High School in the USA: how to do it?

Advantages Of High School Exchange In The USA

The main advantages of studying High School in the USA are:

• Study in a school of excellence, with credibility in teaching;
• Immerse yourself in American culture;
• Practise English on a daily basis with native citizens of the language;
• Interact with people of different ethnicities;
• Have the possibility of conquering good academic opportunities;
• Experience learnings and discoveries that you will take with you throughout your life.

Types Of High School In The U.S.

There are several types of high school programs in the USA. Check out the main ones below and see which one best fits your needs and goals.

Traditional Public Schools

Traditional public schools are funded by the U.S. government, and their standard curricula are set by the U.S. state where they are located.

The main characteristics of this type of High School are the absence of tuition for residents of the school district and a sense of inclusion.

The education is top-notch and several extracurricular activities are offered for the student to choose from, such as sports and arts, for example.

Private High School

Private schools offer smaller class sizes and, consequently, more attention from teachers.

Generally, they have their own philosophies of education and do not follow standards set by the government.

In private schools it is possible to find equipped laboratories, modern sports facilities and large libraries, that is, more structure, compared to public schools.

All of this requires a larger investment, given that private schools have tuition, regardless of whether you live in the school’s district or if you are an international student.

Boarding School

At the boarding school it is possible to live, full-time, within the campus of one of the schools in the USA. In it, it is possible to live with students of different nationalities and have access to advanced resources, smaller classes and specialized teachers.

However, there is a distinctive feature of the boarding school: on-campus student dormitory life, with extracurricular activities.

This type of high school in the U.S. can be more expensive compared to traditional private schools and public schools. This is because the investment includes accommodation, food, and other student expenses.

Prerequisites For A High School Exchange

There are a number of prerequisites to be met before attending high school in the USA. The basics are:

• Be between 14 and 19 years old;
• Have at least an intermediate level of English;
• Have good grade point averages;
• Not having attended – or being attending – high school;
• Conduct the interview for acceptance into the school;
• Have a study visa.

How Long Does A High School Exchange Last?

It depends on the exchange option you have chosen. It is possible to study for a semester, an academic year, or even a full high school degree in the United States.

Structure Of American High School

High School in the United States is different from High School in Brazil in different points, especially in the duration of studies.

Denomination of Years

Although the total study time in the USA is the same as in Brazil (the student spends 12 years at school), high school in the USA lasts 4 years (in Brazil, 3). This is because the 9th grade in the United States is already considered High School. 

Furthermore, in the USA each year has a name, depending on the student’s age:

• 9th grade (Freshman) – 14 – 15 years old;
• 10th grade (Sophomore) – 15 – 16 years old;
• 11th grade (Junior) – 16 – 17 years old;

Mandatory and optional subjects

Furthermore, in the United States the student must take mandatory subjects, but can also choose optional subjects. In other words: students have the opportunity to create part of their curriculum, according to their tastes and vocational interests, even before entering college. 

Thus, it is possible to choose traditional subjects, such as medicine and engineering, for example, and less conventional subjects, such as arts and astronomy. This way, from an early age, Americans have the opportunity to reflect on how what they are learning can influence their lives. 

Start of the School Year

There are also other differences in relation to high school in Brazil, such as the beginning and end of the school year. In the US, summer vacation starts in mid-May and lasts until July. This means the school year starts in August. 

Test for University

In the last year of high school, the student needs to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), to score for universities, an assessment with several tests, such as ENEM in Brazil.

Encouragement Of Sport

In the U.S., there is still a great incentive to sports. Athletes who stand out have a great chance of getting a scholarship, partial or full, at a university in the country.

What Documents Do I Need To Translate To Attend High School In The USA?

Generally, it is necessary to carry out a certified English translation of your school documents, such as a transcript and enrollment statement.

However, we recommend that you contact the institution you have chosen to attend High School in the USA or the exchange agency you have contracted to confirm all the documents that need translation.