Frequently asked questions about studying at US boarding and day schools

At what age can a child start school abroad?

Most international pupils join a US campus at 14 – 15 years old (Grade 9). GLOSS, however, can arrange entry from age 7. Junior boarding campuses and host‑family options provide 24‑hour pastoral care, medical staff, and age‑specific ESL support.

Which curriculum will my child follow?

— High school diploma programme – the standard US grades 9‑12, leading to a college‑ready diploma.
— Middle school – Grades 6‑8, a broad curriculum that builds English and study skills.
Within the high school years, pupils design an individual schedule mixing compulsory subjects and electives. Advanced Placement (AP) and honours classes add academic weight for selective university entry.

What English level is required?

Most senior schools ask for B1 (IELTS 4.5 – 5.0). Several GLOSS partner schools accept lower scores if the student enrols in an on‑campus intensive ESL track. According to NAIS Member Data 2023, 62 % of boarding schools now run year‑round language courses that raise pupils by one full CEFR level per term on average.

How long should an international student stay?

To maximise US university admission benefits, we recommend completing the full four‑year high school diploma (Grades 9‑12). Nonetheless, even one or two years in Grade 11–12 significantly bolsters a transcript when compared with many domestic curricula.

Can a non‑US citizen attend a public (state) high school?

Yes. Under the F‑1 visa, international teens may study for up to 12 months at a state school while living with a screened volunteer host family. Costs start at USD 22 500 per academic year, including accommodation and meals.

What does a year in a US school cost?

*Tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, most activities. Through GLOSS partner discounts, some boarding schools drop to USD 29 000.

What makes an American high school stand out?

Academic depth
— Emphasis on critical thinking and research writing.
— AP, IB DP, and dual‑credit courses give pupils university‑level rigour. An A in AP Calculus can lift a GPA to 4.2 on a 4.0 scale, an advantage noted by College Board Trends 2023.

Subject choice
— Large campuses list 150 + electives from robotics to film production, letting teenagers test career interests before university applications.

Cultural diversity
— Boarding schools host students from 50 + nationalities; day campuses in major metros mirror the melting‑pot society of the US.

Extracurricular depth
— On average, boarding pupils spend 18 hours per week in sports, music, debate, or community service (TABS Census, 2024). These activities build leadership evidence for future college essays.

University outcomes
— 94 % of US boarding graduates enter four‑year colleges within 12 months; many secure scholarships thanks to counsellor guidance (NAIS, 2023).

How GLOSS supports your family

Tailored school shortlist – we match academic goals, budget, and pastoral preferences with over 200 vetted campuses.
Testing and interview prep – from Duolingo English Test to SSAT and Zoom admissions calls.
Visa strategy – 100 % success for F‑1 student visas in 2022–24. Parents receive visitor visa advice too.
After‑arrival care – termly progress checks and liaison with dorm staff, ensuring smooth adaptation.

Thinking about an American education for your child? Book a free consultation with GLOSS Education Agency, and let us turn questions into a clear enrolment plan.