, but for younger children, the doors of private boarding schools are also open.
In the USA there is no unified curriculum for secondary schools. Here the students study several compulsory subjects, other disciplines are chosen on its own, based on personal or professional interests in the future. The education in America, no matter the level of studying, practices individual approach to each student, leaving him with a choice.
The schools in the USA are aimed at developing a child's interest in studying and learning new things. At the prestigious school, a student receives not just theoretical knowledge in general education subjects, but also acquires some skills that can be useful both in everyday life and in the future profession.
There are two options to obtain the secondary education in the US for the foreign students:
- The first is a one–year exchange program that allows you to enroll in government institutions.
- The second one is the enrollment in private boarding school.
Each American school offers to the foreign students comfortable living conditions and effective studying. The programs of the private schools in the USA are an excellent option for preparing for university enrollment (the month of graduation in the United States is mid–June, when children take the final annual exams).
Studying in the American primary school lasts 5-6 years. The children aged 6-8 years old start education in the first grade. As for the program, it is general education, there are also educational creative circles, sports classes. At this stage, the main academic subjects are taught by one teacher – this is writing, reading, literature, the basics of mathematics and natural science.
Before the start of educational process the international students pass test, which results are the base for forming of academic groups. The main indicator in this case is considered to be readiness for study, and the general intellectual level and potential abilities for some kind of activity.
Education in 5, 6, 7 grades – main specifics
Educational stage stipulates studying up to 8 grades: on this level the students study mathematics, English, natural and social sciences, physical education and 1-2 subjects chosen by the student. According to statistics, most students choose technologies, foreign language and art.
The secondary education in the USA on this level is already profile, but free choice of disciplines is available to children only in high school. At the middle stage, it is possible to divide by abilities: students who demonstrate success in specific subjects are taught in the appropriate group - an intensive program with more complex tasks and a large amount of information for independent study is offered to their attention.
Since most of the subjects are selective, it turns out that at each lesson the children are with different students and a different teacher.
High school in the USA – available education programs
High school programs are presented in two versions:
-
High School Diploma Program
The program from 9 or 10 (depending on language knowledge and student’s academic credits) to 12 grades , after graduation the students obtain the certificate – School Diploma, with which it is possible to enroll in the prestigious universities of America and Canada.
- International Baccalaureate
This educational program prepares the foreign students according to the international generally recognized system. The end of the course opens the doors to universities in all English-speaking countries of the world.
High school students get the most freedom in forming their curriculum. However, there is also a certain amount of personal responsibility here, since young people in any case need to pass certain standards in subjects in order to receive a high school graduation document in the USA after completing their studies.
Also requirements for graduates may vary in schools depending on the state. At the same time, there are also average indicators – for several years of high school, a student should receive approximately 20 to 24 credits.
Schools in the USA cost
The tuition fee varies depending on the school ranking, exam results of graduates, prestige, the history of educational institution. On average, the cost of studying with living and meals fluctuates from 40,000 to 70,000 USD. In addition, the specified price may include school uniforms, educational materials, participation in various events that the school organizes for its students, as well as classes in studios or laboratories, English classes for foreign students and final exam preparation courses.