High Schools in the United States

Education in American boarding schools is considered among the best in the world. The unique system gives students the opportunity to explore themselves and their interests, discover what they are truly talented in, and develop those talents in the best possible way. Whether it is design, robotics, metallurgy, IT, economics, entrepreneurship, aviation, astronomy, diplomacy, or something entirely different, students can independently shape their academic curriculum.

Students live on campus in small, healthy, and quiet environments, far from city noise and crowds. Surrounded by nature, they often take part in various extracurricular activities such as hiking, rowing, outdoor recreation, sports, skiing, and more. Classes are held in small groups — typically 8–15 students per teacher — which ensures an almost individualized approach for every child.

American high schools have large budgets that allow them to constantly invest in improving education, infrastructure, student services, and scholarships for promising students.

It is well-known that many wealthy American families enroll their children in boarding schools. It is common to find children of presidents, diplomats, politicians, and business leaders, as these schools often serve as a direct pathway to some of the world’s top universities, many of which are located in the U.S. (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, etc.).

However, what is important for international students is that they can expect a form of financial aid from the school — a scholarship.

American schools are familiar with economic standards in other countries and are therefore willing to support families who want to enroll their children. Scholarships are most often partial, but in cases where a student demonstrates significant academic or athletic talent, they may receive a full scholarship, covering all school-related expenses.

Our agency works directly with a large number of boarding schools across the United States, and most importantly — we know many of them personally. We have visited their campuses, learned about their programs, and talked to their students.

Our philosophy is that there is a school for every child — but our job is to find the school that fits your child. Although these are some of the best schools in the world, they are not only for top students. They are ideal for motivated young people who want to gain knowledge and life experience abroad.

The most important requirement for enrollment is a solid knowledge of the English language. Students aged 14–19 who demonstrate maturity and motivation to study in the U.S. can apply. Schools accept excellent students, but also very good and good students who show readiness, motivation, and interest.

Every applicant must pass an English-language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo; Cambridge certificates are also accepted), provide three teacher recommendations (English, Math, and one elective), submit transcripts, and successfully complete an official interview with the school. Students should also submit proof of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and similar.

If the student is an athlete, they must additionally provide sports achievements, highlight videos, and official results.

We apply to multiple high schools for each student to increase options and secure the best possible offer.

The average cost of one year in an American boarding school is around $70,000. This includes tuition, dormitory accommodation, and three meals a day. Some schools include books, a laptop, uniforms, and health insurance in the price, while others charge these separately. Not included: application fees, flight tickets, and visa costs.

Students from Balkan countries often receive 50–80% scholarships from schools we work with. In some cases, scholarships can reach 100%, depending on the candidate.
It is important to note that scholarships are a privilege — and the school’s financial aid committee, not our agency, makes the final decision.

A strong scholarship package depends not only on grades but also on the motivation letter, extracurricular and sports involvement, hobbies, personality, and overall impression the student leaves.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are awarded to top athletes with notable achievements. For athletic applications, it is crucial to first receive interest from a school coach, as this confirms that the student has a realistic chance of admission.

Coaches do not make the final decision — the school’s committee does — but the coach can strongly advocate for a candidate and influence the outcome.
Athletic scholarships may be partial or full. While sports performance is central, schools also consider academic performance, English proficiency, test results, and the interview.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are less frequently full compared to athletic scholarships, but with our agency students typically receive 50–80%, and sometimes even more.
Our job is to present each student in the best possible way, identify the right school environment, and negotiate the most favorable financial package.

The final scholarship amount is determined by the school’s committee, which often values candidates applying through our agency due to long-term cooperation and trust.

Level Up Scholarships is committed to providing students with high-quality and financially accessible education abroad. Our goal is for every student who applies to successfully complete the program and graduate from an American high school.

We see each candidate as a unique individual with a unique story and unique talents. Our priority is to use those talents to present the student in the best possible way to U.S. schools, secure admission, and obtain a scholarship.

With personal experience attending an American high school and long-term collaboration with nearly a hundred schools across the U.S., our expertise is invaluable.

Every year, we travel to visit partner schools and students currently studying there, ensuring quality, safety, and satisfaction.

We fully understand how big a decision this is for both parents and students — especially when a minor is involved. Families have many concerns: safety, housing, food, supervision, daily life. Your child’s safety is our top priority.

Most boarding schools we work with have 200-plus years of tradition and a well-organized system that keeps students engaged, supervised, and supported at all times.