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:

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Academic Excellence

Smaller Class Sizes,

Diverse Learning

Greater Impact

Opportunities

In the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP),

One of the hallmarks of private

Private schools often boast a rich

commonly known as the

education is the smaller class

array of extracurricular activities

"Nation's Report Card," private

sizes, allowing for more

and specialized programs,

school students outperformed

individualized attention. This

providing students with a

their public school peers in both

intimate setting fosters stronger

challenging curriculum that

mathematics and reading

teacher-student relationships

prepares them for college and

proficiency at the fourth and

and facilitates tailored

beyond.

eighth-grade levels.

instruction.

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Preparation for

Cultivating Character

Global Perspectives

College and Beyond

and Leadership

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

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

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.

commitment to social responsibility.

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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

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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

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elocution Eight benefits of a private

education abroad 20th January

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

4:00 - 5:00PM

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don’t ust enrich learning, but also better prepare students for life at university.

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Global competence

Experienced guidance and support

It’s no secret that our world is becoming

International schools attract some of

more globalized and interconnected.

the best educators in the world and

Studying abroad in high school lets

often have comprehensive support

students live this phenomenon by learning

networks of teachers and staff. When

from their own personal experiences of

studying abroad, this support is even more

moving to a new place and discovering

essential. At EF Academy, our local

new opportunities. Learning by what is

Enrollment Advisors give parents a school

known as experiential learning’ leads to

contact close to home. On campus, our

students broadening their horizons and

staff are experienced in helping

developing the skills to thrive in

international students find the right

a globalized world.

academic program for them and providing the support they need to succeed.

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World-class academics

University preparation

Qualifications such as the International

International high schools often hire

Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are widely

university advisors to coach students

recognized and respected by leading

through their university applications,

universities because of the breadth and

run interview and essay workshops

depth of their curriculum. Obtaining

and help students find and apply to

a prestigious high school diploma

their dream universities – be they

from an international school can help

in their home country or abroad.

students realize their potential and open

Particularly in the US, universities

many doors for a student’s future at

look for well-rounded students

university and beyond.

who demonstrate interests and

passions outside of the curriculum.

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

5Language 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.

7Location 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.

6Personal 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.

8Adaptability

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.

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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.

Book a free consultation

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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

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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 diploma is for

students 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

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A-Level Program Age: 16-19

Program length: 2 years

Grade levels: 11-12

Next step: University

Offered at: EF Academy Oxford

The curriculum

As the most common high school qualification in the United Kingdom, A-Levels are a popular choice for students who wish to attend university in the UK. The curriculum is ideally suited to prepare students for the kinds of assignments and works they can expect at British universities.

The A-Level program is also perfect for students who know exactly what they want to study and want to take that passion to the highest academic level. Students select any combination of three or four subjects to study over two years. This focus on a small number of subjects allows students to obtain in depth knowledge in very specific areas and demonstrate strong interests.

A-Level students at EF Academy receive support to select courses that align with the university degree and career they intend to pursue. Complementing the program with oneto-one academic guidance, co-curricular activities and university advising sessions help ensure our A-Level students achieve strong results and stand out in their applications.

The A-Level Program

is for students who Know what degree or career they want to pursue Want to focus their attention on only a few classes Are interested in attending university in the UK

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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?

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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?

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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

Do your research

Ask the right questions

Speak to an expert

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.

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.

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?

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.

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Checklist for parents choosing private school

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3 campuses, 1 fresh new approach 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.

Pasadena

New York

Oxford

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Want to learn more about

EF Academy?

Talk to our Enrollment Advisors

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