In a message for International Children’s Day, the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said, “The one thing all children have in common is their rights. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and to be heard.”
Indeed, every child has the right to be educated. They deserve access to a good education, which allows them to utilise growth-sparking knowledge, apply it in the world and evolve into leaders of tomorrow. Without a quality education, none of these would be possible.
The US education system remains as competitive as it’s always been, offering academic excellence to students from all backgrounds. According to US News, international students who attended a US high school were given the opportunity to practise their English and adjust to the American education system. The exposure leads to an easy transition into top colleges and universities — many of which are located in the US as well.
Thankfully, more schools in the US are holding their doors open to those looking to become college-ready. For optimum preparedness, they are offering both engaging academics and enriching opportunities beyond the classroom. These schools are prime examples.
Fairmont Private School
Fairmont Schools is a place of possibilities, where international students can learn without limits. Its comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, coupled with instruction from world-class teachers, allows students to pursue a course of study which is tailored to each student’s unique educational goals and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. An International Baccalaureate World School, it is one of only 19 US institutions to offer the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes – IB Primary Years, IB Middle Years, and IB Diploma.
Located in Southern California, Fairmont is Orange County’s oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool-12th grade private school. It has actively welcomed international students to its campuses for nearly two decades, making its programme one of the longest-standing and most established in California.
Fairmont blends time-tested fundamentals with cutting-edge approaches to catapult students through school and into life. Teachers to meet students where they are, providing personalised attention and instruction to help them succeed. Most students work at least one full year above their grade level.
Elementary and Middle School students follow well-rounded progressions and benefit from a variety of enrichment resources to develop their intellect. As they advance in grade level, they are introduced to computer science, robotics, debate, visual and performing arts, physical education, and student government. From fourth grade, they can join competitive sports. Elite athletes will be part of its prestigious Athletic Academy.
High school students can take part in premier advanced programmes in International Business, Advanced Science and Engineering, Robotics, and Advanced Mathematics, All standard college prep curriculum is approved by the University of California (UC). A low student to counselor ratio (77:1 vs. 760:1 California average) ensures personalised support throughout their entire high school experience. Fairmont graduates are always accepted to the nation’s top 100 colleges and universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Rice, Cal Berkeley, and USC.
Here, students feel safe and cared for in their inclusive and welcoming “home away from home.” An abundance of markets and cultural centres provide a sense of community and familiarity. Choose Fairmont today to give your child the educational experience of a lifetime.
Concord Academy
Scholars with creative and wide-ranging aspirations in mind will settle in nicely at Concord Academy –– an independent, co-educational boarding and day school in Concord, Massachusetts. A total of 400 students in grades nine through 12 are already here and enjoying a curriculum as wide as can be.
Over 200 academic courses are available to satisfy all kinds of curiosity. For schools of this size, a curriculum this broad is a rarity. Here, each student is paired with an advisor –– a faculty member or administrator who is equal parts mentor and advocate to help them unlock their potential. To parents, they serve as vital links between home and school.
At Concord Academy, intellectual possibilities are endless. Students pursue their passions through semester-based electives –– whether it be learning topics in engineering such as computer-aided design and manufacturing or directing a theatre mainstage production. They often spend their time nurturing their creative and extracurricular talents as well. While participating in a rigorous academic programme, many are still incredibly active in the arts, athletics, and various clubs or organisations.
Concord Academy’s location makes it the perfect setting for further self-discovery. Concord, Massachusetts is a safe and small New England town that is a tourist destination and historic treasure. The beautiful campus is also just 30 minutes away from the bustling city of Boston, where countless world-class colleges and universities are based.
Lake Forest Academy
Just 30 miles north of Chicago is the beautiful Lake Forest Academy (LFA). A boarding school for children in grades nine through 12, LFA guides young adults through a well-rounded, student-centric education that extends beyond the classroom curriculum, centering around rigorous academics, a global outlook and Midwestern values.
LFA’s curriculum is individualised, tailored to each of its students to create a safe, challenging and inspiring learning experience. LFA believes that students own their education. As such, each is given a multitude of choices, from classrooms to sporting spaces, co-curricular lineups and more. As students progress, they broaden their horizons with lessons in Biochemistry Research, Web Development, and Human Rights while completing a four-year programme designed to prepare them for college and beyond.
The school wishes for its students to leave the campus as inspired, global citizens who will delve into an area of study and flourish. This is done by cultivating a deeper sense of global awareness and understanding. Students are always encouraged to explore beyond campus — be it virtually, physically or philosophically.
Artistic aspirants have a place here too thanks to an Arts Concentration in Music, Theatre or Visual Arts. They master their craft through after-school lessons, programmes, and practice time — all of which are in-depth, and often delivered through one-to-one instruction.
Orme School
Orme School is a unique, college-preparatory, co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades eight through 12. Set on a 300-acre campus with a grand landscape and grander vistas, Orme offers both stellar views and a rigorous curriculum to guide learners through a scenic and memorable journey to academic success.
Becoming a Orme student means joining its close-knit community. On and off-campus, life is here is fun, filled with traditions, and packed with excitement thanks to a kinship of learners, coaches, educators, and administrators.
Life in the classroom is intimate with an average class size of just eight students. Every learner is encouraged to schedule one-on-one meetings with their teachers after class as well if they are in need of additional support.
Alongside experts, they take on a robust academic programme designed to prime them for college life and beyond. Courses include AP English, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP
History. There’s even a Science Department with modern laboratory facilities for lessons in environmental science, biology, chemistry and AP Physics.
That’s not all. At Orme, students take on skilled instruction in fine arts and music as well. The school’s location in the beautiful Southwest makes this possible — a destination international artists flock to for inspiration. This makes art part of the Orme experience and a dynamic destination for students to showcase their talents.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International