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Coming to the U.S. Before College: School Options and Planning

If you’re a middle or high school student eyeing U.S. schools, it helps to understand the options and rules. In the U.S., K–12 education is split between public and private schools, each with different rules for international students.


Public elementary/middle schools (K–8) generally do not allow foreign F-1 students, while public high schools (grades 9–12) can accept F-1 students only for up to one year (and only if the student pays the full, unsubsidized tuition) In contrast, private (including boarding) schools can enroll F-1 students at any grade level for as long as the student is in school.

Crucially, any U.S. school you choose must be SEVP-certified to issue an I-20 form.(the Certificate of Eligibility) Use the DHS “Study in the States” school search to verify certification.


Summary


  • Public vs. Private: F-1 visas cannot be used for U.S. public elementary/middle (K–8) In public high school (grades 9–12), F-1 students may stay up to 12 months only and must pay the full cost of attending. By law this cost cannot be waived. On the other hand, private schools (day or boarding) can enroll F-1 students at any grade with no time limit. If you have a target school in mind, check that it’s SEVP-certified (many schools list this; you can also search it online)

  • Boarding Schools: American boarding schools are private schools that offer dorms. They are popular with international students. Admissions can be competitive, and schools usually require entrance exams (e.g. SSAT or ISEE for academics) and an English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo)You will also need to prepare translated transcripts, teacher recommendations, essays, and possibly interviews. Because of all these steps, start early: many boarding schools have deadlines in January–February for admission the following fall, so begin applications many months (Note that the visa process itself “can take several weeks or even months, so plan accordingly”boardingschoolreview.com.)

  • Admissions Checklist: In summary, when applying to U.S. boarding or private high schools, be ready to:

    • Choose schools: Research schools that fit your interests and budget. Confirm they issue I-20s (SEVP-certified)

    • Tests: Take required exams — SSAT/ISEE for academics and TOEFL/Duolingo for English. Good scores strengthen your application.

    • Documents: Gather and translate transcripts, diplomas, test scores, and letters of recommedation. Prepare any essays or personal statements the school asks for.

    • Deadlines: Check each school’s deadlines (often early in the year). Submitting on time is crucial.

    • Interviews: Some schools interview candidates, in person or online. Practice explaining your study goals and interests.

    • I-20 and SEVIS Fee: Once a school admits you, it will issue Form I-20 (you may need to sign it). Before you apply for the visa, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (about $350) using the SEVIS ID on the I-20.

    • Visa: Most international boarding/high-school students need an F-1 student visa. Since visas can take time, apply several months before school starts.

    • Guardianship: One important note – U.S. law does not give F-2 dependent visas to parents of K-12 students. In other words, your mom/dad can’t come on a student-dependent visa. Plan for a U.S. guardian or host family if you’re under 18. Parents are advised to get involved in planning early and ask plenty of questions of the school’s designated official.


  • Exchange Programs (J-1): If a full boarding or private school path isn’t right, consider a high-school exchange program. Through agencies (Rotary, AFS, EF, CIEE, etc.), you can spend a semester or year at a U.S. school on a J-1 visa, living with a host family (or even at a participating boarding school)j1visa.state.gov. These programs typically last 10–12 months and are meant for cultural exchange (ages ~15–18). Under J-1 rules you pay program fees but don’t directly pay U.S. school tuition, and you must return home after the exchange year. (The U.S. State Dept confirms secondary exchange students “study at an accredited public or private high school and live with an American host family or at an accredited boarding school”j1visa.state.gov.)


With the right preparation – researching schools, meeting deadlines, and understanding visa requirements – studying in the U.S. before college is achievable. Always double-check details with each school and official sources, and consider talking to education advisors or alumni for personal tips. Good planning now will make your U.S. study experience much smoother!


Sources & websites I used to craft this blog:

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