High School Exchange in the USA - Public Preferred
Public Preferred USA: State School, where you wish to be
Why choose Public Preferred?
If you want more choice about the state school that you attend and where you will live in the USA, then the Public Preferred program is for you. This program gives you the chance to choose the school district or school that will meet your needs both educationally and personally. Whatever it is that you want from the school experience, we have the school / school district that will fit your needs. N.B Students cannot choose a specific school within a District.
This program is only possible for one year. However, you could spend one year in a public school and then move to a private school. A small number of schools will allow students to graduate in one year, but this is based on your academic record prior to arriving in the USA. Students must expect to work very hard in their exchange year in order to achieve the credits that they need to receive their High School Diploma if they hope to graduate in a year.
The Public Preferred program is more expensive than our classic exchange program because fees are paid to the school for your enrolment and the host family is also paid to ensure that we can find a family in your chosen district. Our partner works with 65 different school districts across the USA, so ask us if you don’t see a school listed below that meets your preferences.
Benefits of the Public Preferred program:
- Choice! You not only choose a school district based on your personal preferences.
- A list of school districts is provided based on your requirements and needs.
- Rolling admission – enrolments accepted until July each year for August arrival.
- Students with allergies to household pets and special dietary needs can be considered.
- Graduation is possible at some schools in one year.
- Single placement and/or single room option is available with additional fee.
- Can be placed with natural family living in the USA.
Below are some examples of the public school districts that we offer. If you would like to see a full list then please contact the office.
Please note that host family placements are generally double placements on this program. This means you would be placed in a home with another (non-British) exchange student. It is also likely that you will share a room. If you prefer to have a single room or a single placement, you can choose to pay an additional fee to guarantee these options.
Please note that the preferred programme prices are subject to change.
Want choice at a lower fee?
We can now offer multiple different options to attend a Public or Private school in the USA at a lower cost, with some choice available. Each one of our programs offer different choices for you to make.
Check out our other programs and decide which one is best suited for you!
Public Preferred fees 2024 – 2025 || 10 months from £20,525 || 5 months from £14,795 || 10-12 weeks from £13,195 || Single Placement optional fee £5,100 (10 months) || Single Room optional fee £3,650 (10 months)
Mesa Public Schools, Phoenix
Mesa is located on the northeastern side of Phoenix, Arizona, and is perfect if you are looking for an experience in a larger city rather than a smaller town. Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district with high academic expectations. This is the fourth largest school district in the state of Arizona, offering several advanced placement and honors courses as well as many elective classes. Beautiful outdoor attractions like Sedona and the Grand Canyon are just a few hours away from the Phoenix Area. This school district also offers graduation for international students.
El Camino Real Charter School, Woodland Hills
El Camino is one of our most popular school districts, located just outside Los Angeles. In 2009, El Camino was named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. This Charter School has a lot to offer students in terms of academics with a wide array of course offerings, including over 20 Advanced Placement and several other Honors classes. There are many clubs/after-school activities for you to join and the school is especially known for its Drama society. El Camino allows its students to join outstanding Art & Design, Careers in Entertainment, STEM, and Visual & Performing Arts academies. The Charter High School also has fantastic athletic programs that has gained several awards and recognition.
Torrance Unified District, Torrance
With beautiful campuses, a rich history, and recognisable architecture that has been featured on multiple American TV shows, TUSD is a fantastic district to attend for an exchange program and one of the best that we offer in our network. The district has a strong curriculum, with a variety of AP and Honors classes for students to take if they are looking for an academic challenge. Additionally, the school has many clubs, activities, and arts programs. The District is nestled in the heart of the South Bay, in the south-western part of Los Angeles County. Torrance is also less than 2 miles from the beach and very close to LA.
Chino Valley Unified District, Chino
Chino Unified School District has received state and national recognition for its educational program’s quality. The schools in this district have thriving performing arts & athletic programs. Their basketball program led the Huskies a national title in 2015-16, with an exciting brand of basketball that produced a state-record tying 18 100-point games. The district is home to nationally recognized marching bands and offers students a wide range of electives. Chino is an excellent destination for those who love the arts and culture, as well as for those most comfortable in wide-open spaces. Chino is a community rich in tradition, culture, and diversity. With a quaint
hometown charm, Chino’s landscape presents beautiful neighborhoods. Chino was awarded the prestigious “100 Best Communities for Youth” twice, making it the ideal place for young exchange students. F-1 Students can only tryout for JV Sports.
Indian River Charter High School, Vero Beach
Indian River is a very strong academic school with a fantastic art program. This is always the first school our team recommends to students interested in theater, drama, and arts. Indian River is the Highest f high school on the Treasure Coast, recognized as an “A” US public charter school and as a “School of Excellence” by the Florida Department of Education. Its outstanding VAPA Program incorporates theater, orchestra, musical theater, dance, and the visual arts. Although the school does not have athletic facilities on campus, students can go to other local schools if they want to play sports. Indian River offers an unmatched Golf Program, giving students access to a nine-acre practice facility, including a unique short game area, putting greens, bunkers, and expansive grass teeing areas. The Program offers Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced courses. This Charter High School is located close to Florida’s beautiful coastline with world-famous beaches, known to be a haven for golf and water sports. Spring semester students cannot earn a diploma, but they are able to participate in the graduation ceremony at Indian River. Please note that in Florida, only Full-year students can play sports.
Heritage High School, Vieira
Brevard County School District, of which Heritage High School is a part, is ranked the 10th best district in the state of Florida overall, as well as the 9th best district for student-athletes. This school offers outstanding STEM and arts programs complementing a great curriculum with a myriad of dual-enrollment classes, Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and many career-centered opportunities. Its beautiful 65-acre campus includes state-of-the-art athletic facilities (fields, track, and courts), classrooms with the latest technologies, as well as spaces for students to pursue artistic interests and other extracurricular activities. Located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Palm Bay, Florida, is a beautiful town with various businesses, venues, and outdoor activities. This area sits by several beaches, canals, and parks. Fishing, surfing, boating, rollerbla fding, and spending time along the coast is deal in the warm Florida climate. Orlando, home to Disney World, is only an hour’s drive away! In the State of Florida only Full-year students can play sports.
Bonneville Joint School District, Idaho Falls
Bonneville is another of our popular districts due to its excellent price point. Idaho Falls is a smaller city surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. Bonneville High School itself has seen many international students pass through its halls in recent years, and students have always had amazing exchange years here. Many eager host families in the area also result in quick placements for applying students. The District is the fifth largest in Idaho, providing students the finest educational opportunities and being a leader of innovation in the classroom. Students can only play Junior Varsity Sports (Grades 9-10). 12 WEEK ENROLMENTS ALSO ACCEPTED IN AUG, NOV AND MARCH.
Central Regional High School, Bayville
Located on a 98-acre campus centrally located between Philadelphia and New York City on the beautiful New Jersey Shore, Central Regional High School is one of the best public high schools in the state of New Jersey. In the past, they have welcomed many foreign exchange students. With courses in Creative Writing, Journalism, Music Theory, and Studio Art, Central Regional offers art students the opportunity to pursue their interests in a fantastic educational environment. The high school provides a total of 39 Honors and Advanced Placement courses to prepare students for the academic challenges of higher education. The large campus also houses athletic facilities for the many teams that foreign exchange students can try out for.
Queensbury High School, Queensbury
Queensbury High School is one of our newest additions and one of the top-ranked schools in New York State. QHS has a very diverse curriculum with lots to offer in terms of art, from fashion and interior design to metalworking, sculpture, and visual media. The district offers more than 25 sports across three seasons and excellent athletics programs. Queensbury High School is located in a vibrant and picturesque small town outside Lake George in upstate New York. Located at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Warren County, Queensbury offers a remarkable amount of recreation opportunities, such as amusement parks, golf courses, downhill, and cross-country ski trails. Many local lakes in the region provide the perfect opportunity for swimming, canoeing, and boating. Queensbury expects all exchange students to tryout for a sport. The participation in the athletics program is a district requirement.
Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma
Tacoma is the second-largest city in Washington State, just south of Seattle. It is located on Puget Sound, a large body of water that opens into the Pacific Ocean. Tacoma has some of the US’ best schools, with many academic and athletic programs, as well as extracurricular activities that international students are welcome to get involved in. Tacoma students can participate in as many as 21 different athletic offerings. Their wonderful athletics program has no restrictions for F1 Students regarding sports. Stadium High School has an outstanding Water Polo program, and Foss/Mount Tahoma high schools have seasonal cheerleading program and do not require students to tryout over the spring of the previous school year, like many other districts and schools.
Seattle Public Schools, Seattle
Seattle is one of the most iconic cities in the United States — a fantastic and artsy city with a lot to explore; there are also many amazing outdoor regions to explore. This is the perfect district for students to experience life in a major US city. Seattle Public schools are known for their comprehensive math and science programs. Seattle’s students prepare for college, careers, and life by completing core mathematics courses. Technology in the science classroom provides tools for creative discourse, sense-making, and deep learning. Seattle is also recognized for its outstanding athletics program with several opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. Due to the area’s huge basketball culture, Seattle Public Schools and has won 3 state titles in seven years and even have athletic programs coached by former NBA players.
Green Bay Area Public Schools, Green Bay
Home to the famous American Football Team, the Green Bay Packers, the region has a huge football culture. Founded in 1919, the 13-time National Champion Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to be owned by its fans, the reason why the Packers are known worldwide for having a special bond with their fans and with the community. Consistently ranked #1 for the “fan experience,” the Lambeau Field Stadium, located in the city, is one of the most storied and hallowed stadiums in the United States. Public tours of the stadium are available year-round, except on game days. Many students choose Green Bay for the quality of life, family-friendly values, and strong community – not to mention the area’s contagious spirit and personality. The School District has many options for international students to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities. Its athletics programs are outstanding, and we have had many students play on their sports teams.