Secondary education received in the USA is the key to successful admission to most American universities. If we talk about studying at private schools in the USA, then this is a direct path to top universities. 90% of private school graduates go to the most prestigious universities in the country, including Ivy League universities. In private schools in US, children study in a few classes – 10-15 people each. In such a close environment, the teacher can fully pay sufficient attention to each student. As for the question how many private schools in America, you will be surprised, but their number exceeds 34,000 private schools. So, each student can find appropriate option according to his interest, abilities. Despite the rather large freedom of choice, there are a number of compulsory subjects – mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, computer literacy and English. The student chooses other subjects independently based on the scope of his interests.
Advantages of studying in the best private schools in US
- Private schools educate future leaders, diplomats, and major government figures. A diploma from a prestigious private school in the US opens the doors to the highest circles of American society for its graduates.
- The diploma of a private school in US is recognized by all leading universities in the USA and other countries of the world.
- Children who do not know English very well can study according to the program, which includes the subject “English as a foreign language”. This makes it possible to significantly improve the level of English knowledge in the shortest possible time.
- Traditionally, a lot of attention in private schools in US is paid to physical culture, all students can try themselves in different sports. High results in any sport during the school period give the graduate additional advantages when entering the university.
- Each school offers an extensive cultural program for the entire period of study.
- High academic standards, as education in the USA in a private school are focused on admission to the best universities.
- Qualified teaching staff, small number of students in classes, increased individual attention and the optimal ratio of the number of students per teacher (from 1:4) – the standard for education in the USA.
- Careful selection of students, as schools accept only well-prepared, aspiring to knowledge and able to work on themselves candidates.
- Excellently equipped classrooms and libraries, scientific and computer laboratories, school orchestras and theaters, opportunities for various sports create an ideal atmosphere for the versatile development of personality in education in the USA.
Specifics of studying in private schools in the US
There is no fixed start date for the school year in American schools. The start is at the end of August – beginning of September, and the study ends in May-June, respectively. Winter break, the longest, lasts 2-3 weeks — it captures the Catholic Christmas and New Year. Spring break is timed to Easter and lasts about a week in March or April. The academic year in different schools is divided into 2 semesters, 3 trimesters or 4 quarters. Each segment ends with intermediate tests. All schools in the USA study 5 days a week: from Monday to Friday.
TOP private schools in US – ranking for foreign students
- North Broward Preparatory School
- Phillips Academy Andover
- The Storm King School New York
- Red Bank Catholic High School
- Windermere Preparatory School
- Shattuck St Mary’s School
- Cheshire Academy
- Cate School
- Ross School
- Deerfield Academy.
Private schools in US fees for foreign students
When searching for a suitable educational institution for secondary education, the question also arises about the cost of studying in the United States. A year in an American private school costs on average from 25 to 50 thousand dollars. The best teachers work in such schools, and the infrastructure offers everything for studying and development — from the latest technology to sports fields, laboratories and art studios. In addition to serious academic education, pupils of private schools in the USA are engaged in sports and creativity, devote a lot of time to volunteer projects, educational and entertainment trips are organized for them. In any residence, a whole team of mentors looks after the children, ensuring comfort and safety.
Enrolment requirements for the international students
Every American private school has its own requirements for applicants. Regardless of them, you need to have translations of documents on academic performance, a certain level of English. High school students sometimes take exams in specialized subjects, younger children are interviewed. As a rule, all tests are organized remotely. After them, you need to get a student visa. Preparation for admission to a private school in the USA lasts at least a year. The process includes the selection of a boarding house, the collection and submission of documents, language level improvement, sight-seeing, preparation for departure. Often such a school is a step before entering an American university, and it is better not to delay this stage until high school. It is good if the child has time to get used to the new education system, improve the language and academic knowledge, and then fully prepare for university. To do this, you should start studying in an American private school at the age of 12-13.