10 best schools in USA: rankings and fees

As a result, education has taken a progressive path. Society has a strong influence on the approach, and the development of a strong and ambitious personality stands out. What schools are available in the United States in 2022

The U.S. Education System

The U.S. education system offers a mandatory twelve-year curriculum, called "K-12" based on the length of study. This includes both primary and secondary education.

The entire process of educating the younger generation is primarily the responsibility of state authorities, local governments, and federal agencies. They perform regulatory functions, control the order and progress of educational institutions, and finance the operation of schools and the hiring of teachers. Authorities must strictly ensure that the rights and obligations of all participants in the process are respected.

Early Childhood Education

Children are usually introduced to society when they enter kindergarten at the age of three. Usually, pre-school institutions are opened on the basis of elementary school and function in their classes. Or they are established as an independent institution. For the services of childcare institutions, parents usually pay a considerable amount of money, since almost all preschools in the country are private. However, low-income families also have the opportunity to send their children to kindergarten - there is a Head Start program for this purpose. It is designed to pay for kindergarten services in cases where parents are unable to do so on their own. Sometimes children of migrant workers, orphans and military children who do not speak English well can attend kindergarten for free. In kindergarten, children usually study for three to four hours, but there are also institutions where parents can send their children for the entire workday or even for boarding.

Typically, children spend two years in preschool institutions and enter elementary school at age five. However, parents often prefer to postpone this moment, so the average child can become a schoolchild at the age of five to eight.

Junior high school

In elementary school, children not only begin to learn to interact with others as in kindergarten, but also incorporate a variety of subjects, including: physical education, art, music, natural science, mathematics, spoken and written English, geography, and social science. Typically, elementary education takes six to seven years, with subjects divided into different stages of education. American schoolchildren study all the major subjects with one teacher and also take on the role of classroom teacher. The only exceptions are subjects such as physical education, music and visual arts.

Private educational institutions can be called a separate branch of schooling. Procedures, loads, internal rules, etc. can be changed here. Usually, in private schools, parents think that their children will be more useful in certain subjects. However, educating children in private schools is expensive, so nine out of ten young Americans receive their knowledge in public institutions. Schoolchildren usually complete their primary education at the age of 11-12.

Secondary School

American students begin their studies in early September and are uploaded in late May or early June. In general, Americans study for almost a month less than schoolchildren in most European countries.

By the time children enter secondary education, it is assumed that they already have a basic knowledge base and that they have roughly decided what direction they wish to take further. In the middle class, each subject is taught by a separate teacher. New to the list of required subjects: art history, world history, science and technology, and foreign languages of their choice. If a student feels a desire for certain subjects, he can take additional classes and enroll in optional courses.

Secondary education is divided into two stages, each lasting three years. During this period, students are reassigned to classes formed on the basis of their academic performance. Schoolchildren who perform poorly take less intense courses and work with them with more attention to consolidating the material covered. More successful children attend the intensive program, which gives them a better chance of getting into the prestigious universities of the future.

The Highschool

As mentioned earlier, high school in American educational institutions consists of two stages. The second stage is often referred to as high school, although it is more correct to call it the second segment of secondary school. Young Americans become seniors at the age of 14, and they graduate around the ages of 17-19. This era is characterized by exceptional freedom of choice and self-expression for students. The adolescent is not prohibited from actively participating in the curriculum, even if he spends more time on these courses than on general education subjects. As for the subjects themselves, the student has the right to choose his own priorities for classes and to set his own schedule. Most notably, during high school studies, students must pass.

  • Chemistry, biology and physics - at least one year in each subject.

  • History and social sciences - at least two to four years in total

  • Mathematical sciences - at least three years.

  • physical exercise - at least two years.

  • Choice of foreign languages - from two to four years;

  • literature - four years.

In addition, it is necessary to single out institutions such as schools for gifted children. They usually have a certain focus: music, dance, sports, etc. Only those children who can stand out from the background of those around them can come here. Usually, these schools prepare young Americans to enter institutions of higher education in related professions. Geeks get tougher tasks - school and homework. They master the program faster than their peers in the general group.

  • Why You Should choose Schooling in the United States

There are many reasons why children living in other countries should receive their schooling in the United States. Here are just a few of them.

Higher chances to continue further education in the USA by attending rated institutions of higher education in the USA and the world.

Initially adapt successfully to living independently abroad in an unfamiliar country.

Gain excellent language practice. In the U.S., your student will be fully immersed in the English language, learning the language faster and at a higher level.

Have the opportunity to learn about culture and traditions. All elite private boarding schools are developing exciting leisure programs for foreign students.

How to apply to schools in USA?

Most educational institutions accept foreign students between the ages of 14 and 18. Admission requires.

  • Apply at the latest 6-8 months before starting studies at a private school in the USA.

  • Prepare and send a package of necessary documents to the selected educational institution. This list is best clarified in advance. All documents must be in English or can be accompanied by a notarized translation.

  • Attend an interview 

Some schools require you to complete the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Its purpose is to determine the child's ability to do mathematics, his ability to perceive text and to express his ideas coherently.

Cost of studying in American schools

The cost of education in the United States varies widely among private schools: from $21,000 to $50,000. The price depends on the country, the prestige of the institution, the equipment of the program and other nuances.

  • Boarding schools in the United States typically include

  • Three meals a day.

  • Registration and insurance fees.

  • School uniforms and textbooks.

  • Visits to concerts, parties, excursions.

  • Laboratory work and art classes.

  • Additional English instruction for foreigners.

  • Preparation for your child's final exams.

Top U.S. Schools

  • Davidson College

Davidson College is a game changer for extremely talented students. The Academy's programs are grouped by student ability rather than age, offering middle and high school level courses that match their abilities, strengths and interests. Davidson College unique approach to learning attracts people from across the country and around the globe.

The College offers two educational options specifically designed to meet the needs of highly gifted individuals - an online campus for people living anywhere in the U.S. and a Canadian school for local residents at the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Both options are centered on a vibrant academic environment that allows students to thrive among their peers.

  • North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is a two-year public residential high school in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on the in-depth study of science, mathematics, and technology. The school accepts middle school students from across North Carolina and recruits them for their senior year. Although NCSSM is a public school, enrollment is limited and applicants undergo a competitive review process prior to admission. NCSSM is a founding member of the National Consortium of Secondary Schools Specializing in Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST) and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System.

  • Maggie Walker Governor's Schools

One of 18 Governor's Schools in Virginia, it attracts students from 13 jurisdictions: Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, Prince George's, Charles City, King and Queen County, New Kent County, Richmond and Petersburg, and West - Viewpoint. , incorporated cities. As the Governor's Administration and the Institute of International Studies, it shared space at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) in the city's West End from its inception in 1991 until the summer of 2001, when it was undergoing a major -scale renovation. 

  • Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Thomas Jefferson School is a prestigious school that teaches children in grades 7 through 12. The school accepts both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. At the school, both daytime and full-day (permanent) studies are available. Today, the school has students from five U.S. states and seven foreign countries.

A distinctive feature of the school is the large number of Advanced Placement courses. Schoolchildren have the opportunity to choose precise or humanities subjects for in-depth study. Long-term indicators of the success of the school's graduates in entering American colleges and universities confirm the professionalism of the program.

  • 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, number of students, number of physical education subjects, number of AP courses, student clubs  and difficulty of admission. The educational institution is also one of the oldest schools in the United States - it was founded in 1778.

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.

  • Harvard-Westlake School

Harvard-Westlake is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school consisting of two campuses in Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley), California, with approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades 7 through 12. Its two predecessor organizations began as for-profit schools before converting to nonprofit status and eventually merging. It is not affiliated with Harvard University.

The school has two campuses, a middle school campus in Holmby Hills and a high school in Studio City, known as Harvard-Westlake. 

  • Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the most famous and prestigious private boarding schools in the United States. It was founded in 1781 by merchant John Phillips (which is how she got her name) and his wife. Initially only boys studied here, but in 1970 all courses were open to girls - the school still adheres to the principle of mixed studies: today the total number of students reaches 1185.

  • Trinity School, New York, New York

Trinity School is located in the heart of New York City - in Manhattan. Founded in 1709, the school was originally located in the tower of Holy Trinity Church at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street. In 1895, the school moved to its current location and has been actively growing since then. Today, Trinity is the fifth oldest school in the United States and the oldest continuously operating educational institution in New York.

Trinity School rightfully enjoys the title of one of the most prestigious schools in the country. The school's faculty includes 20 PhDs and 96 science students who graduated from world-renowned universities. Trinity offers students a strong curriculum, as well as a wide range of programs in visual and performing arts, athletics and extracurricular life. Forbes magazine named this school the best in the United States for preparing students for college.

  • Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut

Choate Rosemary Hall is one of the most popular private boarding schools in the United States. Choate Rosemary Hall's alumni have been influential figures in America's political elite for generations.

Choate Rosemary Hall is located in the heart of Wallingford, Connecticut. It was named after the 1971 merger of Choate School and Rosemary Hall. The merger marked a transition to blended learning.

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