Education and Schools in the USA

In the US, children typically enter Kindergarten at the age of five, although compulsory education ages vary by state, ranging from five to eight years old. Most children attend Preschool from the age of three or four. While Kindergarten falls under the public education system and is therefore free, preschools are run privately, and parents will be expected to pay fees.

The schooling system varies quite considerably from state to state in the US. One common structure divides education into three levels: Elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle school (Grade 6 to Grade 8), and High school (Grade 9 to Grade 12), although many districts use different grade configurations.

In most states, it’s compulsory for children to attend school until at least the age of 16, but children will usually continue their education until they graduate. In other states, schooling is mandatory until the end of high school.

Public schools in the USA

Expat students are generally eligible to attend a public school in their local area, although eligibility depends on visa status. Children of work visa holders and residents can attend free of charge, while those on student visas typically must pay tuition at public secondary schools. The registration process is straightforward.

As public schools in the US are largely funded by property taxes, wealthier suburbs tend to be home to better-equipped schools with superior facilities. Public education is free, but families need to budget for school supplies and extracurricular activities and sports. 

While the standard of public education in the States varies dramatically, there are several advantages for parents who opt to utilise this system. Costs are minimal and well below those of a private or international school education. As school placement is determined by geographical location, the public school system allows children to attend a school close to home, meaning they tend to have more interaction with local children in the neighbourhood.

For expats planning on relocating to the US long term, having their children attend a public school is likely to allow them to mix with a wider, more varied and representative sample of American children.

Charter schools

Charter schools are public schools that operate on a performance-based contract with the local school district. They have more flexibility and are beholden to fewer rules and regulations from the state. This enables them to provide a more individualised education.

Charter schools in the US are a popular option, and waiting lists can often be lengthy. Many charter schools operate admission lotteries to ensure that the allocation of resources is fair.

Magnet schools

Magnet schools are free public elementary and secondary schools that focus on a particular area of the curriculum, such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Performing Arts, International Studies or World Languages. These schools do, however, still cover all subject areas.

Many magnet schools in the US use lottery-based admission without entrance criteria, although some may have minimum eligibility requirements based on grades or attendance. Arts and performance-based magnet schools typically require auditions or demonstrations of ability.

Useful links

• US Department of Education
• NCES School Search
• National Association of Charter School Authorizers
• Magnet Schools of America

Private schools in the USA

Generally, the standard of education in American private schools is considered to be better than that of public schools, thanks to their smaller class sizes and specialised programmes. Private schools in the US needn’t conform to government educational directives, and therefore, teachers have more flexibility and opportunity to customise the curriculum and implement a variety of teaching styles.

Because of the higher fees charged by private schools, these institutions often afford greater extracurricular opportunities to their students. That said, public schools are typically better equipped for special educational needs, as they’re legally required to provide comprehensive support services under federal law.

Unlike public schools, securing a place at a private school in the US is not determined by geographical location. Children from outside the local area may be granted a place at the school. Some private schools offer boarding facilities, although most operate as day schools.

If you’re hoping to send your child to one of the more popular US private schools, be aware that competition for places can be stiff. The application process typically includes essays, interviews, admission assessments, and recommendations, with deadlines often falling between mid-January and early February.

Many private schools in the US are religious institutions, with Catholic schools being particularly common. Religious schools typically charge substantially lower fees than nonsectarian private schools – often less than half the cost. Parish or diocese members may receive additional discounts, although many religious schools welcome students from other faiths or no faith background.

Useful links

• National Association of Independent Schools
• Council for American Private Education
• Private School Review
• NCES Private School Search

International schools in the USA

Many expats who only plan to stay in the US for a few years opt to send their children to international schools. These schools follow a foreign curriculum, allowing for a smoother transition into life in America. International schools can be found in all of the USA’s major cities.

International schools in the US typically offer curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British curriculum, or American programmes designed for international students. The choice of curriculum often depends on your home country and where you plan to relocate after your US assignment.

If you’re hoping to send your child to an international school, be aware that the most highly acclaimed schools have long waiting lists, so applications should be made well in advance – ideally a year or more before your intended start date. Fees at international schools can be extremely high, so we advise you to check costs and ensure your budget can accommodate this expense before committing.

International Schools in New York City 
International Schools in Washington, DC
International Schools in Los Angeles

Useful links

• International Schools Database
• IB World Schools

Homeschooling in the USA

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the US. Parents who choose homeschooling for their children often do so because of the flexibility it offers. Families value the ability to customise learning to suit individual needs, adjust schedules for travel or health considerations, and provide more personalised attention than traditional schools might offer.

Homeschooling regulations vary dramatically from state to state. Some states just need you to notify them, and others mandate standardised testing, portfolio reviews, or specific teacher qualifications for parents. Research your state’s requirements carefully. Some homeschool parents choose to teach their children themselves, hire a private tutor, join a homeschool co-op with other families, or utilise online curriculum programmes, or some combination of these approaches.

Special educational needs in the USA

America’s education system has robust federal protections in place for students with learning and developmental disabilities, although the quality of services can vary significantly by state and district. There are multiple federal laws in place to ensure that children with disabilities have fair access to quality education at no cost, regardless of state.

The two primary federal protections are IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which mandates free appropriate public education and related services for eligible students, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which provides accommodations for students with disabilities. Schools work with families to develop an IEP (Individualized Education Program) outlining specific goals, services, and accommodations.

Public schools are legally required to provide comprehensive special education services and develop IEPs for eligible students. Private schools have more limited obligations and may not have the resources to support all types of learning difficulties, although some specialise in serving students with specific needs. In cases where a person’s disability is too severe for them to benefit from mainstream education, there are special education facilities that are able to offer students a special-needs programme tailored to meet their specific requirements.

Useful links

• US Department of Education IDEA
• Understood.org
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
• Section 504 Information

Tutors in the USA

Whether a child has fallen behind in maths class or needs additional support to excel in their college entrance exams, there are plenty of private tutors in most American cities. Math, reading, and test preparation are the most commonly requested subjects.

It’s wise to start by asking the child’s school or other families in the area for a recommendation. Many schools maintain lists of registered tutors. Alternatively, you could use the services of established tutoring companies or online platforms that connect families with vetted tutors. These companies offer an array of packages, from subject-specific intensive programmes to one-on-one home tuition and small group sessions.

Enlisting the services of a private tutor is an excellent opportunity for students to address any gaps in their knowledge, excel at a certain subject, or simply build confidence in their new environment.

Useful links

• Wyzant
• Tutor.com
• Sylvan Learning
• National Tutoring Association