Schools

Westchester County provides families with some of the best public₁, private and international₂ schools in the country. Compulsory schooling in the US starts at five-years-old and finishes at 18-years-old. Although there is some variation between school districts, public schooling₃ is typically divided into elementary school (Grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). You will hear high school grades commonly referred to as “freshman” (9th grade), “sophomore” (10th grade), “junior” (11th grade), “senior” (12th grade). The school year begins late August or early September and ends late May or early June and is most typically divided into semesters (two terms per year), quarters (four terms per year), or trimesters (three terms per year.)

Public Schooling in the US is free and is overseen and administered on a state level, with each state determining the requirements for graduating high school. In NY State these include Regent Exams₄ in specified subjects. Unlike some other countries, there are no final exams taken the last year of high school. Rather, students collect various qualifications throughout their four years of high school. Achievement is measured by a grade point average (GPA) which is a numerical representation of the letter grades a student received in their classes. There is no standard way of calculating GPA, each school has their own method, but the most common is a 4.0 scale where A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. In addition, externally administered exams may be taken. These include Advanced Placement Tests₅ (AP’s) in individual subjects, the Scholastic Assessment Test₆ (SAT) and ACT (American College Testing.)₇ GPA, AP’s and SAT or ACT scores are included in a students application to university (commonly referred to as “college” in the US).

For expats with school age students who are planning a shorter stay in the US, schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) might be a good option as it is an internationally recognized curriculum and qualifications.

Private schools have the flexibility to design their own curriculum and graduating requirements, although many may choose to adhere to state guidelines.

We understand that navigating a new school system can be confusing and overwhelming. Reach out to us if you have questions. We’re happy to help advise you on the right fit school for your family. 

1. https://www.westchestergov.com/public-school-districts
2. https://www.westchestergov.com/private-schools, https://www.westchestergov.com/private-high-schools
3. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=16fcefab4fe8474f9e7be42502606ec4
4. https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/graduation-requirements
5. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses
6. https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-information
7. https://www.princetonreview.com/college/act-information