[Update 2024] Studying high school in the United States for secondary students

The United States is renowned as one of the world’s leading education systems. In the list of the top 100 schools globally, the U.S. consistently ranks at the top, with 20 to 30 schools among the highest rankings.

Currently, over 80,000 international students are studying at high schools in the U.S. Vietnamese students rank in the top three for the number of high school students in the U.S., with nearly 5,000 students, trailing only China and South Korea.

This number continues to grow steadily each year. In this article, we will cover some essential information for studying high school in the United States.

What types of high schools can international students choose in the U.S.?

High schools in the U.S. are categorized into three main types: Public, Private, and Boarding Schools. Additional variations include single-gender or religious schools, which generally fall under these three groups.

Public Schools
Public high schools are government-funded and managed by local school districts. These schools follow a standardized admissions process for international students within the same district. Tuition fees are generally lower than private schools, making them a cost-effective option.

Private Day Schools
Private schools operate independently of government funding. Students at these schools typically attend during the day and do not live on campus. Tuition for private schools is generally higher than public schools.

Boarding Schools
Boarding schools are private institutions where students both study and reside on campus. These schools, known as Private Boarding Schools, include boarding fees in their tuition, which is why the cost tends to be higher. The quality of education at these schools is often exceptional, reflecting the saying, “you get what you pay for.”

Is IELTS required for high school study in the U.S.?

Similar to other countries, an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is not always mandatory for high school study in the U.S. Many schools offer preparatory programs for international students to improve their English skills and adapt to the local culture before starting the main curriculum.

Even at the college level, some institutions accept students who do not yet meet the English proficiency requirements, allowing them to enroll in full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) courses during their first academic year.

For high school programs in any country, including the U.S., an international IELTS certificate is not mandatory. Instead, students may be required to take an English placement test at their school.

For students with lower English proficiency, pre-sessional English courses are available. Those with intermediate-level English skills can take supplemental English classes alongside their regular coursework without incurring additional costs.

What are the GPA requirements for high school study in the U.S.?

GPA requirements for high school study in the U.S.

The requirements for studying high school in the U.S. vary between schools, but there are some common criteria:

For students applying to public high schools in the U.S.:

• Education Level: Must have completed middle school and be between the ages of 14 and 19 (grades 9 to 12).
• Language Proficiency: A minimum score of 205 on the ELTiS test. Many schools also accept TOEFL or SLEP scores, with a minimum of 45 points.
• GPA: A minimum of 0 (on a 10-point scale).
• Health Status: Must be in good health, free from infectious diseases or severe allergies.

High schools in the U.S.

For students applying to private high schools in the U.S.:

• Education Level: Must have completed middle school and be between the ages of 14 and 19 (grades 9 to 12).
• Language Proficiency: Not mandatory. Students without English proficiency can enroll in pre-sessional English courses or supplemental language classes before starting the main program.
• GPA: A minimum of 0 (on a 10-point scale).

Program Options and Costs:

• 1-Year U.S. Cultural Exchange Program (J1 Visa): Includes tuition and living expenses, costing approximately $10,000–$11,000 per year.
• 1-Year U.S. Cultural Exchange Program (F1 Visa): Includes tuition and living expenses, costing approximately $15,000–$18,000 per year.
• Public School Tuition: $18,000–$22,000 per year.
• Private Day School Tuition: $25,000–$28,000 per year.
• Boarding School Tuition: $35,000–$60,000 per year (includes tuition, room and board, and on-campus living expenses).

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