American schools do not make decisions based on a single exam or GPA. They look at the whole picture, and preparation for this process begins long before you submit your documents. It's not just about paperwork and tests — it's also about understanding how the system works, what its entry requirements are, and what role preliminary work plays in admission. Let's break it down step by step — from choosing the type of school to visa formalities.
Public vs. Private Schools: What to Choose
Public schools accept children who have moved to the US with their families and have permission to stay, as well as exchange students. In the latter case, the maximum period of study is one year, and the programme is open to teenagers aged 15 to 18 and a half. Education is free, but the standard of education varies widely: from strong to frankly weak. The school is assigned based on your place of residence, and you cannot choose it. That's exactly why most international students prefer private schools.
Private schools are small institutions designed to educate both international and American students. Boarding schools accept children of different ages depending on the school, and homestay accommodation off campus is often available from age 14. Unlike public schools, private ones offer a higher level of education: strong teaching staff, modern methods, small classes, and rigorous student selection. Successful completion of a US private school opens the way to leading universities in English-speaking countries.
In 2026, tuition at private schools continues to rise. The average annual fee at private day schools is around $49,000, and at boarding schools — around $75,000. These amounts do not always include accommodation, textbooks, insurance, and additional fees. For international students, the cost may be higher: for example, at St. John's Prep, a year of study for an international student costs $49,560, while for American students it is $36,885. At some schools, the difference reaches $10,000 or more.
Exams and Deadlines
To enter an American high school, you usually need two international tests: TOEFL or Duolingo English Test to confirm English proficiency, and SSAT or ISEE to assess academic knowledge. The difficulty is that the formats of these tests may be unfamiliar to the student. The second issue is timing. You need to register for the TOEFL several weeks before the exam; standard registration closes 7 days before the test. The SSAT is administered several times a year, and registration closes about a week before the chosen date. The earlier a student registers and takes the test, the more chances they have to retake it if necessary and get a higher score.
Language requirements vary by school. For example, Phillips Academy Andover recommends that international students score at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT, 7.5 on IELTS, or 135 on the Duolingo English Test. The Hill School requires TOEFL or Duolingo for all international students for whom English is not their native language. The Frederick Gunn School accepts SSAT and ISEE for grades nine and ten, as well as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo.
What to Look for When Choosing a School
When applying to a US high school — that is, grades nine through twelve, ages 14–17 — it is important to consider the academic rating. In the US, lists of the best schools are compiled based on SAT results and statistics on admission to leading universities. The top of such lists traditionally includes Phillips Andover Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, St. Paul's School, Lawrenceville School, Groton School, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Hotchkiss School.
Competition for places grows every year. The main intake is into ninth grade, but many schools also accept students into tenth and eleventh. The older the applicant, the higher the competition. When choosing a school, you should look not only at the rating but also at how many graduates go on to prestigious universities. Admissions committees pay attention to the student's portfolio: topics of final projects, international volunteering experience, and research in challenging disciplines. The quality of a school depends, among other things, on what opportunities it provides for building such a portfolio.
How to Prepare for Admission
Given how specific the requirements are, it's unlikely a student will get into an American school without additional preparation. There are several ways to improve your English, practise exam formats, write essays, and adapt to the academic process abroad.
Language schools offer special exam preparation courses, the results of which are required for admission. Some accredited institutions allow you to take the exam upon completion of the course.
Language camps are another way to prepare. Two or three weeks in the US with a native-speaker teacher help you improve your English quickly and get used to an unfamiliar environment. It is better to choose a camp at the school you plan to apply to: this gives you the opportunity not only to improve your language but also to get to know the institution from the inside.
Some private schools, keen to attract international students, offer their own preparatory programmes for applicants from abroad. Such a programme usually lasts no more than a year and includes intensive English classes, and sometimes other school subjects. Successful completion of the preparatory programme often guarantees admission.
How Much Tuition Costs
The cost of education in the US depends on the type of school and the length of the course. At private schools, a year of study can cost from $15,000 to $50,000 and above; at public schools it is cheaper but with time restrictions. In 2026, the annual fee at private day schools averages around $49,000, and at boarding schools — $75,000. For international students, the cost may be several thousand dollars higher.
International students on an F-1 visa may study at a public school for no more than 12 months in total and must cover the full cost of their education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average amount is around $17,600 per year, although figures vary by state and district. After completing 12 months, the student must transfer to a private school, change visa status, or leave the country.
Private schools have no time restrictions: you can study for two, three, or four years and fully prepare for university. To obtain an F-1 visa, you need an I-20 form from the school, proof of financial capacity, and payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVIS fee is $380 for F-1, and the visa fee is $185. From 15 September 2026, the F-1 visa is issued for a fixed period — no more than four years with a specific date on Form I-94, which requires planning for a status extension if the programme lasts longer.
Preparing for an American school isn't a single step. It includes studying the system, choosing between public and private school, taking exams, working on a portfolio, and understanding visa requirements. Each of these steps affects the outcome, and you should start them no later than a year to a year and a half before your planned start date.