Education information – American education
Choosing a school and an educational program for your child is always a big responsibility for parents, because this important step determines the future. America has long been a world leader in education. Every year, the best schools accept thousands of the international children aged 11-18 in the USA. Studying at leading schools in the USA is a whole range of advantages for a successful career and the realization of your child's abilities. Studying at school serves as a basis for gaining knowledge, new discoveries and developing skills for successful implementation in the future profession.
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:
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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.
Enrolment requirements for the international students
Each leading school in the USA independently establish admission procedure and requirements for applicants. As a rule, the more prestigious the educational institution, the longer the list of entrance requirements and the higher the passing score. However, there are a few common points.
The following package of documents is necessary to provide when applying:
- Foreign visa
- International certificate, confirming a high level of English (American test SSAT or certificates SLEP, TOEFL, IELTS)
- Report card for 2-3 years from the previous place of study
- Recommendations from teachers
- Student questionnaire
- Motivation letter
- Certificate of vaccinations and the conclusion of doctors.
In some cases it is necessary to provide necessary student's creative portfolio. After the school administration reviews all the documents and makes a preliminary decision on the applicant, the foreign student will be interviewed by the admissions committee of the educational institution (in person or via Skype). During this conversation, the school representative determines the child's wishes for the curriculum, the absence of a language barrier and general communication skills. Also, a foreign student is tested for knowledge of basic subjects.