The U.S. Schooling Visa (F-1) allows international students to study full-time in private or public high schools, offering world-class education, cultural exposure, and a pathway to top universities. With top schools across states like California, New York, and Massachusetts, students benefit from advanced academics, modern facilities, and safe environments. This guide covers everything parents and students need to know — from school types and admission to visa rules, costs, and future opportunities.
What is USA Schooling Visa (F-1 Visa)?
The F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant student visa issued by the U.S. government for full-time academic study. It is required for international students enrolling in:
- Private elementary or secondary schools
- Boarding schools
- Public high schools (limited to 12 months)
To qualify, students must be:
- Accepted into a SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) school
- Able to prove financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses
- Enrolled full-time in an academic program
Types of Schools in the USA
1. Public Schools
- Funded by state and local governments
- Only grades 9–12 are open to F-1 students
- Maximum stay: 12 months
- Must pay unsubsidized tuition
2. Private Schools
- Independent, tuition-based
- Available for all grade levels (K–12)
- Offer advanced curricula, small class sizes, and college prep programs
3. Boarding Schools
- Include both academic instruction and housing
- Ideal for international students without family in the U.S.
- Offer a structured environment and extracurricular activities
4. Charter and Magnet Schools
- Public schools with specialized curricula
- Limited access for international students
- Case-by-case eligibility depending on the program
Education Levels in U.S. Schools
| Level | Grades | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School | K – 5 | 5 – 10 years |
| Middle School | 6 – 8 | 11 – 13 years |
| High School | 9 – 12 | 14 – 18 years |
- Most international students apply for middle and high school.
- F-1 visa applicants must be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-approved school.
Popular U.S. States for International Schooling
Certain U.S. states are highly sought after for quality education and global exposure. These include:
- California – Tech hubs, top private schools, and diversity
- New York – Elite academic institutions and cultural experiences
- Massachusetts – Known for academic rigor and prep schools
- Florida – Warm climate and well-rated public/private schools
- Texas – Affordable living and growing school networks
U.S. School Intakes
- Fall Intake (Primary): August – September
- Spring Intake: January (limited availability)
- Rolling Admissions: Some private/boarding schools accept applications year-round
Application Timeline Recommendation:
Start preparing and applying 8–12 months before the intended intake.
Top U.S. Schools for International Students
Top Private & Boarding Schools
| School Name | Location | Type | Approx. Tuition | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Exeter Academy | New Hampshire | Boarding | $60,000/year | 9–12 |
| The Harker School | California | Private Day | $55,000/year | K–12 |
| Choate Rosemary Hall | Connecticut | Boarding | $65,000/year | 9–12 |
| Harvard-Westlake School | California | Private Day | $45,000/year | 7–12 |
Public High Schools (F-1 Eligible for 1 Year)
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| School Name | Location | Type | Tuition (Approx.) | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County Public Schools | Virginia | Public | $12,000/year | 9–12 |
| Bellevue School District | Washington | Public | $13,000/year | 9–12 |
| Broward County Schools | Florida | Public | $14,000/year | 9–12 |
Note: F-1 students are not allowed to attend U.S. public schools below grade 9.
Admission Requirements
To apply to a U.S. school, students typically need:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- School transcripts (past 2–3 years)
- English proficiency test (TOEFL Jr., Duolingo, etc.)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or student profile
- Immunization and health records
- Proof of financial support
Tuition Fees in U.S. Schools
| Type of School | Average Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Public High School | $10,000 – $14,000 |
| Private Day School | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| Boarding School | $35,000 – $75,000 |
Tuition varies based on state, grade, and services provided.
Visa Information for Schooling in the U.S.
Steps to Obtain an F-1 Visa:
- Apply and get accepted by a SEVP-certified school
- Receive the Form I-20 from the school
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
- Complete the DS-160 visa application
- Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy
- Attend the interview with all documents
Documents to Carry for Visa Interview:
- Passport
- Form I-20
- Visa application confirmation (DS-160)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial documents
- School acceptance letter
- Academic transcripts
Types of USA Student Visas
| Visa Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 | Academic students in schools or colleges | Most common for K–12 and universities |
| J-1 | Exchange visitor students | High school exchange programs (short-term) |
| M-1 | Vocational training | Technical and non-academic training |
Cost of the USA Schooling Visa
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| SEVIS Fee (I-901) | $350 |
| DS-160 Visa Application Fee | $185 |
| School Application Fee | $50 – $300 |
| Other (translation, courier) | Varies |
Accommodation Options
- Boarding Schools – On-campus living with meals, support, and supervision
- Homestay with Local Families – Cultural immersion in a safe home environment
- Guardian or Relative Stay – Allowed if legal custodianship is established
Note: Independent apartment living is typically not allowed for minors.
Rules for Parents of Minor Children on an F-1 Visa
- Parents are not permitted to stay long-term with their child on an F-1 visa.
- May apply for a B-2 Visitor Visa for short visits (usually up to 6 months).
- Custodian/Guardian arrangements are required for minors under 18.
- Some states may require notarized documents or court orders for guardianship.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
While limited, some schools and programs offer:
-
Merit-based scholarships
-
Need-based financial aid
-
External support from organizations like ASSIST, Davis United World College Scholars, etc.
Note: Boarding schools are more likely to offer scholarships to international students than day schools.
Pathway to Higher Education in the U.S.
Studying at a U.S. high school can lead to seamless entry into American universities:
- Gain a U.S. high school diploma
- Prepare for SAT, ACT, AP courses
- Get recommendation letters from U.S. teachers
- Improve English fluency and cultural understanding
- Build a strong profile for college admission
Many F-1 students continue into undergraduate programs, transferring to a new Form I-20 from the college or university.
Why Choose Schooling Visa?
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Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Schoolingvisa – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.
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Related FAQs
Is health insurance required?
Yes, international students must have valid health insurance to attend schools in the U.S.
Can parents accompany students?
Parents of minor students on an F-1 visa cannot stay long-term. However, they can apply for a B-2 visa for short visits.
What grades are included in U.S. K-12 education?
Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12 (age 17–18).
Can international students attend U.S. public schools?
Yes, but only for up to 12 months and only in grades 9–12. They must pay the full, unsubsidized cost of education.
What is the average tuition for private schools in the USA?
Between $10,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the school and location.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.