Private School Education Programs in the United States
As with any quality service, private secondary education takes into account all possible needs of the student. This includes the opportunity to continue their studies in a different country.
After graduating from a school in the United States, graduates do not always go to a university in the same country. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the secondary education requirements of universities in the country where higher education should be received.
In general, U.S. universities require a certificate of completion from a British high school (A level), an American secondary education (SAT), an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, or in the case of German universities, a German high school diploma.
Of course, it is also possible to enter a foreign university after completing a preparatory course abroad. However, in order to be eligible for admission to a reputable ranked university, you need to have completed a high school course in one of the above programs.
Living conditions and characteristics of studying in the USA
A prestigious high school education in the United States involves not only academic courses, but also regular sports, creativity and hobbies. Most foreign students are happy to choose full board - they study and live in one place, have three meals a day, don't waste time on the road, and spend more time with their teachers and classmates. International schools create an international atmosphere - these places unite schoolchildren from all over the world who share common goals and values, and learn and live very closely together: students have an enjoyable and productive time together.
American boarding schools emphasize comfortable housing that makes children feel at home while studying abroad. Staff monitors security 24/7, and teachers teach tolerance, respect for those around you, and order and cleanliness. Living in student housing helps to allow for greater immersion in the educational process, which can have a positive impact on academic performance. Housing usually includes two people living in a room, amenities in the room or on the floor, and three square meals a day. Roommates are determined by gender, age, ethnicity, and interest: the government tries not to put representatives from the same country together so that the children have the opportunity to practice English for communication.
What age can you send your child to boarding school abroad?
Some boarding schools in the United States are willing to accept children over the age of 7, but in very limited numbers. This is a rare exception. Typically, children go to high school abroad when they are 14-15 years old.
There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, the children are already very independent and fully formed as individuals. On the other hand, they have enough time to master unfamiliar subjects and to prepare for and successfully pass final exams.
Proficiency in the language of instruction is very important. If this doesn't work, you should pay more attention to learning the language. Your child should study calmly in the classroom. The higher the level of the university to which you plan to be admitted, the more difficult it will be to study. Lack of language proficiency will be a serious obstacle.
Requirements for admission to U.S. boarding schools
The U.S. private school competition has a maximum of 10 students per spot. Upon admission, all students (Americans and foreigners) must
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Complete a questionnaire
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provide academic transcripts from the past 3 years.
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Attach a recommendation from their teacher.
In addition, most private schools require students to take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test), which allows you to determine general performance in exact sciences and to determine knowledge of and fluency in the use of English. Because the SSAT is a standard school test and is not appropriate for foreigners, many schools require international students to submit SLEP or TOEFL scores. Some schools accept students with insufficient knowledge of the language, but only six months to fully master English, otherwise the student may be dismissed.
After the packet of documents has been sent and the selection committee has made an initial decision on the candidate, an interview (usually by phone or Skype) is held with the child. The conversation not only determines the level of knowledge, but also a general assessment of the student's suitability for this school: how goal-oriented and motivated he/she is, what interests he/she has, whether his/her professional interests fit the requirements. Specialization of the school, etc.
Cost of studying at a private school in the United States
Boarding school education is expensive, usually comparable to the cost of education at higher education institutions. On average, a year of study at a private school will cost 1,500,000 - 2,000,000 rubles. The price includes tuition and full board accommodation.
However, there are a number of ways to significantly reduce costs. Most schools offer financial aid to students: it is allocated both to students with high academic performance (based on performance) and to families experiencing financial difficulties (based on need). Scholarships can reduce the cost of study by a factor of 2-3.