Many parents plan for their children to study in the U.S. starting from high school, but they often wonder about the different types of schools available. This article provides basic information about the common types of high schools in the U.S. to help parents and students who are considering studying in the U.S. get an overview of the high school system and make an informed choice.

Generally, high schools in the U.S. are categorized into different groups based on the following characteristics:

Based on management models

• Public high schools: These schools are funded and controlled by local government authorities.
• Private high schools: These schools are financially and administratively independent, without reliance on government or other management sources.
  Within private high schools, there are three main forms:
  – Boarding: Boarding schools where most students live and study on campus.
  – Day schools: Students only have lunch at school and return home after school hours or after participating in sports activities at school. The school does not arrange accommodation for students.
  – Semi-boarding: Some schools require students to board 7 days a week during the term, while others require boarding 5 days a week from Sunday to Thursday.

Based on educational orientation

• College preparatory schools: These schools aim to prepare students thoroughly for college life. Students will be provided with information about the universities they wish to attend as well as their admission requirements.
• Religious schools: These schools focus on a particular religion or belief. They are subsidized by churches or other religious organizations, so the tuition fees are often lower compared to other schools. The curriculum and policies at these schools are influenced by religion.
• Arts schools: These schools train students to become artists in fields such as music, painting, theater, ballet, etc. Students at these schools are well-prepared to apply to prestigious art schools.
• Military schools: These schools also prepare students for college, but they operate with a discipline and organizational structure similar to that of the military.

Based on gender

• Co-educational schools: Schools that include both male and female students.
• All-boys schools: Schools that only accept male students and predominantly have male teachers.
• All-girls schools: Schools that only accept female students and predominantly have female teachers.

Additionally, there are other types of schools, such as Basic Schools (School of Basing Education/Learning), Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Special Needs Schools, and more.