High School in the USA: How to Do It

Attending High School in the USA: An Unmatched Experience

Attending High School in the USA is a great opportunity to complete your secondary education in an excellent school, immerse yourself in another culture, and enhance your resume. In this article, we will highlight the main advantages of studying High School in the United States, the prerequisites, the duration of the exchange program, and other important information. Check it out!

Benefits of High School Exchange in the USA

The main benefits of a High School exchange in the USA include:

  • Studying in a reputable and excellent school;
  • Immersing yourself in American culture;
  • Practicing English daily with native speakers;
  • Interacting with people from different ethnicities;
  • Gaining excellent academic opportunities;
  • Experiencing lifelong learning and discoveries.

Types of High Schools in the USA

There are various types of High School programs in the USA. Check out the main ones below and see which fits your needs and goals best.

Traditional Public High Schools in the USA

Traditional public schools are funded by the U.S. government, and their standard curricula are defined by the state they are in. Key features of this type of High School include no tuition fees for district residents and a sense of inclusion. The education level is high, and students can participate in various extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts.

Private High Schools in the USA

Private schools offer smaller classes, resulting in more attention from teachers. Generally, they have their own educational philosophies and do not follow government standards. Private schools often have well-equipped laboratories, modern sports facilities, and large libraries, offering more resources compared to public schools. However, private schools require higher investments since they charge tuition fees regardless of whether you live in the school district or are an international student.

Boarding High Schools in the USA

In a boarding school, you can live full-time on the campus of a U.S. school. You will interact with students from various nationalities and access advanced resources, smaller classes, and specialized teachers. A unique feature of boarding schools is the dormitory life on campus, with extracurricular activities. This type of High School in the USA can be more expensive compared to traditional private and public schools since it includes accommodation, meals, and other student expenses.

Prerequisites for Attending High School in the USA

There are several prerequisites to meet before attending High School in the USA. Basic requirements include:

  • Being between 14 and 19 years old;
  • Having at least an intermediate level of English;
  • Presenting good grades;
  • Not having completed – or currently attending – High School;
  • Passing an interview for school acceptance;
  • Possessing a study visa.

Duration of a High School Exchange in the USA

The duration depends on the chosen exchange option. You can study for a semester, an academic year, or even complete your High School education in the United States. There are options in both public and private schools, all offering high-quality education.

Structure of American High School

High School in the United States differs from Brazilian secondary education in several aspects, mainly in the study duration.

Year Designations in American High Schools

Although the total study time in the USA equals Brazil (12 years), High School in the USA lasts 4 years (compared to 3 in Brazil). This is because the 9th grade in the USA is already considered High School. Additionally, each year in the USA has a designation based 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;
  • 12th grade (Senior) – 17 – 18 years old.

Mandatory and Elective Subjects in American High Schools

In the USA, students must take mandatory subjects but can also choose elective subjects. Thus, students can customize part of their curriculum according to their interests and vocational goals, even before entering college. They can select traditional subjects like medicine and engineering and less conventional ones like arts and astronomy. This allows American students to reflect on how their learning can influence their lives early on.

Start of the Academic Year in American High Schools

There are also differences in the start and end of the academic year compared to Brazil. In the USA, summer vacation begins in mid-May and lasts until July, meaning the academic year starts in August.

University Test for High School Students in the USA

In the last year of High School, students must take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) to score for universities. This assessment includes various exams, similar to the ENEM in Brazil.

Sports Incentive in American High Schools

There is a strong emphasis on sports in the USA. Outstanding athletes have a good chance of earning partial or full scholarships at American universities.

Documents Needing Translation for High School in the USA

Typically, you need certified translations of your school documents, such as transcripts and enrollment declarations, into English. However, we recommend contacting the chosen High School or the hired exchange agency to confirm all required documents for translation.

Certified Translation in English with Yellowling

Yellowling is the best choice for translating documents for your High School program in the USA. We are the largest translation company in Latin America, providing high-quality, fast, and secure document translations. You can request an online quote directly on the Yellowling platform, verifying that the translation process is economical. To do this:

  • Enter your contact information;
  • Specify the source and target languages of the document, as well as the type of translation needed;
  • Upload the documents to be translated, choose the required deadline, and receive the translation cost instantly in less than a minute.

After payment, you can track the status of your translation in real-time. On the scheduled date, you will receive all your translated documents via email, and they will also be available for download on the Yellowling platform. The entire process is practical and hassle-free.

Check out our tips on exploring the United States during your exchange and have a great study experience!

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