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Secondary education in USA for international students

This content was developed and approved with active participation of Mary Bousted.

 

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://educationusa.state.gov/
  • https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/58/understanding-the-american-education-system.
Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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Secondary education in the USA gives an opportunity to enter best universities in the world. International students can start studying in the United States at any age. More often studies in America for international students begin after finishing upper grades. However, doors of private boarding schools are also open for younger students.

International students can get secondary school education in the USA in one of the two ways:

  • One-year exchange program that allows to enter a public American institution (in this case, the official cooperation of the current school and the host educational institution is obligatory)
  • Entering private boarding school. Such boarding schools are considered elite, and offer comfortable living conditions and effective education.

Furthermore, international students can get primary education at public institutions – this option is optimal for children constantly living in America with their parents or relatives. The experience of studying in a private boarding school or a public school is an excellent preparation for entering institution of higher education.

SMAPSE can help you find unique discounts, scholarships or grants for studies. With our professional assistance you will be able to give your child secondary education at private boarding schools and colleges in the United States of America.

You can address to the samples of entrance tests for admission to private boarding schools in the United States, which you can complete in our office without visiting the school.

How do international students apply to schools in the USA?

While applying to schools in the United States, international students should plan carefully and pay attention to detail. Firstly, it is necessary to find institutions considering such factors as location, tuition fees, available courses, and entry requirements. Most schools in the U.S. have admissions requirements that include standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. Additionally, it is required to confirm a good level of English through such tests as TOEFL or IELTS.

Upon creating a list of desired institutions, you need to prepare all required documents and fill out the application forms. Typically you are asked to submit the following documents: transcripts of records, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and in some cases samples of your work, depending on your field of study. Pay great attention to application deadlines, which vary depending on a chosen institution or even between different programs within the same school. Submitting a complete and timely application will significantly improve your chances for enrolment.

Financial issues are another important aspect to consider when applying to schools in the U.S. Foreign students are required to provide confirmation of sufficient funds to pay for education and living expenses during the period of studying. This confirmation can be provided in the form of bank statements or financial guarantees from sponsors. Some schools also offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It is recommended to consider these options before applying to school. Upon submitting an application, the waiting period begins. During this period, schools may request additional information or set an interview. It is important to respond promptly and monitor your application status.

In case of getting an offer of admission, you will need to obtain a student visa. The most common type for full-time international students is the F-1 visa. The visa application process stipulates an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy and submitting various documents, in particular the I-20 form, which your school will provide upon admission and payment of the tuition fee.

To sum up, applying to schools in the United States is a multi-level process, which stipulates search of schools, complying with admission requirements, submitting applications, and planning finances. Due diligence in each of these steps can help in securing a spot in a U.S. institution.

Secondary Education in the USA

Secondary school education is a step in academic and personal growth. School curriculum at the best secondary schools in the USA includes Mathematics, English, Natural and Social Sciences, Physical Education, and one or two elective disciplines. The majority of students choose courses in crafts, foreign languages, and the arts.

Tailored Learning: Profile-Oriented Education at the Best Secondary Schools in the USA

Boarding school students are divided into groups based on their academic performance in various disciplines. If a student excels in particular subjects, he may attend a more intensive program, stipulating difficult tasks and additional materials for self-study.

Seсondary Education Programs in the USA

In Private schools in the USA, classes are usually small with about 15 students, it allows to provide personalized attention to each student. The curriculum is flexible, letting students choose their subjects and thus shape their academic paths. Moreover, the educational process in schools is organised in such way that theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. Thus, students are taught to be self-sufficient.

Standardized Testing: Preparing for the SAT

Upon graduation from secondary school, there is a requirement to take the SAT exam, you should consult a chosen college or university's webpage to learn more about the required scores and submission dates.

Exploring Future Pathways: Specializations at Language Camps

Foreign students can further explore their interests at American language camps, with popular specializations in:

By learning  specific features of secondary education in the USA, international students can make a more informed decision about studying abroad, and obtaining good prospects for the future.

Senior Schools in the USA

Secondary Education in the USA. Cost and Fees for international students

The tuition fee at the best institutions in the USA depends on various factors, among which are school ranking, academic performance, and historical prestige. On average, the cost of studying varies from $45,000 to $80,000 per year, including the studies, accommodation, and meals.

What is secondary education in the United States?

Secondary education in the United States is the level of education that follows elementary school and precedes higher education. It includes grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, which corresponds to the ages from about 14 to 18. During this period, students prepare for university or college admission and receive further education in a variety of subjects to develop their knowledge and skills.

What is the structure of secondary education in the United States?

The structure of secondary education in the United States includes a diverse curriculum: compulsory and optional subjects. It usually includes subjects such as Maths, English, Natural Sciences, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education. Students can also choose additional subjects and courses based on their interests.

What is GPA (grade point average) and why is it needed?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a student's average grade, which is calculated based on grades earned in all courses. It plays an important role in university and college admissions. GPA helps in evaluating the academic performance of a student. It is usually graded on a scale of 0 to 4, where 4.0 is the highest grade and 0 is the lowest.

What subjects are available in US schools?

The high school provides students with a wide variety of subjects that they can study. These may include different levels of difficulty, arts courses (music, visual arts, theater), physical education classes, and additional interest courses such as IT or STEM, foreign languages, or science studies. Many schools offer Advanced Placement courses that provide college-level workload while still studying at school. 

What are the requirements for high school graduation?

To earn a high school diploma, a student is usually required to complete all credits in the school curriculum. He or she must also comply with the attendance and behavior policies established by the school. Each state may have different requirements for high school graduation.

What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses and why are they needed?

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are advanced courses developed by the College Board that may be offered in high school. They provide students with a higher level of difficulty and allow for college credit if the student successfully passes the appropriate exam. AP courses can increase a student's academic preparation and GPA.

What college preparatory programs are available in high school?

There are several college preparatory programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and Honors courses. IB is an international program that provides more in-depth instruction and prepares students for higher education. Honors courses also provide a higher level of challenge and focus on academic preparation.

Which schools are considered the best schools in the United States?

There are many prestigious private and public schools in the United States, and their rankings can depend on a variety of factors. A school's place on a ranking list can depend on its academic reputation, test scores, athletic performance, and other factors. Some of the most well-known and prestigious US schools include Harvard-Westlake School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Are international student eligible for studying in the USA?

Yes, international students can enroll in U.S. high schools. There are study programs for international students that may include both short-term exchanges and long-term courses in the United States. These often require an F-1 visa and appropriate documentation.

Is it possible to join the school's sports team?

Participation on the school's athletic teams may be available to students who have been selected and meet eligibility requirements. These may include physical fitness, meeting academic standards, and participation in practices and competitions.

What is the SSAT exam?

The SSAT is an exam for admission to high school (Secondary School Admission Test), the most affordable and convenient option for international students, since the rest of the tests, in general, can only be taken in America.

The exam has three levels - simple, intermediate and advanced: they differ in duration, complexity and final score. If the maximum score on the simplest is 4, on the advanced level it is 11. Tthe cost of taking an exam is from $205 to $287.

There are two ways to take the exam:

  • on paper, in specialized test centers, the test is available five times a year (you can find out the address of the nearest center on the official website, there is also a schedule for taking the test),
  • computer testing in test centers. Available to students in grades 5-11.

Senior High School

Children from the age of 14 are enrolled in high school. In the United States, there are mixed schools, junior/senior high schools, where they begin to study from the 6th grade and continue until graduation, and there are separate schools intended only for students in grades 9-12.

High school is the only opportunity to study in public exchange schools, and only for one year. For the right to study in an American school, you will have to pay $5000-12,000.

Here, students are actively prepared for admission to higher educational institutions. Schoolchildren face two tasks:

  • Gain the required number of credits to complete your studies. For six months of study, they give half a credit, for the whole - one, and so on. Requirements may vary by state. Some disciplines, including English, mathematics, history, science and sports, are mandatory, and other courses can be chosen based on your interests or an additional argument for the admissions committee when considering the application.
  • Get additional credits. To do this, you can move to the Honors subject group in high school or complete a program at the AP university level. Excellent academic performance in a specialized discipline will be required: it will not be possible to study law or economics at an advanced level without excellent scores in social sciences last year. The higher the AP, the higher the chances of successful admission.

Senior High School attaches great importance to the assessment of progress. These are tests, scientific projects with laboratory ones, and much more, which together form the final and average score. The latter is the most important criterion for admission to higher educational institutions. For evaluation, percentage or letter systems, five-point, ten-point, as well as models that are multiples of 6, 11 or 12 can be used. Some schools have final exams, but in 8 cases out of 10, it is not necessary to take them, instead it is more important to pay attention to preparing for the SAT/ACT.

High school students can live in boarding or with a host family, they still need a guardian.

The deadlines for enrollment in shs are different from others: documents are accepted until January, and the results of admission are accepted as early as February. However, common sense suggests that with high competition, it is better to start preparing for admission in advance, a year or two before submitting documents. The results of the consideration of applications are reported in March; Most often, they are published on school websites.

When considering an application, pay attention to:

  • Age (from the age of 14 you can live both on campus and with a host family);
  • Academic performance (for enrollment, an average score of at least 3.5 is required (with a four-point system));
  • Language is not lower than B2;
  • Entrance exams: SSAT, ISEE tests, additional exams in specialized subjects.

Transcripts and school reports, motivation and recommendation letters are also required. In some cases, a recommendation from the principal or school mentor, a registration fee is requested.

Disadvantages of the American education system

Foreign students rarely have to deal with the negative features of the education system in a particular country, and if they do, we are talking about quite specific things. We can mention:

  • Pricing policy

Even public and charter schools, free for Americans, are very expensive for foreigners. If we are talking about a private school, the cost soars to 40-70 thousand dollars a year, and this is not the limit. Of course, many schools offer scholarships and support programs, but they rarely cover 100% of the cost. In addition to this, expat training becomes even more expensive due to the need to cover travel costs, accommodation, additional classes, and visa costs. Moreover, life in the United States is not a cheap pleasure.

  • Serious workload

In terms of teaching load, American schoolchildren may well compete with the Chinese and Japanese. In addition to the academic program, there are additional electives. All this requires a colossal motivational "vaccination".

  • Adaptation

In order to fully engage in the educational process, already in secondary school, a teenager has to deal with a workload comparable to that of a university. After the Russian system, it will not be easy to adapt to such a pace, especially when everyone around speaks a foreign language and everything around is unfamiliar and new.

  • Religious component

It's hard to believe, but more than 50% of schools in the United States are religious, usually belonging to the Roman Catholic Church or Protestant denominations (with classes enrolled regardless of denomination). Do not expect that every action will be accompanied by prayer songs: most often education will be secular, and prayers will make the greatest part of some school activities. However, this may be unpleasant or uncomfortable for some.

Secondary education system in the United States: what are the types of schools?

In America, there are public and independent, or private, schools. Over 80% of students attend public schools. They have an important advantage - free of charge (for US citizens; foreigners can study on exchange for up to a year in grades 9-12, but even in this case the study becomes paid).

To send a child to a public school, the family must be a US tax resident, that is, have citizenship or a long-term visa with the right to work. Most often, schools recruit children from areas nearby, but there are free schools where this rule does not apply. The choice of schools in the United States is given great importance; The proximity of a good school often plays an important role when looking for housing. Located nearby, such educational institutions increase the value of both commercial facilities and residential buildings by 20-30%.

Public schools are divided into 3 types:

  • Traditional (the name is conditional);
  • Charter, combining government funding and pilot programs;
  • Magnetic (the closest analogue of Russian special schools with a profile bias).

It is generally accepted that public school in the United States is the lot of the unsuccessful and poor, but this is a misconception; Robert Simon, Fox Meadow or Basis Scottsdale Elementary Schools, Davidson Academy Secondary Schools, Boston Basic Charter School Network, Bergen District Academy or Illinois Academy of Mathematics and Science are able to compete with the best private schools.

Top 10 best private high schools in USA according to Best Colleges

1 The Lawrenceville School
2 Phillips Exeter Academy
3 Lakeside School
4 The Latin School of Chicago
5 Albuquerque Academy
6 Detroit Country Day School
7 Harvard-Westlake School
8 The Harker School
9 The College Preparatory School
10 Polytechnic School

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Advantages Disadvantages
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world Expensive
High quality of education and academic standards Strong workload
Perfect English after graduation The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt
Useful contacts The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist

Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025

1 Cardiff Sixth Form College
2 National Mathematics and Science College
3 Abbey College Cambridge
4 d'Overbroeck's College
5 MPW London
6 CATS Cambridge
7 Kensington Park
8 DLD London
9 King's College St Michael’s
10 Bellerbys Cambridge
11 Chelsea Independent College
12 MPW Cambridge
13 Bellerbys Brighton
14 CATS London
15 St Clare's Oxford
16 Bishopstrow College
17 CATS Canterbury
18 Bellerbys London
19 Ealing Independent College
20 Cambridge Tutors College
21 Abbey Manchester
Reviews/Comments/Questions
Oguntoke Abraham temitope
(20.06.2021)
Hello,we decided that our daughter will receive secondary education in US as international student, kindly help and guide us through,we are patiently waiting to read from you, thanks
Answers:
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SMAPSE
Dear Oguntoke Abraham temitope, Could you please send your request to mail@smapse.com and our experts will guide you with admission process
Jennifer
(17.12.2020)
We decided that our child will receive secondary education in the USA. They did not dare to search for the schools themselves, they turned to the pros. I want to note your managers, they approached this issue very professionally, asked adequate questions, helped with the design and preparation for admission. With your help. the child has entered and is successfully studying at a high school in the United States. Our parental place with your help has come true.
Answers:
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Manager SMAPSE
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We are always happy to help you!
Ethan
(17.12.2020)
It is very difficult to be a parent of a teenager, especially one who does not know what he wants)) Your company helped a lot with the selection of a high school in the USA. We were not just given a list of secondary schools, we were consulted on each, for which we are very grateful. Without you, making the right choice was an unrealistic task. You are great and you are doing a very good job!
Novel
(24.02.2019)
Hello! I am an 8th grade student and I plan to continue my further studies in the USA, can I pay for it myself every month working somewhere?
Answers:
S
Manager Smaps
Roman, while studying at school you will not be able to work. If we are talking about a university, then on a student visa you can work no more than 20 hours a week.
Svetlana
(15.12.2018)
Hello, the child wants to study abroad, are there any schools that will take with the level of English (A2)?
Answers:
S
Manager Smaps
Svetlana, it depends on the age of the child. The older the future student, the higher the requirements for the level of the language. But in any case, you can choose a school that will take the child to the preparatory program before studying. Similar programs are designed for international students to help them achieve the required level of English and understand the British education system.
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Simon Kizhner
Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

Simon is an expert in the field of secondary education. He has been working in Regional Admissions at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School for more than 5 years. He is a Cornell University and SDA Bocconi graduate. Simon believes that studying at an elite, competitive boarding school is a truly unique experience as pupils forge strong ties with peers and teachers. Living in a boarding school, they can focus more attentively on their studies, which will lead to more serious success - and in their future careers as well.

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