Education is highly valued in the United States, and there are a variety of schooling options available, from primary through to the final years of high school. For expat families, understanding how the school system works can make settling in much easier. Education options range from free public schools to prestigious private academies, homeschooling, and internationally accredited institutions. Families relocating to the US will find a varied system and, at most schools, a strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement. This guide outlines the structure of the American school system, explains how to enrol your child, and explores options for expat families, including public, private, and international schools
Overview of the US school system
The American education system is divided into three main stages: elementary school (called primary school in some countries), middle school (or junior high), and high school. Education is compulsory in all states, usually from age 5 or 6 through 16 or 18, depending on the state.
There is no single national curriculum. Each state sets its own education standards, while individual school districts control budgets, staffing, and curriculum details. This means schools can vary widely in resources and quality even within the same city. This is why it is really important to research schools in advance and potentially only look for accommodation within school districts where you would like to enroll your child.
It can be confusing to understand what ages the school grades correspond to, so here is a general breakdown for those unfamiliar with US principles.
Elementary school:
- Kindergarten: 5–6 years old
- 1st Grade: 6–7 years old
- 2nd Grade: 7–8 years old
- 3rd Grade: 8–9 years old
- 4th Grade: 9–10 years old
- 5th Grade: 10–11 years old
Middle school (sometimes called Junior High):
- 6th Grade: 11–12 years old
- 7th Grade: 12–13 years old
- 8th Grade: 13–14 years old
High school:
- 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
Some districts include Grade 6 in elementary school or start middle school at Grade 5, but the above structure is the national norm. Most students graduate from high school at 17 or 18, earning a diploma that qualifies them for university or further education.
The school year generally runs from August or September to May or June, divided into two semesters with short breaks in winter and spring and a long summer holiday.
Public schools
Public schools are the main component of the US education system and are free to attend for all children living in a school district. They are the most likely option for most Americans, and about 83% of children and teenagers in America attend public school. They are funded through local taxes, state budgets, and federal programs.
Each family is usually assigned a “zoned school” based on their home address. Parents can check district maps to confirm which schools their children are eligible to attend. Some large districts also offer school choice, allowing families to apply for schools outside their zone, though placement is not guaranteed.
Public schools follow state-set curricula that include the core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also take classes in art, physical education, and sometimes foreign languages. Every public school is a little different in terms of its focus, even though the curriculum within a state will follow the same standards.
The quality of public schools varies depending on local funding and demographics. In general, suburban areas tend to have better-resourced schools, while inner-city and rural districts may face larger class sizes or fewer programs. Some public schools offer advanced programs, such as Advanced Placement courses (this is when school students complete college-level courses and exams at high school) and International Baccalaureate tracks, that can prepare students for university-level study.
For expat families, public schools are often the most accessible choice, especially for those staying in the US long term or on local contracts. They also provide valuable opportunities for children to integrate into the local community and improve their English quickly.
Private schools
Private schools operate independently of government funding and charge tuition fees. These schools set their own curricula and teaching methods, often offering smaller class sizes and specialised programs. Most international schools are private schools.
There are many types of private schools in the US:
- Independent schools – run by boards of trustees, not affiliated with any religion.
- Religious schools – connected to faith groups, such as Catholic, Jewish, or Protestant schools.
- Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia schools. These schools are based on specific educational philosophies that emphasise hands-on, creative, and student-led learning.
Private schools typically provide strong extracurricular programs, modern facilities, and high university acceptance rates. Annual tuition can be extremely expensive, ranging from USD 15,000 to over 60,000, depending on the school and its location. Additional costs may include uniforms, meals, transport, and field trips. Admission is selective, often requiring school reports, entrance tests, and interviews. Families are encouraged to begin the process six to twelve months before enrolment.
There can be financial aid available to attend private schools, but generally, the children at these schools come from affluent families and privileged backgrounds. The school culture can reflect this, with an emphasis on academic excellence, competition, and preparation for admission to top universities.
Charter and magnet schools
Charter and magnet schools are publicly funded but operate outside the standard district structure, offering more flexibility in teaching and curriculum.
Charter schools are independent public schools that follow a specific educational vision or model. They often focus on innovation, bilingual programs, or project-based learning.
Magnet schools specialise in areas such as science, performing arts, or international studies. They attract motivated students from across a district and are known for academic rigor and diversity.
Admission is open to all students, but spaces are limited and typically allocated through a randomised lottery system. Families usually need to submit an application by a specific deadline (often several months before the school year starts). If a child isn't selected, they can be placed on a waiting list and may be offered a spot later if openings occur. Magnet school applications may require evidence of excellence or achievement in specific areas before you can be included in the pool from which the lottery is drawn.
Charter and magnet schools are considered controversial by some, as they are seen as diverting funding and resources from traditional public schools.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and has become increasingly popular among American families. There was a marked increase in homeschooling that began during the pandemic. Many families who began homeschooling during school closures decided to continue afterward, and some families lost trust in government-funded education and preferred to go their own way.
Regulations for homeschooling vary by state. Some states require parents to submit lesson plans or standardized test results, while others have very minimal oversight, and families are operating without adhering to any checks and balances. Some expat families choose homeschooling temporarily if relocation happens mid-year or if they live in areas with limited school options.
Homeschooling communities across the US are well established, with local co-ops, online programs, and extracurricular networks that help children socialise and access group learning experiences.
Curriculum and standardized assessment in US schools
Because education is largely decentralised and there are no federal education guidelines, the curriculum differs between states and even between school districts. However, most schools follow a framework inspired by the Common Core State Standards, which outline learning goals for mathematics, science and English language.
Assessment methods are varied and include classroom grades, teacher evaluations, and standardised tests.
High school students preparing for college usually take the SAT or ACT, national entrance exams recognised by most US universities. The grading system typically runs from A (excellent) to F (failing), with GPA (Grade Point Average) scores used to summarise academic performance.
Enrolment for expat families
The enrollment process depends on whether you choose a public or private school. For public schools, parents should contact their local school district office to confirm which school their child is zoned for. Required documents usually include basic information like:
- Passport or birth certificate;
- Proof of residence (such as a lease or utility bill);
- Immunisation and medical records;
- Previous school transcripts or reports.
Many districts offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to support non-native speakers. Children are usually assessed on arrival to determine the appropriate grade and level of language support. For private and international schools, the process involves applications, interviews, and sometimes entrance testing. Many schools accept digital submissions, allowing families to complete registration before moving.
School life and extracurricular activities in the US
American schools place a strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement. Sports, music, theatre, debate, and volunteer work are considered a really important part of education. This focus can be surprising to some expats from nations where schools can be more rooted in academics.
Most schools offer after-school clubs, competitive sports teams, and arts programs. Depending on the region and the school's focus, there can be options for kids to participate in outdoor education programs, theatre and performing arts, ski clubs, and more. Participation in a wide range of activities can also enhance university applications later on, as there is a strong focus on the idea of a “well-rounded” individual.
School meals are usually available in public and private schools, with lunch costing a few dollars per day. Many schools accommodate vegetarian or allergy-friendly options, though preferences can vary by district.
Transportation is often provided through the well-known yellow school buses, though availability depends on distance and local policy. In urban areas, students may walk or use public transport.
Some schools offer school trips and camps. Depending on the school, these can be visits to local state parks and attractions or more ambitious out-of-state or even out-of-country trips, usually with a specific focus relating to a specific subject or language. Students will fundraise for such trips and will usually be assisted by parents.
Special education and language support in US schools
US schools are legally required to provide support for students with learning differences, disabilities, or language needs.
Public schools offer Individualised Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans for children who need special assistance. This can be for dyslexia and other kinds of learning or intellectual and physical disabilities. These plans outline tailored learning goals, classroom accommodations, and access to specialist teachers or therapists.
For children with more severe or complex disabilities, public school districts may provide special education units within the school, assistive technologies, or placement in dedicated schools that can better meet their needs.
For non-English-speaking students, most public schools run English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learner (ELL) programs. Support varies by district but usually includes small-group instruction and language integration within regular classes.
Parental involvement and community in US schools
In the USA, parents are encouraged to be active in their children's education, although this is not compulsory. Most schools have Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) that organise events, fundraisers, and meetings with staff. Parents can join the PTA by attending a meeting or signing up online. There is usually a small annual membership fee.
Schools also welcome volunteers for classroom activities, sports events, and field trips.
For newly arrived expat families, PTAs and parent networks are a good way to meet others, exchange advice, and ease the transition into a new community. Volunteer to go along on a field trip or school camp, you never know who you might meet.
International schools in the US
International schools are an excellent option for expat families who want some continuity with their home-country education system or for their kids to be qualified in a globally recognised curriculum. These schools are usually known for their academic rigour, which they combine with multicultural learning environments and language learning. Most international schools are private, but some can fall under the charter category. These schools offer a variety of curriculum options including:
- International Baccalaureate (IB);
- British Curriculum (IGCSEs and A-Levels);
- French Baccalauréat;
- German Curriculum (Abitur);
- Other national programs – Including Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish schools that follow home-country education standards.
These schools typically have small class sizes, multilingual instruction, and offer direct pathways to universities around the world. Many also run cultural festivals, Model United Nations clubs, and exchange programs.
For private international schools, tuition is expensive and comparable to private schools more generally, sitting between USD 25,000 and 50,000 per year, plus additional fees. Admissions can be competitive, so families should apply well in advance.
Be aware, international schools are much more common in large metropolitan cities like New York, LA, San Francisco and Chicago. Mid-sized cities (for example, Austin, Denver, Seattle, or Miami) may have a handful of international or bilingual schools. Smaller cities and towns are unlikely to have specifically international schools, although they may have private schools with some form of international programming. Check the database of international schools in the US to determine if there are any in the destination you are moving to.
Choosing the right school in the US
When choosing a school in the US, consider:
- The location and commute from home or work.
- Zoning. Is it near your house?
- Curriculum type and academic focus.
- Class size and extracurricular opportunities.
- Availability of language or special needs support.
- Overall school rating and reputation, which can often be checked through state education websites or local parent networks.
Visiting schools in person and meeting staff is highly recommended before making a final decision, as is involving your child in the choice.
Useful links:
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
