Secondary education in the US – core specifics
- Secondary schools in the USA invite for studying foreign students, wishing to immerse in American culture and to enrol in TOP universities in America without difficulties.
- The aim of middle schools in the US is development of independent and versatile personality of all students. The international students form their curriculum, participate in real research, and actively play sport.
- The international students aged 11 and above are accepted to studying in the prestigious secondary schools in the USA.
- During studying the foreign students live in school residences or host families.
- As one of the main enrolment requirements is good level of academic English. Before enrolment the students pass SSAT test, which consists of questions on logic, reading, Mathematics, writing an essay in English.
- On the final stage of secondary education the foreign students study on High school or IB program. It is possible to apply for these programs after grades 9-10.
- In case of wish to continue education in American university, it is better for the international students to take Advanced Placement course.
Middle school in the USA – organization of studying process
At the age of 11-12 years old the foreign students start studying in the middle school (grades 6-8). Each discipline is taught by a separate teacher. The students compulsory study the following disciplines:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social science
- History
- Sport.
The international students are provided with opportunity to choose the level of education – basic or advanced. The second option stipulates more in-depth studying of disciplines. The prestigious secondary schools in the US offer to students list of elective courses, which can be taken in the number of 1-2 annually. For example, such courses are acting, graphic design, French literature, editorial office.
In American middle school the students on regular basis write short tests to determine how well the material is learned. The grades of such tests significantly affect the final score. In case of good academic performance the international students transfer to the next level of education. The secondary schools in the USA independently determine the assessment format:
- Unique point system
- Standard letter scale.
High school in the US – terms of studying of the foreign students
Studying covers 9-12 grades. The foreign students begin studying at the age of 14 on this stage and graduate at the age of 18. In some American secondary schools middle and high schools are combined in one, so studying lasts from grades7 to 12. This level of education divides in Junior High School and Senior High School. During studying the international students actively prepare for the successful enrolment in prestigious universities and colleges of the world. The international students must collect the number of credits, which are necessary for the successful graduation. In case of studying of the academic subject during year the student obtains 1 credit. The following subjects are compulsory for studying:
- English
- Mathematics
- History and other social sciences
- Natural sciences
- Art
- Physical education.
In addition to these subjects the foreign students choose several courses according to their preferences, goals and interests. Another task of the students is to get extra credits. In case of further studying in the university the students should pass a university-level course, Advanced Placement. The international students on regular basis write tests, do group projects, take lab classes.
Accommodation to schools in the USA – offered options
The foreign students aged 11 and above prefer to live during studying in school residences. The rooms are designed for 2-3 people. In the building there are kitchen, study area, relaxation area, and sometimes a gym. As a rule, the educators, who are teachers and school administration staff, live with the students in the residence. Their tasks are the monitoring of daily routine and helping students in difficult situations.
As for the American day schools, they can organize accommodation in the host family.
No matter the chosen type of accommodation the foreign students are guaranteed 24/7 supervision.
The cost of studying in secondary schools in the USA
Education obtained in the secondary school in US is quite expensive. The tuition fee fluctuates from 22,000 to 75,000 USD per year. The price variations are stipulated by the ranking of school, accommodation type, educational program.
Enrolment requirements in the USA for the foreign students
The application deadlines are in December-January. It is necessary to deal with this issue in advance. Personal interviews are conducted in person or by Skype until February. The international students obtain an invitation in March-April.
To enroll in middle school in the USA, the foreign student must pass a standard test, most often it is SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination), which determine various aspects of knowledge of English and mathematics.
Below the list of documents is provided:
- The copy of passport
- School annual grades for the last 2 academic years + quarter/trimester grades for the current academic year
- International language certificate
- Recommendation letters from teachers of mathematics and English
- Motivation letter
- Registration and school forms.
In addition to the above list, children are also required to take internal school tests in mathematics and English to determine whether the children are sufficiently well prepared at the time of admission to a private school in the USA.