It's no secret that there are some peculiarities of getting a school education in the USA for foreign children, but those who receive a school education in the USA in one of the best schools of America will have a huge opportunity to enter any university in the world without problems. The educational process in America has its own peculiarities:
- Individual approach to each child;
- The opportunity to choose additional school subjects;
- A large variety of extracurricular activities.
Educational programs are aimed at developing a child's interest in learning, learning about himself and the world around him.
- List of main advantages of the educational process in the USA:
- Theoretical base in general education subjects;
- Improve level of knowledge of English;
- Overcome the language barrier;
- Make friends from different corners of the earth;
- Learn something new that will surely be useful in his successful future.
Educational system in the USA
Secondary education in the USA begins at the age of 5. In fact, this is still a kindergarten. But the second year of study is already the first year of Primary School. Primary school education in the USA lasts 5 years. International children usually finish secondary education at the age of 18. Secondary education consists of 2 blocks:
- Secondary School (grades 6 – 8);
- Higher School (grades 9-12).
High School education ends with a Diploma of Secondary Education. A diploma is the basis for continuing education already at a college or university in the USA.
There are more than 90,000 public and 30,000 private high schools in the United States. Students certainly prefer private secondary schools, if the tuition fee is not a problem.
Types of private schools in the USA include:
- Boys' schools;
- Girls' schools;
- Religious schools;
- Military schools.
The main task of private schools is to prepare international students for admission to prestigious universities.
Unlike European private secondary schools (for example: Great Britain or Switzerland), only a few private secondary schools in the United States offer "full board": accommodation and meals on school grounds. Most often, accommodation in an American family is offered.
List of main advantages of the secondary education in the USA:
- Individual approach to each student;
- Learning in a respectful environment;
- Friendly attitude of the educational staff to students;
- Emphasis on independence and independence of thinking;
- Practice-oriented approach;
- Much attention is paid to sports and the health of students.
In secondary school (grades 6-8), foreign students must study subjects in a general block, such as:
- Mathematics;
- English;
- Natural sciences;
- Social sciences;
- Physical training.
Students choose one or two subjects themselves as additional, usually foreign languages, technology and art.
In high school (grades 9-12), students choose their subjects more freely. Typical minimum requirements for obtaining a diploma are:
- 1 year of studying chemistry;
- Biology and physics;
- 3 years of studying mathematics;
- 4 years of studying literature;
- 2-4 years of studying the history and government of the United States;
- 1-2 years of physical training.
Students choose the other subjects themselves. The set of subjects depends on the student's preference and the financial capabilities of the school.
Grades in US schools are: A/B/C/D/F, where A is the best grade, F is unsatisfactory, and D can be considered satisfactory or unsatisfactory, depending on the circumstances. All marks, except F, can be prefixed with "+" or "−".
10 best schools in the USA: ranking and admission policy
List of best schools in the USA:
- 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;
- Ross School;
- Deerfield Academy.
In order for your child to be accepted into one of the best schools in the USA, the following documents will be required:
- Educational visa;
- Vaccination certificate and doctors' report;
- English language test results;
- Personal interview (via Skype or personal);
- Extract from the last educational institution with grades for the last 1-3 years.