Middle school in the USA for students of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
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 of 11, 12, 14 years old 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 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 of 14-16 years old 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.
Enrolment requirements in the USA for the foreign students of 11-18 years old
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.
Ranking – TOP 17 schools in the USA
Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School
- Location: California, Los Angeles
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
Phillips Academy Andover
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
Red Bank Catholic High School
- Location: New York
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
CATS Academy Boston
- Location: Boston
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
Hoosac School
- Location: New York
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
The Thacher School
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
Amerigo Education Twin Cities Cretin-Derham Hall
- Location: Minneapolis
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
Taft School
- Location: Hartford
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
Phillips Exeter Academy
- Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
- Location: Salisbury, Connecticut
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.
The Village School
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
Windermere Preparatory School
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
- Location: Napa, California
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Mixed form of studying.
Newman school
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type of accommodation: residence
- Mixed form of studying.