High School in the USAfor International Students
International students from 50+ countries study at U.S. high schools every year: on a J-1 exchange visa for a one-year cultural exchange, or an F-1 student visa for multiple years through graduation. This guide covers the visa paths, school types, cost, requirements, and exactly how to apply.
Can international students go to high school in the USA?
Yes. If you're roughly 14–18 years old with solid academics and English, you can study at an American high school. The two routes are the J-1 cultural-exchange visa (one year, public school, volunteer host family) and the F-1 student visa (multiple years, private day or boarding school, through graduation). Xperience Edu handles school matching, the visa process, and host-family or dormitory placement.
Applying from a specific country? We have a dedicated guide for each of 46 countries with local visa wait times and requirements.
The two visa paths: F-1 vs J-1
Your visa decides how long you can stay, where you live, and whether you can earn a diploma.
- Choose your own school (private, public, or boarding)
- Study for multiple years, up to graduation
- Earn an accredited US high school diploma
- You pay tuition to the school
- Host family or on-campus dormitory
- Government-sponsored cultural exchange
- One academic year (or one semester)
- Public high school, tuition-free
- Live with a volunteer host family
- Typically a certificate, not a diploma
Types of US high schools
Public, private day, and boarding each suit a different goal, budget, and length of stay.
Public high school
Free tuition, but international access is limited: on a J-1 exchange visa you attend for up to one academic year; on an F-1 visa a public school is capped at 12 months and you pay tuition. Best for a one-year cultural exchange.
Classic Exchange (J-1)Private day school
F-1 visa, you live with a host family and choose your school. There is no time limit, so you can study for multiple years and graduate with a U.S. diploma. Best for academic goals and university preparation.
Choose Your School (F-1)Boarding school
F-1 visa, you live on campus with tuition, room, and board bundled together. Premium academics, college counseling, and supervised dorm life. Best for a full immersive campus experience through graduation.
Boarding School (F-1)How much does it cost?
A J-1 exchange is the most affordable route; F-1 private day and boarding schools cost more because you pay tuition.
| Program | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Classic Exchange (J-1) | From $12,250/yr |
| Choose Your School (F-1) | $17,500 – $60,000+/yr |
| Boarding School (F-1) | $17,500 – $60,000+/yr |
| Mini High School (Short-Term) | From $8,000 |
Full breakdown: Cost to study high school in the USA · Interactive cost estimator
How to apply & the timeline
Start 4–6 months before your target start date. Here's the path from first inquiry to your first day.
Assess & choose a path
Decide between a one-year J-1 exchange or a multi-year F-1 program, based on your goals and budget.
English test & transcripts
Take an English test (TOEFL Jr, ELTiS, or Duolingo) and gather your academic records. These determine which schools you qualify for.
Apply & get matched
Apply through a Sending Organization; get matched with a school and a host family (or dormitory) that fit you.
Visa & arrival
Receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), attend your consulate interview, then fly out to orientation and your new school.
What you need to qualify
- Age roughly 14–18 (varies by program and grade)
- An English proficiency test (TOEFL Jr, ELTiS, or Duolingo); full fluency is not required to start
- Recent academic transcripts
- Proof of financial support for F-1 (tuition + living costs)
- A valid passport
Studying in the USA: Questions Answered
Can international students attend high school in the USA?
Yes. International students from 50+ countries attend U.S. high schools every year on one of two visas: the J-1 cultural-exchange visa (one year at a public school with a host family) or the F-1 student visa (multiple years at a private day or boarding school, through graduation).
What visa do I need to study high school in the USA?
Either an F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visa. F-1 lets you choose and pay a specific school (private, public, or boarding) for as long as you like, up to graduation. J-1 is a government-sponsored one-year cultural exchange at an assigned public high school, living with a volunteer host family.
How long can I study at a US high school?
On F-1 you can study for multiple years, all the way to graduation, at a private day or boarding school. On F-1 at a public school you are limited to 12 months. On J-1 you attend for one academic year (or one semester) and cannot extend.
Can I earn a US high school diploma as an international student?
Yes, on an F-1 visa, if you enroll at a school that awards diplomas to international students and meet its graduation requirements. Confirm the school allows graduation on your timeline (some require two or more years). J-1 exchange students usually receive a certificate of completion rather than a diploma.
How much does it cost to study high school in the USA?
It ranges from about $12,250 per year for a J-1 exchange (public school + volunteer host family) to $17,500–$60,000+ per year for an F-1 program at a private day or boarding school. Short-term programs start from $8,000.
Do I need to speak fluent English before I arrive?
It depends on the program and school. J-1 exchange programs have stricter English requirements, and so do some F-1 schools. Other F-1 and boarding schools accept students with limited English and provide ESL (English as a Second Language) support to help them catch up. We assess your English level during the application and match you to a program and school that fit.
Can I choose my school and city?
On F-1, yes: you choose your school and therefore your location. On J-1, placement depends on host-family availability, though you can share preferences for region, climate, or activities.
When should I start the application process?
Begin 4–6 months before your intended start date. That leaves time for school placement, host-family or dormitory matching, document preparation, and the consulate interview.
Start Your American High School Journey
Tell us about your student and we'll match you to the right visa path, program, and school, at no cost.