Let's start with the fact that the state is mainly involved in American education. There are three levels of funding and control of educational institutions: federal, state and local governments. Each state in the United States, whether Alaska or Rhode Island, has its own education laws. However, the main trends and structures are not difficult to identify.
Schooling in the United States
Depending on the state, children in the United States attend school from age 5-8. Depending on the results of intelligence tests, they are divided into classes. Class composition is formed and changes depending on the progress of students, choosing the appropriate method for each group. Schools can be public or private. There are also parochial schools that place great emphasis on religion.
Most American schools are divided into three levels.
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Elementary- Grades 1-5
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Secondary - grades 6-8
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High School- Grades 9-12
In elementary schools, the focus is on core subjects such as math, literature and English, but much less time is spent on natural and social sciences. Creative subjects and sports are also mandatory. Typically, history, art history and natural science are included as mandatory subjects beginning in fifth grade, while in ninth grade at the secondary level, specialized subjects of students' own choice emerge. The choice of other subjects depends on the state and the school. Computer science, web design, statistics, journalism, foreign languages, and theater arts are in particularly high demand at this level. Elementary students are also required to take a required course that includes certain subjects (mathematics, literature, history, social sciences, physical education). Without this course, it is impossible to get a school certificate.Types of High Schools in the United States
There are two main types of high schools in the United States.
Public Schools
Education in U.S. public schools is free, but its quality varies depending on the particular educational institution. The number of foreigners studying in U.S. public high schools is relatively small.
Like Americans, only those foreigners who have moved to the U.S. permanently with other family members can study in these schools. Also, students cannot choose their own school, but are determined to go to the educational institution nearest to their place of enrollment.
All other foreign nationals may study in U.S. public schools for no more than one year and only through special exchange programs and strictly selective competitive programs.
Private Schools
Private high schools in the United States are characterized by large numbers of foreign students, high quality education, and preparation for future admission to universities in that country. Many private schools have their own campuses and student housing, more like universities in the United States.
There are currently 34,576 private schools of all sizes and focuses in the United States. Also, there are both coeducational schools and more closed boarding schools.
The majority of foreign students in the United States attend private schools. Their learning process is largely tailored specifically to foreigners, who are more receptive to learning and more attentive to them.
Benefits of attending high school in the United States
Studying for foreigners in U.S. high schools has several significant advantages.
Students receive top-notch, intensive preparation for the SAT or ACT tests necessary for further college entrance.
Students' English proficiency improves significantly over several years.
Students receive several years to adjust to the U.S. academic environment.
By becoming familiar with the U.S. academic environment and staying in the U.S., students can more intelligently choose the right U.S. college for them.
How to enter a U.S. high school
Acceptance documents need to be submitted directly to the selected U.S. school approximately 9-6 months before the expected start of education.
The standard package of introductory documents includes
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Copy of passport
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Passport photo
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Certificate of incomplete secondary education (if available)
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Transcripts of subjects and grades for the past 2-3 years of study
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IELTS or TOEFL certificate
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Letters of recommendation (usually from the school's director/classroom teacher, math and English teachers)
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Letter of motivation (at the request of the school)
Please note that in order to gain admission to the most prestigious schools in the United States, where competition for admission is fierce, students are often required to pass an interview or pass additional exams as well.
U.S. High School Tuition
Tuition for private high schools in the United States varies widely. Some schools here cost about $5,000 per year, while others cost as much as $40,000-$50,000 per year, just like the most expensive colleges.
On average, the cost of studying in a U.S. high school is $14,575 per year.
Meanwhile, the cheapest schooling is in West Virginia, Mississippi, Alaska, and Oklahoma, while the most expensive is in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Columbia.