It is at the end of private school that over 90% of private school graduates become students at the universities they want to attend.
The U.S. Education System
The U.S. education system consists of several levels: preschool, secondary (school), and higher education.
Preschool (pre-school) is an educational program for children from three to five years old. There are private early childhood education institutions, as well as institutions funded by the U.S. states and the federal government. Preschool is not compulsory in the United States.
Elementary school in the United States is the first stage of compulsory secondary education. Typically, children begin elementary school at age 5-6 and finish at age 10-11. In elementary school, children are taught to read, write, and count. Then they learn spelling, the basics of grammar, and the beginnings of algebra. In addition, elementary schools usually have physical education, art, and natural science classes. In an elementary school class, there are usually 20 to 30 students, and one teacher can teach almost all subjects (except physical education, drawing, and music).
Secondary schools in the United States are the second stage of schooling. Typically, these are grades six through eight, and children study from ages 11-12 to 13-14. Unlike elementary school, each subject in secondary school has its own teacher and students have some freedom in choosing the subjects they study. The required subjects are usually mathematics, English, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, etc.), history, and physical education. In addition, you may choose a foreign language, music, painting, or many other subjects.
The final stage of secondary education in the United States is high school. Usually high school is grades nine through twelve, and children study from ages 14-15 to 17-18. In high school, students have more freedom in choosing the subjects they study. School rules always specify mandatory subjects and study periods. However, within this group, a student can choose a direction that is more interesting to him. Such a system leads to the absence of classes in the usual sense of the word in American schools. Thus, for example, high school must be studied at least two years of mathematics, four years of English, two years of natural science, three years of social science, and one year of physical education.
Upon successful completion of grade 12, students are awarded a high school. This document is recognized by universities and employers in the United States, Canada, and many other countries. Gifted and talented children may apply for an honors diploma - the Honors Diploma in Liberal Studies, the College Preparatory Diploma.
The benefits of teaching your children in the United States
Independence. Students in U.S. boarding schools become responsible during their studies. They do their own homework, organize their rooms, prepare their uniforms for class, and get ready for the next stage of life - college.
Differentiated approach. Modern schools in the United States are known for their individualized approach to learning. First, a small number of children attend such educational institutions, making it immediately obvious to staff. Second, small class sizes contribute to a focused approach by teachers to all students (for example, at Perkiomen schools, classes are held in groups of 10). Third, the school offers a wide range of subjects; children study not only compulsory subjects, but also electives (economics, business, design, art, etc.). Fourth, the teachers use certain teaching methods according to the individual characteristics of the child, so that you can achieve maximum results in each situation.
Sense of community. Going to school in the United States means being part of a close community. Small class sizes (10-15 students per class), one-on-one teacher interaction, and a wealth of extracurricular activities contribute to a positive environment of general friendship and respect. Feeling part of the whole, a child is more likely to open up, showcase his or her talents, develop leadership skills and become a self-sufficient person. This, of course, helps graduates get into the best universities in the world.
Multiculturalism. American boarding schools have children from all over the world. For example, representatives from 50 countries can be found at Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, and children from 30 countries come to Idyllwild Arts Academy and North Broward Preparatory School. Each of them brought a special perspective on the world and its diversity. The children learn to respect each other and embrace other cultures and traditions as they broaden their horizons, become familiar with different ways of life, and interact with everything around them.
Immerse yourself in American life. A private school education in the United States can change the trajectory of lives and careers. By adapting to the American culture and education system, children become more confident. They are well-prepared to enter American universities because. Know how to apply, write motivation letters, successfully pass interviews, etc. For example, graduates of North Broward Preparatory School go on to continue their education at top U.S. universities such as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth College, Pennsylvania, Columbia, Cornell, UCLA, Stanford, etc.
How to choose a decent boarding school
There are approximately 30,000 private colleges and universities in the United States, including elite schools.
The best and elite of U.S. boarding schools are privileged private schools with a fairly homogeneous composition of students. In most cases, the parents of these children belong to the affluent middle class - the upper middle class - which means that your child will be in a very decent environment. Due to the flexibility, practicality and mobility of the learning system, the educational process here is characterized by innovative, business-oriented details.
Such educational institutions teach their students to navigate world events and make the necessary decisions in real life, which is dealing with business cases, designing and simulating various life situations. There is no limit to the range of possibilities.
Some schools specialize in improving student performance, such as the old West Nottingham Academy in Maryland. The path here is open to all, not only to the best students, because the teachers make every effort to reveal and fully develop the abilities of their students.
If you want to provide your child with the best education possible, which is the key to getting into a prestigious university, you have a great choice.
Admissions
It is best to start preparing for admission to one of the boarding schools well in advance, about 1.5-2 years before the expected start of education. During this time, it is important not only to choose the right educational institution. It is important to prepare for admission and further education.
The process of applying to a school is in many ways similar to the admissions process at an American university. And, as with any other educational institution, each school has its own deadlines after which it will not accept applications from applicants.
First, you need to apply for admission - an application form. This form can be found on the school's website, filled out and sent online to the administration of the educational institution via the school's website. The next step is to prepare the documents for the current school in your country. The first one is the transcript - the list of studied subjects, detailed description, the number of hours of each subject passed in all courses. The second is a letter of recommendation from the teacher. This may be a letter from the classroom teacher and the school director or classroom teacher, or a letter from the subject teacher, on which the future boarding school will focus. For example, if a student is entering a school with a math or natural science bias (math and science boarding schools), a letter of recommendation may be written by a teacher of those subjects. All such documents must be on official school letterhead, stamped and signed by an authorized person.
Cost of studying at a private school
Unlike other offers, private boarding schools in the United States are more expensive because it costs more to stay at these schools. However the price includes not only tuition, but also accommodation and meals, which means no significant additional costs, then the investment is perfectly justified.
Private institutions guarantee high academic standards and highly qualified teaching staff. Moreover, the increased demands on students due to adoring and over-indulgent parents are not at all superfluous for schoolchildren.
As a result, boarding school graduates have higher entrance scores than state students. Data published by the North American Boarding School Consortium shows that 90% of the students graduating from private schools in the United States are the eight most prestigious Ivy League schools of the school.
Ranking of the best boarding schools in the United States
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Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy was founded in 1781 by Dr. John Phillips and his wife, Elizabeth. It is part of the G20 group of schools - an international association of 50 of the best high schools from 20 countries around the world. A distinctive feature of the Academy is the work according to The Harkness Method, which was first used here: classes of students work at a round table rather than at separate tables. The school nurtures students' individuality and independence, instills self-confidence and helps develop personal qualities and academic skills.
The School changes students' lives: the experience gained within these walls serves them more than once in their adult careers, leading them to the best universities and to leading positions in some of the most powerful companies in the world. Among its graduates are dozens of well-known politicians, scientists, athletes, artists and entrepreneurs. The college has also produced two Nobel Prize winners in economics.
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Phillips Academy (Andover)
Phillips Andover Academy is simultaneously ranked among the top boarding schools in the United States in several areas. Based on average student SAT scores (2076), number of students (over 1100), number of physical education subjects (30), number of AP courses (30), student clubs (87), and difficulty of admission (rejected) (almost 80% of applicants accepted). The educational institution is also one of the oldest schools in the United States - it was founded in 1778.
The school strives to educate valuable members of society by providing them with exceptional opportunities to enhance their skills and talents. Education here takes place in a dynamic and creative atmosphere. And during the summer months, summer camps are held for school children in grades 9-12 on a boarding house basis.
For three years, Phillips Andover Academy graduates have successfully entered the best universities in the United States, including Yale University, Boston University, Columbia University, Princeton University, and many others. The school can also boast a list of students who have achieved distinction in all areas of society. Alumni include U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and George W. Bush, Facebook co-founder Christopher Hughes, and New York Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmsted, as well as famous actors, poets, and public figures.
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The Putney School
The Putney School offers educational programs for students from all over the world, grades 9-12. Today, the school is known for its maximum attention to innovation and novelty in the world of education and the continuous modernization of the educational process, improvement of methods and materials.
The comprehensive and holistic development of students is one of the main focuses of the school's work. Here, high school students seek not only academic education, but also moral and spiritual education, developing them in the creative and athletic fields, stimulating activity and the expression of initiative, instilling in schoolchildren a desire for learning and self-improvement. Students are constantly involved in the administration of Putney School - this forms a responsible social personality, fosters independence and good upbringing, and respect for others.
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Church Farm School
CFS is a boarding and day school for talented boys in grades 9 through 12. CFS offers a rigorous college preparatory program in an intimate setting with a total enrollment of less than 200 students and an average class size of 10 students.
Students can explore their creative side in the expansive art studio, with classes in a variety of media including clay, graphic design and printmaking. In nearly 20 extracurricular clubs and activities, from guitar, DECA and Interact to STEM, robotics and Church Farm School literary magazine and student newspaper, hobbies turn into passions and perhaps careers. A renowned community service program emphasizes the importance of character, caring and giving back to the community, and last year alone, students donated 3,500 hours to community organizations. Church Farm School inclusive church program allows each student to explore the spiritual elements of his or her life.
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Episcopal High School
At Episcopal, all students board in approximately 29 states and 20 different countries. Experienced teachers, small class sizes (11 on average), 62 advanced courses and integrated technology (with laptop programs) support the pursuit of academic excellence. Highlights include an extensive arts and athletics program; frequent study in Washington, D.C. (10 minutes away), including advanced internships; study abroad opportunities; and spiritual and ethical education with one of the nation's oldest honor codes. Episcopal High School 130-acre campus includes new science, arts and athletic centers.
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St. Paul's School
St. Paul's School opened its doors to students in the 16th century - 1509. Sir John Colet founded this educational institution on the banks of the River Thames in the beautiful Richmond district in the southwest of the English capital. Along with a number of other schools, St. Paul's School is one of the nine oldest educational institutions in England, known for its centuries-old tradition and its constantly modernizing educational process.
The school got its name from St. Paul's Cathedral in London, because even within the cathedral, an educational institution has been operating since the early 12th century. In the early 16th century, the church school closed and was replaced by the school of the same name. Colette's vast wealth, which was used to open St. Paul's School, and the power invested in it, made it possible to create the largest and richest school in England at the time. Interestingly, education at St. Paul's was initially completely free of charge, and academic ability became the main criterion for selecting students. At the same time, the salary of the principal of the school exceeded even the salaries of the heads of some British universities.
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Asheville School
Asheville College is the leading private school in the UK. It was founded by the United Methodist Free Church in 1877 and was originally an exclusive school for boys before girls began studying here in 1982. The school is the oldest in Harrogate, but it strives to keep up with the times while maintaining its traditions.
At Asheville College, students demonstrate high academic achievement and individual plans are developed for each student to reach their full potential. Great attention is paid to the intellectual and personal development of students: at the school, children are taught to adapt to life in a rapidly changing world, they are raised to be hardworking and purposeful, and they pay attention to each individual's inclinations and talents students.
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Shattuck St. Mary's School
Shattuck-St. St. Mary's School is an educational institution that was founded in 1858 as the Episcopal Mission School. It was named after Dr. Cheney Shattock, and with his active involvement, the spacious Shattuck Hall campus was built in 1866 and is still in use today. Around the same time, St. Mary's Hall for Girls, which later became part of Shattuck-St. Mary's School, which currently houses grades 6-9 of the educational institution.
Its main mission is to see the child not only succeed academically at Shattuck-St. Mary's School, but also to see him prepared for the realities of life outside of school. For this reason, starting in middle school, students are taught to make choices - to choose the most interesting courses, creative and physical activities, additional activities.
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St. Andrews School
The popular St Andrews School boarding school is designed for high school students aged 15-18 (grades 9-12) who are preparing to enter college. At St. Andrews School, they not only receive a balanced, strong and in-depth academic program led by expert teachers, but also the widest range of opportunities for personal development outside the classroom - and it's all practically on the Atlantic coast, in sunny Florida.
In 2011, St Andrews School became a member of Round Square International. Students grow up independent, responsible, independent and motivated to pursue high achievement, they are taught honor and honesty, and they instill respect for any nationality, race, culture and religion through personal example.
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Thatcher School
Thatcher School was founded by Sherman Day Thatcher in the 19th century. According to the official account, Thatcher came to Petra House Ranch for his brother, but was overwhelmed by the beauty and serenity of the place and stayed forever. The key turning point in the establishment of the school was the son of one of Thatcher's friends, who had to be prepared for admission to the prestigious Yale University.
As a result, Thacher created an American school that was fully in keeping with his beloved English heritage - today, Thacher School embodies the spirit of the classic English boarding house: both in terms of architecture and landscape, and in its educational approach and curriculum structure. The government does not forget the physical development of schoolchildren, the creative electives and courses, the education of tasteful aesthetics and the desire for self-education. There are still many lessons that take place outdoors: for example, historically schoolchildren have been very concerned with equestrian sports, caring for horses independently against the backdrop of picturesque mountains.