High School in the USA – A Dream for Many International Students

High school in the USA is a dream for many international students. Depending on the program, students can study in a famous American city, near a beach, close to an Ivy League university, or in the heart of America. Schools offer programs for high school in the USA, including SELECT and Academic Exchange, in public, private, and boarding schools across the US on an F-1 visa, while our partners provide the Classic (J-1) High School Exchange program. Verified American host families and the Service Promise ensure that students feel at home and are well taken care of.

Why Study in High School in the USA?

International students studying in high school in the USA gain an incredible experience through three types of high school programs in the USA. Students can choose the perfect experience for their goals and budget, from institutions in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., with world-class culture and attractions, to small towns where they can truly interact with Americans.

High schools in the USA offer STEM, AP, or IB programs, as well as courses such as pre-engineering, sports medicine, agriculture, filmmaking, architecture, and more. All US high schools are known for their "school spirit": lockers in the hallways, sports teams, art clubs, proms, and general assemblies.

International students need extra support while studying abroad in a US high school, so schools pay special attention to selecting a host family for each student in public or private school, while local coordinators help students adapt and overcome any challenges they may face. Staff regularly provide parents with reports based on feedback from the school, host family, and student. Boarding students live in comfortable residences under the close supervision of adults.

Where Do International High School Students Live in America?

International students coming to study in American schools can choose from two popular options: a host family and a boarding school.

Living with a Host Family in the USA

Carefully selected American families open their homes to international students wishing to study in high school in the USA to share a new culture and enrich their own family life.

International high school students in the USA experience true immersion in American life and culture, living with families that speak English as their primary language, sometimes with 1-2 other international students in the house.

Most students live within 20 minutes of the school: they may walk, ride a bike, or take the school bus or public transport.

In the host family home, students may have their own bedroom or share a room with another international student. Each student has their own bed, study area, and closet. International students share the rest of the house with their host family, eat together, socialize, go on walks, and spend holidays together.

Host families help students feel comfortable in the USA by helping them practice English, answering questions, and supporting them when needed (for example, taking the student to the doctor if they feel unwell).

Studying and Living in an American Boarding School

Private boarding schools in the USA are designed for both local and international students. Boarding schools usually conduct competitive admissions, are distinguished by small class sizes, and provide individual attention from highly qualified teachers. Boarding schools offer high-quality education and living conditions, as well as enriching activities.

Research shows that US high school students attending US boarding schools exhibit high levels of:

• Satisfaction with teaching,
• High admission rates,
• Academic success in universities,
• Advanced career positions,
• Satisfaction with the school experience.

International students choose boarding schools for their high academic achievements and university preparatory programs, which help students get into top universities in the US and worldwide. Some international students choose US boarding schools for unique programs that are not available in high schools in their own country.

Admission Requirements

Most American schools accept international students into US high schools from grades 8-12, each with its own admission requirements, considering each student's academic grades, English language level, and motivation. Schools will require a Skype or in-person interview with each applicant before considering admission. Before applying, students must take the TOEFL or IELTS test to determine their English proficiency.

Schools often offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for foreigners, allowing them to accept students with a lower level of English than required. Tuition Costs in High School in the United States

Each educational institution sets its own fees for tuition, room, and board. Typically, costs range from $30,000 to $75,000 per academic year. There are often additional fees for insurance, extra ESL classes, student activities, security deposits, uniforms, textbooks, breaks, etc.

Schools offer scholarships to talented students that can reduce tuition costs, for example, from $60,000 to $35,000 if a student demonstrates financial need or outstanding abilities.

High School Programs in the USA

US high schools offer excellent academic preparation and specialized programs, providing international students with the best opportunities to develop skills in academics, arts, sports, and leadership to be well-prepared for admission to US and global universities.

American High School Diploma

The American High School Diploma is a certificate awarded to students upon completion of high school. Students typically study for the diploma over four years – from grades 9 through 12.

There is no single national curriculum in the USA, although states, school districts, and national associations recommend adhering to certain standards and guidelines. Each state sets requirements for a high school diploma. Students are evaluated throughout each semester using tests, exams, essays, homework, class participation, group work, projects, and attendance, and at the end of the semester, they receive a final grade for each course.

Parents receive a report card with grades for each subject at the end of each quarter, semester, or year. They also eventually receive a transcript – an overview of the student's academic history prepared by the school, which universities request when considering an applicant.

Grades are assigned in letter form (A+, A, B+, etc.) or percentages. These grades contribute to the Grade Point Average (GPA). The grading system is not standardized across school districts, but generally, they are as follows:

• A – Excellent, 4 points,
• B – Above average, 3 points,
• C – Average, 2 points,
• D – Below average, 1 point,
• F – Fail, 0 points.

A student who fails a required course must retake it.

A high school student's GPA in the USA represents their cumulative grades throughout high school. It is calculated by adding the total points earned for each course and then dividing the total by the number of courses taken. Additional points may be awarded for extra work completed in Honor Classes, AP, or IB.

When applying to a university, a student's GPA is considered, along with entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT.

Honor Classes

Honor Classes are more advanced academic courses that move at a faster pace and cover more material than regular classes. Honor courses are usually intended for gifted high school students who excel in specific subjects. It's an excellent way to demonstrate academic competence and discipline to college admissions committees.

Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement program meets the high academic standards of American education and is recognized as a qualification for university admission in Europe and around the world.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to take college-level courses and exams in high school and earn credits at many colleges and universities in the US and globally. By earning college credit in high school and skipping introductory courses in college, your child can save time and money while working toward their degree.

Benefits of AP:

• Choose from 38 subjects,
• AP exams are held annually in May and scored on a scale of 1 to 5,
• Most colleges grant credit if an AP exam score is 3 or higher,
• 85% of selective colleges and universities report that AP experience positively influences admission decisions,
• In-depth study of specialized subjects,
• Confidence when applying to college and skills needed for further study,
• Increased chances of graduating in four years or less.

The AP program can also help your child obtain scholarships to pay for college.

Who is eligible for the AP program: any 11th or 12th-grade student ready for intensive study, proficient in English, and demonstrating good academic results. Students may also receive recommendations for an AP course from their teachers and school counselors.

International Baccalaureate

IB programs encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and personal development. IB programs are developed independently of national systems and governments, considering best research practices and a global community of more than 4,000 top schools. IB schools encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions, engage globally, and embrace multilingual learning.

IB programs differ from many national curricula because they:

• Encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions,
• Are developed independently of state and national systems, using quality research practices and our global school community,
• Encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts, developing multilingualism.

In international schools, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs include stages for primary school (PYP), middle years (MYP), career-related (CP), and diploma (DP).

Many American schools offer additional academic programs to help expand knowledge and skills, providing an additional advantage when applying to universities:

• Academic: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), robotics, languages, or business entrepreneurship.
• Artistic: vocal, performing arts, ballet, world cinema production, or a competitive music program in partnership with a leading university.
• Sports: golf, horseback riding, rock climbing, and other more traditional sports.

A quality high school education in the USA for international and Russian students is an opportunity to enter prestigious universities, obtain a sought-after profession, and find employment abroad.