Owing to that, the no. of international high school students tripled between 2004 and 2016, now totaling nearly 82,000. Moreover, colleges host more than a million international learners each year.
So, if you’re planning to study in the U.S. or helping a student make this important decision, this guide will help you make the best choice, while also answering your critical questions for better clarification.

Why Choosing the Right High School is Crucial for Students' Academic and Personal Growth?

The school you choose for your high school education leaves an indelible mark on your personal and academic life. Here’s a few things that you shouldn’t miss -:

1. Academic Fit

The right high school offers a solid curriculum to learn and gain valuable knowledge and experience that aligns with your future goals and interests. Typically, it gives the necessary academic support, from advanced classes to tutoring services so you can successfully enroll in a prestigious university later on.

2. Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities

Beyond Academics, it’s equally important for a student to participate and excel in extracurricular activities. In fact, most prestigious universities often ask for proof of work done beyond school.
For instance, if you want to navigate through high school placement, invest yourself in internships, participate in clubs, or network with professionals to gain valuable experience.

3. Wellbeing Initiatives

Apart from extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives are often overlooked. However, the main thing is teenagers need to feel safe when they go to high school, not only physically but mentally as well.
For instance, research done by the University of the People shows that “More than one out of five students report being bullied in their life”.
So, the environment of high school is equally important for teenagers where students are being stressed up or bullied, but getting involved in decision making, planning team building activities.
It should give equal opportunity to every student to keep up their mind without being judgemental. Yes, it makes a difference.

4. Social Environment

According to research , friendships can positively impact students' academic performance and grade point average (GPA). Because it provides thorough emotional support and reduces stress, leading to improved focus and better concentration on studies.
Thus, having a supportive and inclusive school fosters healthy social interaction. This promotes students to extend their networks and become more vocal.
While the list presented takes into account the aspects that we consider important, there are also some other things that might affect your decision-making process.

Different Types of High Schools To Consider

Type of School	Funding	Tuition Costs	Curriculum	Admission Criteria	Class Size	Specialization	Pros	Cons
Public Schools	Government-funded (state, local taxes)	Free for residents	Standardized, follows state guidelines	Open to all students in the district	Typically larger classes	General education with a wide range of subjects	Accessible, diverse, community-oriented	Quality varies by district; can be overcrowded
Private Schools	Funded through tuition, donations, endowments	High tuition (varies widely)	More flexibility in curriculum choices	Selective, often based on testing and interviews	Typically smaller classes	May offer specialized programs (e.g., religious, arts)	Smaller class sizes, personalized attention	Expensive, less diversity in the student population
Charter Schools	Operated by independent organizations separate from the local school board	Free (some may charge minimal fees)	Innovative, varies by school	Lottery-based applications can be competitive	Varies, often smaller than public schools	Often focused on specific educational approaches	Don’t have to follow all the rules that traditional public schools follow	Resources can be limited, and quality varies
Magnet Schools	Public schools operated by school districts or a group of districts	Free for residents	Specialized curriculum (e.g., STEM, arts)	Selective, based on application and sometimes testing	Varies, typically smaller	Focus on specific themes or areas of study	Offers special education services and has specialists in the school	Waiting lists may be long because of high demand and limited enrollment

How Do I Choose A High School In The US?

Choosing the right high school in the U.S. can be quite overwhelming. However, focus on these few key factors to make a well-informed decision-:

• Identify your priorities and consider the type of academic programs a school offers.
• Calculate & determine how much money to spend on high school.
• Check if it offers any financial aid or scholarships to help offset the cost.
• Consider location preference for an easy commute, school size, culture, and environment.
• Determine if you’re looking for public or private, magnet or charter school.
• Check if a school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, or other specialized tracks.
• Never miss on school ratings. Visit schools & speak with school counselors or educational consultants.

What Are The Stages Of High School In The US?

There are 4 main stages of high school in the U.S.:

1. Freshman Year (9th Grade)

Age Range: Typically 14-15 years old
Focus: Explore new things & participate in extracurricular activities

2. Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

Age Range: Typically 15-16 years old
Focus: Think seriously about the future and possibly plan to take the SAT or ACT PSAT for college entrance exams.

3. Junior Year (11th Grade)

Age Range: Typically 16-17 years old
Focus: Take advanced courses like IB or AP, explore colleges and career options, and prepare for the SAT or ACT.

4. Senior Year (12th Grade)

Age Range: Typically 17-18 years old
Focus: Apply for colleges and finalize post-graduation plans

How does the American school system work?

Category	Description
Levels of Education	Primary education (4 - 10 Years) Secondary education (11 - 14 Years) High Secondary Education (15 - 18 Years) Graduation & Post-Graduation/Masters (18+ years & 22+ years)
Types of Schools	Public Schools: Government-funded, free. Private Schools: Tuition-based, flexible curricula. Charter Schools: Publicly funded, independently run.
Types of Accreditation in the US System	Magnet Schools: Public schools with specialized programs. School-Level Accreditation Post-secondary Accreditation Federal Recognition & Approval Diploma Mills & Fraud
Grading System	Letter Grades: A-F. GPA: Scale of 0-4.0. A -> the highest grade -> worth 4.0 points F -> the lowest passing grade -> worth 0.0 points. B, C, and D grades fall in between and are worth 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0 points
Extracurricular Activities	Usually carried out after school hours. Include - Arts clubs, Sports, and theatres

The Final Words

It’s a wrap!
Now that you’ve clearly understood the types, stages, and levels of high school in the US, you’re better informed than most.
Whether you’re selecting any public, private, magnet, or charter high school, ensure it aligns with your personal development and career goals.
However, if you need any professional assistance to support your long-term success and well-being, book us an appointment today!
Talk to our experts at ERES and we’re all here to help, anytime!