Can international students attend public high schools in the US?

As an international student, I'm curious if I can attend a public high school in the US for my senior year. What are the admission requirements, and are there specific exchange programs I should be aware of?

Yes, international students can attend public high schools in the U.S., but there are certain restrictions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security limits the length of attendance to a maximum of twelve months, and requires that international students pay the full, unsubsidized cost of attending the public secondary school they choose.

In terms of admission requirements, it may vary from school to school, but they typically require academic records, proof of English proficiency (possibly through a TOEFL test score or similar), copies of passport and visa, and potential medical history/vaccination records.

An easier way to experience public high school as an international student is through exchange programs. Organizations such as the American Field Service (AFS), Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and Youth For Understanding USA (YFU) offer exchange programs for high school students. These are comprehensive programs that take care of admission, housing, and often provide some level of support and orientation. It also means you won't have to worry about the 1-year limit mentioned earlier.

Remember that while this is a fantastic way to experience American culture and study in a different education system, transferring credits back to your home country can sometimes be complicated. Please do your research or reach out to educational advisors to understand how this might affect your academic progress in your home country.