Secondary schools in USA for international students
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By far the best school in Texas, outstanding facilities and accommodationUSAHouston, TexasCurrently watching: 9from 72680.00 $ / year
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94% of graduates successfully enroll universities, including Ivy League universitiesUSAMiami, FloridaCurrently watching: 7from 70500.00 $ / year
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from 29130.00 $ / semesterProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 6 weeks agoAll year round11-14
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Average mark obtained by students who passed the IB: 32.5USAOrlando, FLCurrently watching: 7from 70815.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 1 weeks agoAll year round11-14
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from 75160.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 2 weeks agoAll year round11-15
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from 41900.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 6 weeks agoAll year round11-15
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Leading boarding school right in the heart of ManhattanUSANew YorkCurrently watching: 7from 93000.00 $ / year
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According to information for 2019, an average SAT score made up 1240USAMinneapolis, MinnesotaCurrently watching: 7from 57500.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 4 weeks agoAll year round11-14
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from 85900.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 4 weeks agoAll year round11-14
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According to information for 2019, an average SAT score made up 1210USANew YorkCurrently watching: 10from 61700.00 $ / yearProgram namedateAgeFeesMiddle schoolLast booking 1 weeks agoAll year round13-16
Nowadays, the USA is the most popular country among foreign students wishing to get high-quality education abroad. SMAPSE offers 30 best secondary schools located in America that allow to get contemporary secondary education for international students. Due to the list of TOP-30 US secondary schools, you will definitely find the most appropriate option. Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts, as they are always ready to answer all your questions.
Alternative destinations
What is a high school in the United States?
Middle school in the United States is an educational institution that usually covers grades 6 through 8 or 6 through 9. It depends on the particular state and school district. This period of schooling is intermediate between elementary and high school.
What are the high school entrance requirements in the United States?
High school admission requirements may vary slightly by state and school district. Typically, successful completion of high school is required for admission, but additional documents, including recommendations and test scores, may also be required.
What subjects of study are compulsory in high school?
Compulsory subjects of study in high school include math, English, science (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics), and history. Art (e.g. music or visual arts) and physical education are also usually required.
What is a high school diploma and why do I need one?
A high school diploma is an official document issued to a student upon successful completion of high school. It is not only proof of education, but is also required for admission to a college or university, and often also when looking for a job.
What post-secondary education options are available in the United States?
After high school, students have a number of options. They can enroll in a college or university, attend a technical school (trade school), serve in the military, get training in a profession (e.g., trade school), or start working.
What is a semester schedule and how does it work in educational institutions?
The semester schedule determines when and which courses you will take during the school year. A semester usually lasts about 15 weeks and an academic year consists of two semesters. The semester schedule includes information about class schedules, courses, and deadlines for homework and exams.
What are AP courses and why choose them?
AP (Advanced Placement) courses are more challenging and intensive academic programs designed for students who wish to study certain subjects in greater depth. Completion of AP courses can earn additional college credit as well as provide additional preparation for college.
What are the prospects for international students who wish to study in the United States after high school?
International students who wish to study in the United States may apply for a student visa (F-1) and enroll in U.S. institutions. It is important to consider the English language and student visa requirements.
What international exchange and study abroad opportunities are available to students in high school?
Many high schools in the United States provide international exchange and study abroad programs. Students can participate in exchanges with other countries or study abroad for a period of time.
What are the SAT and ACT, and do I need to take them to get into college?
The SAT and ACT are two well-known standardized tests that may be required for admission to some colleges and universities. Not all schools require them, and many allow you to choose between the SAT and ACT. These tests assess students' abilities in math, reading, and writing.
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 |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2025 Smapse rankings
1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Storm King School New York |
4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
7 | Cheshire Academy |
8 | Cate School |
9 | Ross School |
10 | Deerfield Academy |
11 | The Village School |
12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
13 | Webb Schools |
14 | Kent School USA |
15 | The Winchendon School |
16 | Darlington School |
17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
18 | Grier School |
19 | The MacDuffie School |
20 | CATS Academy Boston |
21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
22 | Milton Academy |
23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
24 | American Hebrew Academy |
25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
28 | Webb Schools |
29 | Kent School USA |
30 | Groton School |
31 | Maine Central Institute |
32 | The Lawrenceville School |
33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 10 best boarding schools in USA according to The Best Schools portal
1 | Phillips Exeter Academy |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Putney School |
4 | Church Farm School |
5 | Episcopal High School |
6 | St. Paul's School |
7 | Asheville School |
8 | Shattuck-St. Mary's School |
9 | St. Andrew's School |
10 | The Thacher School |
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 |