EF Academy Parent's Guide

Parents’ guide: How to choose a private school abroad

Dear parent,

Six reasons why you should consider private school

First, let’s see why you should be considering private schooling for your child. Private schools offer a distinctive educational experience characterized by academic rigor, personalized attention, and a nurturing community.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the United States, approximately 10% of students attend private schools, and these institutions consistently demonstrate higher academic achievement compared to their public counterparts.

If you think the following points are important to you, keep reading for your child’s education:

1

Academic Excellence

In the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as the "Nation's Report Card," private school students outperformed their public school peers in both mathematics and reading proficiency at the fourth and eighth-grade levels.

4

Preparation for College and Beyond

Private schools have a strong track record of preparing students for higher education.

Smaller Class Sizes, Greater Impact

One of the hallmarks of private education is the smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. This intimate setting fosters stronger teacher-student relationships and facilitates tailored instruction.

5

Cultivating Character and Leadership

Private schools place a significant emphasis on character development and leadership skills. A survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that private school students were more likely to participate in community service activities, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility.

3

Diverse Learning Opportunities

Private schools often boast a rich array of extracurricular activities and specialized programs, providing students with a challenging curriculum that prepares them for college and beyond.

6

Global Perspectives

Private schools often prioritize a global perspective, fostering cultural awareness and understanding. Many offer international exchange programs, enabling students to engage with diverse cultures and prepare for an interconnected world.

Private education abroad

Private education has become the gold standard for many families and private institutions. Its focus on teaching students to understand the world around them, consider subjects through a global lens and develop intercultural perspectives is seen by many parents, universities and employers as the best preparation for living and working in today’s society.

Despite building its foundations on the US and UK education systems, international education doesn’t belong to a single country or culture, nor does it have a single defined curriculum. Where international education excels is in delivering prestigious academic programs, creating inclusive and culturally diverse learning environments and advocating for the importance of crosscultural collaboration.

EF Academy International Boarding Schools was founded on the ethos of international education and the aim of creating the most international high school experience for students to study abroad. With campuses in the US and UK and students from over 60 countries, we provide students with a transformative high school education that prepares them for a future that knows no borders.

“Schools are re-evaluating curricula and methods to better prepare students for the demands of a fast-paced, globally interconnected, constantly changing world.”

Dr. Sally Mingarelli

Head of School EF Academy Pasadena

Private education: at home vs abroad

With so many schools to choose from, parents face the decision of either enrolling their children at a local international school or at an international school abroad. Is there a difference?

The rapid growth in international schools in recent years has come not from families moving abroad, but from local families enrolling their children in local international schools. This means that, in practice local international schools are becoming more monocultural and losing the advantages of a private international school.

Therefore, if you truly want your child to experience an international community and be in an academically competitive environment, studying abroad truly outweighs studying in a local school.

The EF Academy Difference

Our Philosophy

A truly global school: classmates from 60+ countries

Personalized education — one size never fits all

Mastery of skills, not memorization of facts

Our Academics

Great teachers who are experts in their field

Real-life learning — way beyond textbooks

Customized counseling: 4,000 universities, but only one you

Our Campus life

Deeply immersive campuses in unbeatable locations

Daily mentorship and 24/7 support

Where you can be you: your home away from home

Eight benefits of a private education abroad

20th January

4:00 - 5:00PM

Studying abroad exposes international high school students to new opportunities that put the global mindset and language skills they learn in class into practice. These experiences don’t just enrich learning, but also better prepare students for life at university.

1

Global competence

It’s no secret that our world is becoming more globalized and interconnected. Studying abroad in high school lets students live this phenomenon by learning from their own personal experiences of moving to a new place and discovering new opportunities. Learning by what is known as experiential learning’ leads to students broadening their horizons and developing the skills to thrive in a globalized world.

3

World-class academics

Qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are widely recognized and respected by leading universities because of the breadth and depth of their curriculum. Obtaining a prestigious high school diploma from an international school can help students realize their potential and open many doors for a student’s future at university and beyond.

2

Experienced guidance and support

International schools attract some of the best educators in the world and often have comprehensive support networks of teachers and staff. When studying abroad, this support is even more essential. At EF Academy, our local Enrollment Advisors give parents a school contact close to home. On campus, our staff are experienced in helping international students find the right academic program for them and providing the support they need to succeed.

4

University preparation

International high schools often hire university advisors to coach students through their university applications, run interview and essay workshops and help students find and apply to their dream universities – be they in their home country or abroad. Particularly in the US, universities look for well-rounded students who demonstrate interests and passions outside of the curriculum.

Confidence, independence, time management and intercultural competency are highly sought after skills by universities –all of which are gained by studying abroad.

5 Language skills

It’s no secret that our world is becoming more globalized and interconnected. Studying abroad in high school lets students live this phenomenon by learning from their own personal experiences of moving to a new place and discovering new opportunities. Learning by what is known as experiential learning’ leads to students broadening their horizons and developing the skills to thrive in a globalized world.

7 Location

A significant draw for private schools abroad is their locations. EF Academy’s campuses are strategically set in Pasadena, New York and Oxford because of the learning and professional opportunities our students can access. As a result, we continuously take learning beyond the classroom to benefit from our proximity to some of the most visited museums in the world, topranking universities and famous historic sites and monuments.

6 Personal growth

Research published in the Harvard Business Review shows that people who experience living abroad develop a clearer sense of self. When a child’s high school years – crucial for academic and personal growth – are spent in an international environment, they discover new things about the world and about themselves. In addition to developing maturity and independence, experiencing life in another place will open your child’s eyes to the endless possibilities available to them after high school.

8 Adaptability

Students who study abroad don’t just endure change; they embrace it. Universities and employers seek to attract young people who can stand up to challenges and think innovatively about solutions to global problems.

International high school programs

The programs most commonly offered at private schools abroad are the US High School Diploma, IB Diploma and A-Levels. Each program has its own strengths and graduation requirements, and it’s important for students to find the one that’s right for them.

Choosing the right program

The reason some of the best private schools offer more than one program is because they recognize that there is no ‘best’ program; it’s about finding the program that best suits each student’s interests and aspirations. Asking the right question is key to determining which program will best help your child reach their goals:

• Does your child aspire to go to university in the United States or the United Kingdom?

• Do they already know which subjects they want to specialize in, or do they want to keep their options open by taking a range of courses?

• Do they work well independently or prefer having guidance from teachers?

Speak to an expert

Our Enrollment Advisors are experts in private international education and helping families navigate the different program options. Book a free consultation to discuss which program is right for your child.

US High School Diploma

Age: 13-19

Program length: 1-5 years

Grade levels: 9-12

Next step: IB Diploma or University

Offered at:

• EF Academy New York

• EF Academy Pasadena

The curriculum

The US High School Diploma follows an American-style curriculum that offers flexibility and breadth of subject options. This American high school qualification opens the doors to universities anywhere in North America and is widely recognized by international universities worldwide.

Students build their own schedule of seven to eight courses from a range of required and elective courses in math, science, humanities, English literature and arts subjects. Courses are available at different difficulty levels, so students can make a selection that match their learning level and interests.

The program begins in Grade 9, but students can join at any grade level. At EF Academy, we prepare our students for university and beyond.

AP courses

Offered at EF Academy New York and Pasadena

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recognized worldwide for their academic rigor and are often a requirement for admission to top universities. They introduce high school students to firstyear college content in a broad array of subjects. High performance on AP exams can frequently earn students college credits and some universities outside of the US require a particular set of AP courses and exams as part of their admission requirements.

The US High School Diploma is for students who

Are interested in studying a wide range of subjects

Are most interested in attending university in the United States

Learn best when they have more flexibility to customize their courses

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Age: 16-19

Program length: 2 years

Grade levels: 11-12

In the US, students generally start their high school in grade 9 and then start their IB Diploma in grade 11

Next step: University

Offered at:

• EF Academy New York

• EF Academy Oxford

The curriculum

The IB Diploma is an internationally recognized qualification that educates students to become global, critical and creative thinkers. It is a holistic, rigorous program respected by the world’s leading universities.

The curriculum includes six subject groups: languages, literature, social studies, science, mathematics and the arts. Students choose one course from each group and study three subjects at higher level and three at standard level. In addition, an independent research project, a Theory of Knowledge course and cocurricular activities challenge students to apply their knowledge beyond their subject courses.

At EF Academy, students studying towards the US High School Diploma have the option of transitioning into the IB Diploma program or adding a selection of IB Courses to their schedules.

The IB iploma is for stu ents who

Are internationally minded and want to study content through a global lens

Want to take courses across a number of subject groups

Learn best when combining in-class lessons with handson opportunities outside of class

A-Level Program

Age: 16-19

Program length: 2 year

Grade level : 11-12

Next tep: Univer ity

Offered at: EF Academy Oxford

The curriculum

A the mo t common high chool qualification in the United Kingdom, A-Level are a popular choice for tudent who wi h to attend univer ity in the UK. The curriculum i ideally uited to prepare tudent for the kind of a ignment and work they can expect at Briti h univer itie .

The A-Level program i al o perfect for tudent who know exactly what they want to tudy and want to take that pa ion to the highe t academic level. Student elect any combination of three or four ubject to tudy over two year . Thi focu on a mall number of ubject allow tudent to obtain in depth knowledge in very pecific area and demon trate trong intere t .

A-Level tudent at EF Academy receive upport to elect cour e that align with the univer ity degree and career they intend to pur ue. Complementing the program with oneto-one academic guidance, co-curricular activitie and univer ity advi ing e ion help en ure our A-Level tudent achieve trong re ult and tand out in their application .

The A-Level Program is for students who

Know what degree or career they want to pur ue Want to focu their attention on only a few cla e

Are intere ted in attending univer ity in the UK

Applying to university with an international diploma

Students and parents aren’t the only ones who recognize the benefits of an international education. Universities are increasingly setting their sights on attracting international students because of their background coming from an innovative education system.

Why universities love international students

Respected qualifications

International high school qualifications such as the IB Diploma have gained a lot of respect from world-leading universities because of their academic content and the vital skills they teach students as they prepare for university. Participation, public speaking and debate are common features of an international high school classroom, and universities love students who are able to form their own opinions and defend them.

Global outlook

Studying abroad during high school is an invaluable opportunity to develop the global mindset that will impress university admissions officers. International students already know how to adapt to new environments, build connections, think independently and be informed by the experiences of others – qualities that will make a student both academically and personally successful.

Commitment

Going to an international high school abroad, especially when far from home or studying in a language that isn’t your mother tongue, is not the easy option. For a high school student to make the commitment to study abroad takes great personal drive and motivation. Students have a demonstrated history of striving to become intelligent, dedicated, global citizens, and of helping the students around them do the same. What better way is there to show a university a student’s commitment to their education?

Campus and Boarding Life

Additionally to the academic programs, you should also be checking what campus and boarding life will entail and how you can tailor it to your child’s needs:

Boarding options: Look into what boarding options the school offers, and see how they match your child’s preferences.

• Do they want to have a room to themselves? Or are they open to having roommates?

• How does support look on campus? Is there a designated team to take care of your child’s well-being, such as house parents, who support them in times of need?

Campus:

As learning takes place also outside of the classroom, it is important to inform yourself of how the campus looks and what it offers to students.

• Does the school have top-notch academic facilities as well as spaces for creativity and collaboration?

• Where is the school located? Does the location provide culture? Is it a safe area where teachers and faculty members can look after them?

Planning your child’s education abroad

Our schools are specialists in helping students find their ideal academic program and creating a customized high school experience that sets them on the path to success. Here’s how you and your child can start planning their private high school journey abroad.

Have a conversation

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an international education abroad involves both you and your child. Find some time to discuss your child’s education with them and imagine what an ideal high school experience looks like – both for you and for them.

Ask the right questions

Is your child happy in their current school? Are you satisfied with the academic opportunities and university preparation their school provides? Now is the time to ask yourself if your child is receiving the best education you can provide.

Do your research

If you are interested in an international education, familiarize yourself with academic programs. If your child aspires to go to university abroad, what kind of education will take them there and make them stand out among other qualified applicants?

Speak to an expert

Our Enrollment Advisors are experts in international education and are always happy to speak to families. Get in touch with us for a free, no-commitment personal consultation to find out more about studying at an international high school abroad and have your questions answered.

Checklist for parents choosing private school

3 campuses, 1 fresh new approach Pasadena

All parents want their children to be happy and successful. That’s what we want at EF Academy too. So we started a new kind of school. It allowed us to take the best of the past and fuse it with the best of the future. Immersive education designed to ignite curiosity, growth and well-being. Here are our EF Academy campuses in Pasadena, California, New York and Oxford.

New York

Oxford