When it comes to education the United States is ranked one of the highest countries in the world. Although elementary and junior high schools are an important part of the growing process for young children high school is where more advanced subjects are taught and grades carefully watched as they will be the primary determining factor in college enrollment. For this reason some families in the US choose to send their children to a private high school where education is thought to be the best albeit at a much higher cost.

While public schools are available to anyone in the community private high schools have an an enrollment program not unlike that of college. Past grades, social engagements and extracurricular activities determine whether a child will be accepted or rejected. Of course financial statements are also a determining factor as most private high schools are quite expensive, nearly as much as attending a college full-time. Some schools will have scholarships for exceptional students who couldn’t afford the tuition otherwise, but the number of students accepted this way will be very limited.

The curriculum of a private high school is not unlike that of the public system yet the quality of teachers in the classrooms will be considered substantially in the private schools. These teachers will be graduates of Ivy League or top-tier colleges, many will have a masters degree and have been working at the school for a long period of time. Certain classes that might be taught regularly in public high school, like shop class or automotive repair, would not be available at a private school; these classes might be substituted for a more advanced type of class such as Mandarin Chinese.

Many private high schools have a religious affiliation, usually they will be Catholic or another Christian denomination. In addition to their regular curriculum religion classes will be taught and students required to attend church twice a day, or more. Since these schools cannot accept federal funding due to their religious nature the tuition will be quite high and scholarships coming from alumni associations would be few and far between.

Finally, those who attend private high schools are usually on a fast track to certain colleges, usually Ivy League schools. These universities consider candidates from private high schools to be well-educated, excel in a sport or other extra-curricular and may often have family connections to that university already. Compared to their public counterparts the acceptance rate of private high school applicants to such universities is much higher. For all of these reasons private high schools are considered the best path to higher education and beyond.

In high school there are many choices as to what type of courses you can take. It is beneficial to take courses that will prepare you for the challenging courses that lie ahead in college. Completing classes like those described below will help you meet the basic admission requirements at most colleges.

English (Language Arts):

Language Arts is traditionally offered every year. Typical courses such as American and English literature, help improve writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary skills. No matter which type of career is desired, it is beneficial to be able to speak clearly and write well.

Math:

Algebra and geometry problems are typically placed on college entrance exams so taking this course is definitely necessary. Math teaches you to think both logically and abstractly. Typical math classes in high school are listed below.

Algebra
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry, calculus, and/or statistics

Science:

Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Commonly, a laboratory class is coupled with the teaching portion of the science class. Lab classes allow for hands on learning. Six semesters of science are usually recommended. Typical courses are listed below.

Biology
Chemistry/Physics
Earth Science

Social Studies:

Social sciences round out your core curriculum. Classes help in understanding what is happening in the world and how you fit in it. They also prepare you for college-level courses. Typical courses are listed below.

U.S. history
U.S. government
Economics
World geography

Foreign Languages:

Many colleges require at least two years of foreign language study. Foreign language study allows you to learn more about another culture but your own as well. Classes might include Spanish, French, German, or other languages.

The Arts:

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better on standardized tests. The arts help you exercise your mind in unique ways, oftentimes outside of a traditional classroom setting. Art helps you explore and appreciate your creative side and those of others. Classes might include music, drama, dance and the visual arts.

Personal Develpment:

Personal development courses may include career planning, parenting and child development, or personal finance. These high school courses gives you the opportunity to explore your interests through these optional classes or electives as they are sometimes referenced as. You may also be able to take classes in business, computer applications, automotive, construction and much more. These allow high school students the opportunity to foster new career choices.