In this article, we¡¯re going to be taking a deep dive into one particular high school: , one of the best public schools in Houston. We¡¯ve written about its stats before, but this article is meant to be a deeper dive, to give you a sense of what the school is like as a whole, and what you might expect if you attend. Let¡¯s jump right in!

DeBakey¡¯s Academics and Curriculum

As the name of the school suggests, DeBakey has a strong emphasis on helping students prepare for a future in the medical field, and this is reflected in their curriculum. Now, Texas has its own requirements that all high school students must complete, and DeBakey adheres to these as well, they just also add their own requirements on top of that.

The most notable required courses are their health sciences sequence, one of which is required each year. The first two years are introductory, while your junior and senior years introduce you to various fields within medicine. Coursework at the school is generally offered at a high level, and is rigorous, with teachers expecting students to be competent and capable. 

They require students take a standard sequence of science coursework; chemistry, physics, and biology, and have additional science courses you may take as electives. They offer a full suite of AP coursework; you are not required to take these of course, but many students choose to, both for the sciences and for non-science courses. 

While you do not need to take AP courses, even their non-APs are offered at an advanced level, and focus on preparing students for college. Every course curriculum exceeds both state and district standards. 

The Houston Premedical Academy

We would be remiss if we discussed the academic offerings at DeBakey without also covering the . This is a tripoint program where students at DeBakey may apply to the at the University of Houston and to the directly out of high school, for a single eight-year program which combines undergraduate study and medical school.

This is a BS/MD program, the kind of thing which is often quite sought after by pre-med students, as it simplifies and makes far easier the process of getting into medical school, setting you on a sure track through the entirety of your time in undergrad. We¡¯ve written about this program before, and we recommend checking out that article if you want an in-depth guide to the program and how it works (plus advice on applying). Here, we¡¯re going to talk about it in the context of DeBakey as a school. 

BS/MD programs are known for both the intensity of their curriculums, and how difficult it is to get in. DeBakey, with its STEM focus and bent towards health sciences generally, does a good job at preparing students for the first part of this. The fact that only DeBakey students are allowed to apply for the Houston Premedical Academy also means this is one of the BS/MD programs with the highest overall acceptance rates. 

Attending DeBakey does not guarantee you will be able to take advantage of this program. It is still very competitive, and you are competing against the very bright students you are in classes with each day. It is, however, a unique opportunity presented by the school, and one worth noting for students who may be interested in pursuing medical school in the future.

Applying to DeBakey

DeBakey is a magnet school, one you must apply to specifically. The curriculum is specialized and advanced, and the students who attend the school are there because of that specifically. There are other schools in Houston with great academic opportunities, but only DeBakey has such a focus on the health sciences, even when compared to private schools. 

This sets it apart, and is the most important thing to consider when deciding whether or not to apply to DeBakey. While its academic curriculum is strong overall, it is not a particularly well-rounded school, primarily devoted to its singular focus. If you are not also devoted to this focus, then DeBakey likely isn¡¯t a good fit for you. 

In some cases, you may think being a doctor is what you want, only to change your mind later. DeBakey can help you determine this, though you should be ready for the amount of work the school requires when you decide to attend. It is much easier to go from DeBakey to another school in Houston than the other way around. 

You must apply to DeBakey . The application opens in December and is due in February; when you submit your application doesn¡¯t impact your chances of admission, but we do suggest getting it done early, just in case of technical errors. Admission is determined by lottery; there are more students who want to attend than spots, and that is considered the fairest way to do it. 

Student Life at DeBakey

High schools are more than coursework alone (even if that is what you spend most of your time doing), offering swathes of extracurricular activities. Like every high school, DeBakey has a . They are a somewhat smaller school by enrollment than others in Houston, and have fewer clubs and student groups than some of their peers because of that, but they still have a good range of options. 

As with academics, there are a significant number of clubs devoted to healthcare and the health professions. Now, these clubs exist at most every high school, but they are remarkably popular at DeBakey. This is perhaps unsurprising, but does speak to the school¡¯s character and focus. Of course, you don¡¯t have to join any of these clubs, but you¡¯ll find plenty of friends if you do. 

There are sports offered at DeBakey, but athletics certainly isn¡¯t the focus of the high school. You can join sports there, though they offer fewer than most of the schools in the district, and are far less competitive in terms of athletics. This is certainly not the norm for a high school in Texas, but makes sense for a school as focused as DeBakey is. Students who are particularly passionate about sports may have more luck pursuing rec leagues or club teams instead of the options at DeBakey.

The arts are similarly offered at DeBakey, but are again far from a focus or a priority for the school. You are required to take a fine arts course as part of the curriculum, but arts are not the focus for most students. There are opportunities to create art and perform, but for those students for whom art is a major part of their lives, they may be better pursuing opportunities outside of DeBakey itself. 

The Atmosphere at DeBakey

This is one of the hardest elements of a school to quantify and describe, but is also among the most important, and one we are often asked about the most. This makes sense, this mysterious idea of fit is often what separates a good high school experience from a bad one, and what can make a school a place students look forward to going every day. We can¡¯t capture every element of DeBakey of course, but we¡¯re going to share as much as we can, based on conversations with ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø students who attended the school, reviews online, and what we¡¯ve heard from the school themself when we called. 

Academic Pressure

The school is very academically focused; there is a lot of work and it¡¯s offered at a high level. The teachers all have high expectations of the students there, in terms of both the quality of the work they do, and how they behave in class. There is more work assigned than in other high schools, even in classes that are generally commensurate.

You can expect to do a significant amount of homework outside of school, and be expected to devote a lot of your time to your school work generally. There is often an atmosphere of shared suffering in this, camaraderie and commiseration as all students are suffering under the same academic burden. 

STEM Bias

The school is heavily focused on STEM and medicine, and this fills both the curriculum and atmosphere at DeBakey. This does provide a good emphasis for students interested in medicine, but students interested in other fields will be less happy here. 

Competition and Collaboration

Most of the students we talked to said that the atmosphere at DeBakey tended to be cooperative, though reviews are mixed, with some speaking of a feeling of competition between students. All students we talked to confirmed there is an intense sense of academic pressure at the school, both in terms of the work load and the expectations placed on them by the environment.

A significant number of the students leave the school during or after their first year there, due to this pressure and the workload. The ones who stay often make close friends with their peers, but it is not always the most enjoyable high school experience, even if most students look back on it positively overall. 

Final Thoughts

DeBakey is regularly ranked as one of the best high schools in the US, and for good reason. It offers a number of courses and opportunities that are rare to see for high schoolers, especially in terms of research and hands-on experience with medicine. Like many top performing schools, however, much of its strength as an institution comes from the talents of its students, who are all quite bright and academically inclined. 

If you have a strong interest in medicine and are willing to commit to a rigorous academic environment, then DeBakey may be a good fit for you. Like all specialized schools, it isn¡¯t the right choice or place for every student. We recommend only attending if this environment fits with your goals; for many students, a more standard high school environment will serve them better.

If you are looking for help making the right choice for your high school, or want help planning out these four years to get you into a top college at the end of it all, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø is right for you. Our mentors are well experienced at guiding students to the high school that best supports their needs, regardless of what those are. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can make your life easier, we¡¯re always happy to hear from you. 

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The SeaPerch Curriculum

SeaPerch falls into two categories, both designed to help students explore robotics. The first is , a series of modules designed for use by educators to introduce students to robotics and how they work in an aquatic environment. Now, you do not need to partake in the curriculum to compete in SeaPerch, but doing so is a useful way to get a grounding on the basics of underwater robots. 

Now, much of this does involve making purchases from SeaPerch, especially kit parts for robotics. Their goal is education, but robot parts cost money. You do not need to take part in their curriculum materials or become an educational partner of their program, especially since this choice is best left up to your school.

If you are part of a robotics club, however, then it may be worth investigating what they offer, both for curriculum materials and otherwise. Do not feel pressured to buy something just because it exists; Arduino and related 3D printing resources can often work just as well, if not better. Students in middle school may benefit more from beginning with a kit, but in high school, the process of making the parts yourself can teach you quite a bit. 

The SeaPerch Competition

The SeaPerch is held annually, and is invitation only. There are two ways a team can qualify to be invited to the competition:

1. Regional Qualifiers
2. Wildcard invitation

A full breakdown of what the competition entails can be found , but we¡¯re going to sum it up for you briefly. Each robot must complete two tasks in the pool, and obstacle course and a mission course: 

• : The robot must navigate through a series of hoops underwater. Points given are based on time it takes the robot to do this.
• : Each year, the competition introduces a mission which the robot must complete, with certain objectives it must secure.?

In addition to the physical actions the robot must take, each team is required to provide to cover their process for creating and programming their robot. This has both required and optional components. While some of these are optional, exceptional completion of them can lead to additional awards.

This is the most common way to qualify, as volunteer coordinators around the world hold competitions for students near them. These are all associated with the main event, but are all administered separately, and so vary a lot in terms of scale and scope, from ten teams to two hundred. 

Each registered event gets a limited number of spaces to send the top qualifying teams to the main event. While each competition is different in the specifics, they all make teams face the same core challenge. This generally consisted of navigating through a specific underwater obstacle course in a pool, using a robot you built. The exact specifics do change from year to year; you can see the details for the 2026 challenge . 

Wildcard Applications

Students may also apply to head directly to the final competition through wildcard applications. These are intended for teams who do not have access to a regional competition. Teams which attend regional competitions may still apply for one of these spots, but preference will be given to teams who did not have the option to attend regionals. 

Applications must include team information, a brief overview of their ROV design, and a statement about what participation at the international challenge means to you. All applications need to be completed by the teams themselves, not by coaches or others associated with the team. These applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Wildcard spots are limited, and when they¡¯re full, they¡¯re full. 

Eligibility and Logistics

The tournament is open to elementary, middle, and high school students. Teams do not have to be associated with a school, though many are. There are students compete in: middle school, high school, and open. The classes have variations in their rules for robot design and modifications. Awards are available in all three classes. Note that the open class is intended primarily for college students, but high school students and others can and do compete in it. 

Students travelling to the international competition must be accompanied by a . All teams qualifying for the finals must register, and pay the non-refundable registration fee. This is currently $350 per team and $80 per team member or chaperone. Teams are limited to twelve total members, up to four of whom may be chaperones.

Here is the timeline of SeaPerch:

• Regional events are hosted according to the schedule of volunteers; they may be held at any point between October and April. You may find your regional event (if it exists).
• Wildcard applications may be submitted from December 1 to February 1, though these are processed on a rolling basis.
• Wildcard invitations are issued February 11.
• Registration is open for the finals from early January to early April; all teams must register before the deadline, even if they win a regional competition.
• The final competition is held at the end of May.

Awards

are available for all three classes in the competition, and for multiple categories within each. The prize in each case is the award itself; there are no scholarships or monetary awards associated with the contest. What you get, generally, is the prestige of having won, much like in other academic competitions like Odyssey of the Mind. 

Scoring for the event is done by category; you are scored both on the and on your . The rubrics they use are fairly straightforward. Note that optional documentation does not contribute to overall score, and is not scored generally, but can still qualify you for specific awards. 

Is SeaPerch Right for You?

There are many possible competitions out there, and many of them are quite a serious time commitment. Building a robot takes quite a while, so the question is whether or not this is a good opportunity for you to pursue. The answer is, of course, that it depends, so we¡¯ll look at some things that recommend it, and the kind of students who would benefit most from participating.

The first major commendation point is that SeaPerch is open to elementary and middle school students, and has a bracket for middle scholars specifically. Middle schoolers are always more limited than high schoolers when it comes to serious competitions available to them, so anything that lets them explore engineering and compete at this level is notable. 

For older students, this is a good opportunity if you are especially interested in robotics and engineering. There are numerous different robotics competitions out there, each with their own unique twists; it is entirely possible to participate in multiple of these, and gain an overlapping portfolio of skills. 

If you aren¡¯t particularly interested in robotics or engineering, then this likely isn¡¯t a good way to spend your time, though it can still be an exciting thing to participate in. High school students should determine based on their prior skills whether to compete in the high school or open division. 

Final Thoughts

SeaPerch is one opportunity amongst hundreds, but for certain students, it can be a great way to show off what you care about, and how well you can actualize your passions. We hope this article has given you needed insight into SeaPerch, and let you determine whether or not it¡¯s the right place for you to spend your energy.

Finding the right extracurriculars to meet your passions and let you explore them fully is often a challenge for students. There are so many possibilities, and so many of them may not be worth the time invested. If you are looking for help finding activities that are a good use of your precious time, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more, we¡¯re always happy to hear from you. 

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In this article then, we¡¯re going to try and distill all of our knowledge of one particular school, the esteemed in Houston, into a single easy to read guide. We¡¯re going to cover the academic strengths of the school of course, but we¡¯re also going to go over the other factors which make a school the right fit for a student; the atmosphere, the values, and the community. We won¡¯t be able to cover every single aspect of the school, but we hope to give you a sense of it, and whether it¡¯s the right place for you. Let¡¯s jump in!

Academics at St. John¡¯s School

The stated goal of the academic program at St. John¡¯s is to prepare students for college. This is what we expect of schools of this caliber, and their curriculum back up these goals. They offer 19 AP courses, fewer than some schools, but still a broad selection. Where APs aren¡¯t offered, they have their own home-grown honors coursework. 

In many cases, St. John¡¯s prefers their own honors courses to AP because of the constrictions of AP coursework. AP courses are highly standardized; this ensures they are all offered at the same level, but prevents schools from exploring other advanced topics. Thus, in history for example, students can take AP US History, or they can take courses such as Black Lives in Post Reconstruction America or History, Geopolitics, and Economics of Energy, two honors courses offered by St. John¡¯s. 

Notable amongst St. John¡¯s offerings are . These are, as the name suggests, independent and self-guided projects that students take on of their own volition, and pursue over the course of a school year. This requires you to find a faculty member to supervise your project, and that you present your project in May. This is an incredible opportunity for students to pursue something of note that they otherwise could not in school. 

St. John¡¯s School also offers students a chance to pursue independent scientific research as an elective course. If a student is already interested in pursuing scientific research, then this couples with that quite well, giving them access to the school¡¯s resources and support while they work on their project. 

Overall, academics at St. John¡¯s are offered at a high level and fast pace, but with plenty of built in support for students. Students are expected to be enthusiastic about learning, and to take responsibility for their work. Students are given many opportunities to take the initiative in their academic work, and are supported when they do. This is a challenging environment, and purposefully so, but students are given all the tools they need to succeed in it. 

Extracurriculars at St. John¡¯s School

A school is more than just classrooms and academic work, but forms a whole interconnected ecosystem that a student participates in. A large part of this are the extracurriculars a school offers, which can also shape the spirit of a school; many schools in Texas are football-centric for example, which shapes the entire nature of the experience there. 

St. John¡¯s is not a school like this, though they do have a robust sports program; we¡¯re now going to go through the core features of their extracurricular offerings, and how each impacts the community at St. John¡¯s. 

Athletics

Unlike many schools in Texas, athletics is not the sole concern of the school, though they do have a dedicated . Sports are something that many students do participate in, but athletics is always subordinate to academics, not the other way around. Their teams are good, and frequently competitive, but aren¡¯t major winners the way some private school teams are. 

Students may count participation in a sports team as their PE requirement, but they may also pursue cheerleading or dance to fulfill this obligation. Sports teams do form social groups at the school, and students who are interested in sports often find a strong community amongst them. This can get cliquey at times, but this is the case at most schools with sports teams; they are not purposefully insular, but the amount of time they spend together makes friendships and camaraderie inevitable. 

The Arts

The yin to athletics¡¯ yang, arts are one of the other extracurricular mainstays of schools, and St. John¡¯s is no exception. Their encompasses both coursework and extracurriculars (as is the case at most high schools). You can take orchestra or acting or dance as a class, and also participate in productions put on by the school. St. John¡¯s doesn¡¯t have a particular focus on arts; it is still an academics-first institution. Nevertheless, they do have a strong artistic program, and many opportunities for interested students to get involved.

The arts form their own cultural block at St. John¡¯s, as is the case at many schools. They aren¡¯t fully insular; this isn¡¯t High School Musical, and there are plenty of students who pursue both arts and athletics. That said, arts does form a distinct social group at the school, especially for the most involved students. 

Extracurriculars

Beyond the primary draws of arts and athletics, there are many niche communities and secondary aspects to life at St. John¡¯s. As with many schools, they have a of student organizations, ones to meet most any interest or background. Social groups generally form through clubs like this; you need to actively seek out friends at the school, but students tend to be welcoming once you find your peer group. 

Students are also encouraged to take part in during their time at the school. This is part of St. John¡¯s social mission, and goal of getting them involved in the city outside of the insular school environment. There are both school-sponsored events and individual projects for students to pursue in this.

Chapel

St. John¡¯s was founded as a religiously affiliated school, and it still has some religious affiliations and trappings. Part of this is , which all students are required to attend (though they do not have to participate in prayer or other religious aspects of the experience). Their religious tradition is based in the Episcopalian rite. Students of all religions are encouraged to apply to and attend St. John¡¯s, and the school goes to great lengths to make sure students of all backgrounds feel welcomed. 

The Atmosphere at St. John¡¯s School

The final aspect we want to talk about is also the most nebulous, what the atmosphere is like at St. John¡¯s School. This is a collection of smaller things and experiences that contribute to what life is like for students at the school. We¡¯ve talked to the school itself, as well as read a large assortment of reviews of the school on a variety of sites, plus some students at the school who have worked with ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø.

The main thing we have learned from all of this is that St. John¡¯s as a school is very focused on academics above all else. They are a very rigorous school, and students are expected to complete significant amounts of work. This is true both for the classwork, and homework, and both are held to high standards. 

There are significant opportunities for students who are advanced and who excel in their coursework, but it can be more difficult for less advanced students to keep up with the pace and the demands. This can create a great deal of stress for students in the school, especially during finals or other exams. The school does have a to promote healthy study habits and approaches amongst students, but this is not always effective. 

The student body at St. John¡¯s tends to be quite welcoming. It can be cliqueish, but this is the case with many high schools, with students self-grouping based on interests. This tends to align with extracurriculars; so students on sports teams or in the musical end up in friend groups. Students are rarely exclusionary, and there are places for every student, you just need to find the peers who share your interests. 

The school does support diversity, and does offer financial aid, but it is still a private school, and many of the students come from quite similar economic and demographic backgrounds. There is support for students who are less well off, but they can end up feeling overwhelmed by the school as a whole. 

Students who are particularly interested in a single niche (arts, athletics, a single academic discipline), may be better served by a more specialized school. St. John¡¯s is very strong overall, but is also very generalist, and is primarily concerned with academically preparing students for college. They are very good at this, but this is not what all students are looking for from their high school experience.

Final Thoughts

There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not a particular school is right for you. You want a school that will prepare you for college and life after high school, yes, but you also want one that will support you in the here and now, and ensure that your time in high school is enjoyable. This is a difficult balance to strike, and not all schools are well suited for all students. 

We hope this article has shown you what you need to know about St. John¡¯s, and let you determine if it is the right school to meet your needs. It is an excellent school, and does a very good job preparing students for college. It may not be the right choice for all students, but there¡¯s good reason it is ranked as one of the best private high schools nationally, and that its admissions process is as competitive as it is.

If you are looking for help evaluating your own high school options, and determining which is the best fit for you and your needs, ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. There are many things to consider when choosing a high school, and applications to some, including St. John¡¯s can be quite involved. Our mentors support and guide you every step of the way, to make sure you have the best possible chance of success. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help; we¡¯re always happy to hear from you. 

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This is a legitimate concern, and one we hear often as we help families search for the right high school. In this article, we¡¯re going to break down what Strake Jesuit is really like, from their academic offerings, to the school¡¯s culture, to what life is really like for students at the school. Our goal is that you are well informed, and can determine if Strake will provide the right atmosphere for you to thrive and grow. 

Academics at Strake Jesuit

Strake Jesuit is purely a high school, serving students in grades 9-12. Their curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, and is designed to be exceptionally academically rigorous in the traditions set out by St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order. They prioritize experiential learning and critical reflection in students, pushing them to think deeply about their studies and the world around them. 

They offer a full suite of AP courses, but all courses at the school are offered at an advanced level, AP or no. They want to push their students to excel in academic disciplines, and structure their courses accordingly. Students do have course options outside of AP courses offered at an advanced level, and some which exceed the limits of what is taught in AP courses. 

While there is a broad flexibility in the courses students take, there is less opportunity for independent study or research. Students have access to advanced classes, many of which promote independent learning and have research projects, but the school does not offer specific independent research coursework opportunities.

Strake is a Catholic school, and students must take four years of theology coursework, though there is some flexibility in which courses they take. These courses do not demand belief in Catholic doctrine (though many of them are presented from a Catholic perspective), and non-Catholic students are welcomed at Strake, even if the school¡¯s population is majority Catholic. This is a core part of the curriculum, and cannot be avoided at the school. 

Strake¡¯s coursework is intended to create thoughtful and intellectual students. There isn¡¯t a direct focus on preparing for college, but students do end up well equipped to succeed in college as a result; this is a side effect of a strong intellectual focus, rather than an end unto itself for Strake. Their students tend to see significant successes in their college applications, both within Texas and across the country. 

Strake is very committed academically, and very rigorous. They do have a counseling center for students who struggle, and those with learning differences work one-on-one with a counselor to address them. Their goal is that all students have the opportunity for success, though the rigors of the curriculum may prove challenging or stressful for some students.

Extracurriculars at Strake Jesuit

A school is not just what you do in the classroom, but everything else as well, the activities they allow you to partake in and what they promote and sponsor. We¡¯re going to break down the core activities at Strake, how much they promote and focus on each, and how each impacts life at the school, and the options available to students there. 

Athletics

are secondary to academics at Strake, but they are important to the school¡¯s fabric and culture, as is the case at so many high schools in Texas. Football especially is a major part of social life at the school, and game days are major social events. Students are not required to attend of course, but many do, and community is grown through collectively cheering for the team. 

Many students at Strake participate in the athletics program. It is not required, but approximately 80% of students participate in the school¡¯s teams year-to-year. Many teams form close-knit social groups as well, as athletes spend so much time together, honing their craft. There is still a strong focus on the school¡¯s values in athletics, and an emphasis on respect and sportsmanship which is good to see. 

The Arts

Strake Jesuit does have an , as most schools do, but the arts are not a major focus at the school, and do not receive the same focus as athletics or academics. They do have performance opportunities, and partner with St. Agnes (an all girls school) for theatre productions. 

Students who are interested in the arts will have options at Strake, but less than at some other schools. If you are majorly focused on the arts, then you may want to pursue them outside of school entirely, or to consider schools besides Strake. While there are options here, it is underdeveloped compared to other programs. It is not looked down on to participate in the arts, but it is not a major focus of the school. 

Student Organizations

Like most high schools, Strake has a plethora of which you can explore and join. Many of these are academic in nature, but they cover a broad array of interests. Students often find close friends and communities through these organizations, and explore passions they hold dear. 

The House System

Like many British schools, Strake uses a to build community amongst students. Houses are 15-20 students, and cross grade levels and interests, forming welcoming communities that let students interact with peers of all kinds from throughout the school. These are usually tight-knit groups, and serve to welcome new students into the school and its traditions. 

These form a significant portion of student life when it comes to school events and activities, things like prom and homecoming, and through house specific activities, which students are empowered to take part in planning and putting on. STrake itself is quite proud of this system, and students who¡¯ve attended usually point to it as a major part of the school¡¯s welcoming atmosphere. 

Religious Life

Strake Jesuit is a Catholic school, and is a very important component of what they offer. There is daily mass students are welcome (but not mandated) to attend, and monthly mass that students are required to attend. There is no requirement students be Catholic themselves, but they must attend mass, even if they do not pray or participate otherwise. 

The school¡¯s identity and mission are firmly shaped by Catholic religious teachings, and by Jesuit teachings specifically. Many classes, sporting events, advisories, and other school activities begin with a prayer. You can attend this school if you are not Catholic, but you need to be okay with the religious character of the school, and how they interweave religion with much of daily life at the school.

The Atmosphere at Strake Jesuit

Now that we¡¯ve covered what the school does, we¡¯re going to get into the thornier and harder to define matter of what the school is. This comes from reviews, talking to the school itself, and what we¡¯ve heard from ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø students who attended the school. This should all be taken with a grain of salt; every experience at a school is different, but we are aiming to give you a sense of what it¡¯s like, to judge if it¡¯s right for you.

The school is very academically focused (as you might expect and want from a Jesuit school). Classes are all presented at a high level, and there is a significant workload for students. They are expected to be able to keep up with the work, and to work at a very fast pace. 

There is a significant amount of support for students at the school, but they are much better suited for students who are studious and academically advanced. They can and do work to support the students who need it, but those students can struggle in their classwork, and enjoy their time at school less. 

The student body is quite welcoming, and there are many close friendships. The male-only nature of the school does alter the dynamic from coed schools, but the students seem to enjoy this on the whole. The school has a focus on helping boys become men in a healthy way, and many students and alumni speak positively of this aspect of the experience.

Social groups in the school are fluid; students find community in their classes, through sports, through their house, and through extracurriculars. It is generally quite easy to find peers with similar interests, and the school doesn¡¯t suffer much from cliqueishness. You are expected to put in the work of finding and joining the activities that appeal to you, but you will be easily able to find peers who share your interests. 

Religion is a major part of life at the school, but many ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø students who are not Catholic still enjoyed their time there. The school is welcoming to non-Catholics, but religion is an important part of their character, and a majority of students at the school are Catholic. While faith does inform the curriculum in some ways, they are Jesuit, and still teach a science backed curriculum, including on evolution. 

Overall, the school seeks to have a welcoming community, and generally succeeds. There is a degree of self-selection at work here; the school¡¯s strong Catholic nature discourages many families from applying, and that is on purpose. Strake does, however, do a good job at providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for students who do attend. 

Final Thoughts

Strake Jesuit is a great school, but that doesn¡¯t mean it’s the right fit for every student. The all male student body, Catholic focus, academic rigor, and lack of art options are certainly things some students will not enjoy, nor benefit from. Other students, however, are looking for just such an environment. Those that are often thrive at Strake, which sends a significant number of students to great colleges each year.

We hope that this article has served as a good introduction to Strake Jesuit, and let you know whether or not it¡¯s the kind of school which will properly serve your needs. Every high school is distinct, with its own strengths and offerings, and finding the right one to fit your needs can be a real challenge. ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø is well equipped to help with this, as our mentors help guide students to find the right high schools to meet their needs and passions. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more, we¡¯re always happy to hear from you.

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A Note on Hong Kong¡¯s Educational Organization

Education in Hong Kong is formatted differently from the rest of China. This is because it is still heavily based on the British system, implemented when it was a British colony. In recent years, there have been several updates to curriculums, educational materials, and exams brought about by the mainland, but the overall structure of the educational system remains in place.

Secondary school consists of senior and junior secondary; senior secondary directly prepares students for university. Formerly this was the British A-Levels, but is now a new exam. The intent, and age ranges served however, remains the same.

There are public, private, and subsidized private schools in Hong Kong. Some private schools operate completely outside the purview of the government, though others are. International schools are not ranked or regulated by the government. 

The population attending Hong Kong¡¯s schools has shifted in recent years, as the mainland asserts more control over the province. Many students who were attending school there have gone overseas, while the number of upper class mainland students attending private and international schools in Hong Kong has risen sharply. This hasn¡¯t made education worse in the territory, but has changed the flavor of it. 

Some parents are concerned over increasing governmental interference in curriculums, and a number of lecturers and foreign teachers have left the territory in recent years. The schools do still have high academic standards and high performances, but compared to Singapore (which Hong Kong inevitably will be), Hong Kong is not as attractive as it once was to international educational talent.?

The Best Public Schools in Hong Kong

These schools mostly serve Hong Kong¡¯s native population, but a growing number of expats living in Hong Kong are sending their children to these schools as well, driven by both tuition increases at private schools, and a desire for students to be able to speak Cantonese. Note that the majority of public schools in Hong Kong use Cantonese as the language of instruction, but some still use English. The ones which use English have on average better university placement rates, and are often highly sought after by parents.

Most public schools offer instruction in both English and Cantonese. An increasing number are also offering Mandarin Chinese.

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

This is a direct subsidy school, being independently operated but overseen and supported by the government of Hong Kong. It is one of the oldest girls¡¯ schools in Hong Kong, having been founded in 1860, and is still run by an Anglican organization. The main language of instruction is English. It is one of the top performing schools in Hong Kong, with the highest number of Hong Kong Outstanding Student Awards of all secondary schools in the territory. While it is a Christian school, students need not be Christian to attend.

The school covers both lower and upper secondary school, or grades 7-12 for those used to the American system. All students learn English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, though English is the primary language of instruction for most courses outside of Chinese language, history, and literature. Students have flexibility in which elective courses they pursue in the upper school. You can see their results for public examinations . Their students do well in university applications, with most attending high profile schools in Hong Kong. 

The annual fee for all students is $40,000 HKD; there are some scholarships available; these include both merit and need based scholarships. Applications are open annually, you must apply . These require the application form, plus school reports from the past three years. Note that in addition to the online application, you must also submit paper copies of the documents to the school by mail, including a stamped and addressed envelope. Students who are shortlisted for admission will be invited to sit for an assessment exam. 

By Kennethma513 at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Jay8g using CommonsHelper., Public Domain,  

This is a day and boarding boys¡¯ school in Hong Kong, which was established in 1869. It is another of the odd semi-independent schools, which is independently run but overseen and directly subsidized by the government in Hong Kong. The school is top ranked academically, and is one of the top performing International Baccalaureate schools. They serve students in both primary and secondary school. The primary method of instruction at the school is English.

The school¡¯s curriculum parallels other schools up through grade 10. Grade 10 then serves as a bridging year between this curriculum and the IB diploma program, which all students enroll in for their final two years at the school. This does a good job preparing students for university, with the school regularly ranking in the top-performing IB schools globally. 

School fees vary based on both grade level and whether a student is native to Hong Kong. Current annual fees for secondary students from Hong Kong are $59,860 HKD. Applications to the school must be submitted . Note that applications are handled differently for different grade levels; we are focusing specifically on applicants for grades 10 and above. Applications open in February, and are due by March 1. After applications are reviewed, students are invited to take an assessment test; this is a necessary component of admissions. 

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Located on Tsing Yi, this school was founded in 1983, and is an aided secondary school; founded and run by a charitable organization with the financial support and oversight of the government. It is a coed school, and was one of the first schools in Hong Kong to embrace project based learning, which remains a core component of its curriculum. It introduced English as the primary language of instruction in 2010; a plurality of classes are taught in English. 

The school follows the core curriculum laid out by the government of Hong Kong. Students have some flexibility in electives and areas of focus, but all must take courses in core academic subjects, with a focus on preparing for university. Notably, students need to complete a significant project in each subject they are studying as part of their project-based learning curriculum. They also assign projects to be completed over summer vacation.

Applications must be submitted in the spring. This begins online, but some forms must be submitted to the school in person, including reports from previous schools. They look for strong performance in academic subjects, and require students to have proficiency in both English and Cantonese.

The Best International Schools in Hong Kong

Traditionally the domain of both expats and wealthy native Hong Kong students, these schools are becoming increasingly popular with wealthy families from the mainland, especially those looking to attend university overseas. Most of these schools offer a curriculum in English, and are not overseen directly by the government of Hong Kong. 

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Founded in 1986, this school provides a fairly traditional US high school experience, with courses taught in English and grades divided as they are in American schools. The school is fully coed, and serves approximately 900 students. The primary language of instruction is English. While students may take Chinese as a language course, doing so is not required. 

AIS requires all high school students complete community service hours each year; 10 hours for underclassmen and 20 hours for upperclassmen. They offer 23 AP courses; these are open for enrollment by students, and most students take at least one before they graduate; 70% of the recent graduating class earned an AP scholar award. Many of their graduates apply to college in the US, and they send students to some of the top universities there. 

Tuition at AIS depends on grade level. For high school students, it is $180,400 HKD annually. There is no financial aid available. to AIS are technically accepted on a rolling basis, but most must come in before the term you wish to begin; starting mid-term is harder, and there are fewer seats available. Applications require the online form, government documents, school reports in English for the past three years, and references from current math and English teachers, plus a school principal. Students who are selected are invited to complete an admissions assessment and an interview on campus. 

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Founded in 2012, this is a British day and boarding school, created in partnership with the Harrow School in the UK; it is one of several Harrow schools opened globally in recent years. In spite of its relatively young age, it is quite prestigious, being recognized as a top boarding school internationally. It offers a British style curriculum for students aged 3-18, and serves approximately 1,200 students. 

The school¡¯s curriculum is fully British, with students preparing for and taking A-Level exams while in sixth form. Students sit for three or four A-Levels, and have a great deal of flexibility in choosing which subjects they pursue. Harrow is often recognized as one of the top A-Level schools in Asia, based on the strength of its scores and the university destinations of its graduates, with many headed to top universities in the US and UK.

Fees for Harrow depend on grade level; they are currently $239,070 HKD annually for sixth form students. Boarding is an additional fee of $130,705 HKD, and is available to students in year six and onwards. Applications must be submitted ; note that applications must generally come in on schedule, but students arriving from overseas without a guaranteed spot at a school in Hong Kong may apply on a rolling basis. Along with the online form, you must submit government documents and your two most recent school reports. Applicants are then invited to complete an admissions assessment; those applying from overseas may complete this online. 

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This is a private school in Hong Kong, and is a dual-language school, though those languages are English and German. The goal of the school is to give students a bi-cultural educational experience, and all students learn both German and English; the difference between the two streams is the primary language of instruction. Chinese is taught, but aside from a bilingual kindergarten program, is not a primary language. 

The curriculum is different between streams (outside of language of course), with English students taking the IGCSE, and then entering the IB diploma program for their final two years at the school. German students may instead take the Arbitur, and follow a Gymnasium curriculum. Students in both tracks have leeway to explore within the program, but the goal is always to help them prepare for university.

Fees for GSIS vary by year; for upper secondary students they are currently $256,700 HKD annually. There is no financial aid available. Applications are available year round; the waitlist is constantly accepting students and spaces may open up in different years on an irregular basis. Applications must be submitted online. German, Swiss, and Austrian passport holders have priority when the school makes admissions decisions. Students applying to both the German and English streams must take assessments to measure their academic capability when they apply. 

By Ehecis – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Founded in 1983, the school still counts as an international school, though Hong Kong is officially part of China now. The primary language of instruction at the school is English, though Chinese is a required subject. The curriculum is based on the IB model, and senior students take the IB diploma program. 

Year 10 has a special program where students spend time in Hangzhou, and students take on project-based and experiential learning. This is unique to them, and a blend of different educational models. The school seeks to prepare students for university, and students frequently attend top universities in both China and abroad.

School fees vary by year; for upper secondary students they are currently $342,800 HKD annually. There is limited available. Applications must be submitted . These require the online form, plus an interview and an assessment to determine your academic preparation. Parent meetings are offered, but are not required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Final Thoughts

There are a great many high schools in Hong Kong, showing the remarkable number of historical and political influences on the territory over time. We hope this article has shown the wide variety available here, and how different schools approach the shared goal of preparing students for the future. This is only a brief overview of the schools available, but should give you a good place to begin your own investigations.

If you are looking for advice specific to your own high school experience, or which of these schools may best suit your needs, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. We specialize in helping students find the situations that will best support and nurture them, and schools that will enable them to achieve their dreams. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.

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In order to continue promoting this, Singapore has a significant focus on their educational system, and indeed have some of the highest ranked students globally in math and science. They have an incredibly strong system of public education, and a large number of private institutions, which primarily serve Singapore¡¯s large expat community. In this article, we¡¯ll go through some of the best options for each, to give you a sense of the diversity of educational options in Singapore. Let¡¯s jump right in!

The Best Public Schools in Singapore

Singapore has a large and well-funded public educational system. The highest level are the schools which prepare students for university; the junior colleges and technical institutes. There are also polytechnic institutes; these are intended for students who are seeking more industry focused jobs, such as communication, engineering, and nursing. You can get a great education at these, but they are less suited for students who want to pursue a liberal arts education in the future.

The primary language of instruction at all public schools in Singapore is English. Students also take courses and demonstrate proficiency in their ¡°first¡± language, though these can be waived. All placement in pre-university education is based on students¡¯ performance on competitive proficiency tests administered by the state: the GCE O-levels. 

Junior colleges all provide two years of education, culminating in either the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level or the International Baccalaureate diploma. All of these schools follow the same curricula. These schools often require school fees to attend. Some Junior Colleges are directly state-administered, while others are independent; all are however overseen directly by the Ministry of Education. Private schools must also register with the ministry, but have more curricular flexibility.

By Img by User:Advanced of en.wikipedia – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  

Founded in 1823, this is the oldest school in Singapore, and regularly ranked as the most prestigious. It has a boys-only secondary school, and a coed junior college; it also has a sister school which it administers for girls as a secondary school, allowing students who enter either to pass directly to the junior college.

The school offers an A-Level education, and is known for the rigor of its curriculum. It has one of the highest scoring records on the A-Levels each year, and sees the most success of all junior colleges in Singapore in sending students to elite universities abroad, from Oxford and Cambridge in the UK to Ivy League schools in the US. A significant number of government ministers in Singapore were educated at Raffles. 

Boarding is offered at Raffles, but is not mandatory, save for a capstone experience in year 3. Fees for Raffles vary based on both year in school and . FInancial aid is available for Singaporean students specifically. Fees for boarding are assessed separately from school fees.

Admissions to Raffles is possible at several points; years 1, 3, and 5 (5 being the start of junior college). Singaporean students may apply for direct admission . Admissions is based solely on academic performance, especially on national tests. International students may participate in public education in Singapore, but must do so through the . Admissions requirements, once they have done so, are the same as for domestic students, though assessed fees are far higher for international students. 

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This is an independent secondary school and junior college; originally started as a school for Chinese students, it maintains a bilingual educational model and offerings, though all students still learn in English. It offers a boys-only secondary school, and a coed junior college; it has a partnered girls-only secondary school which functions in parallel with the boys-only one. 

The school has a boarding complex to host international boarding students. It shares its campus with an International school (Hwa Chong International School); this is a partner school under the same umbrella, but maintains separate facilities and programs, though students at one school can take advantage of facilities of another. 

The school offers Singapore¡¯s standard A-level curriculum, but with a bilingual focus, where students learn in both English and Chinese. A majority of students at the school already speak Chinese when they enter. They have a number of special programs, including the opportunity for students to pursue independent research while at the school. Graduates frequently attend top colleges in the US, UK, and China. 

Fees for the college depend on ; there is some financial aid available to help with these fees. There are various admissions paths, both direct admissions and the Joint Admissions Exercise. These are the standard admissions paths for all junior colleges in Singapore. International students may enter via one of these paths as well, but must meet Ministry of Education requirements.

By Marckenjilim – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

This is an integrated program school run by the ministry of education. It is a combined secondary/junior college which students attend for six years. Students in this school (and in other integrated programs) do not need to take the O-levels; as they are already in the school, they proceed directly from secondary school to junior college and the A-levels. Note that some students are still admitted through their performance on the O-levels, but others simply transition from a partner school directly to the college without having to sit for the test.

The college offers a full suite of advanced academic options, as is the case with many of the schools in Singapore. Students have access to a number of special programs outside of the core curriculum; these include ones for art and music, a leadership initiative, and one for students interested in pursuing . This is something many schools in Singapore offer and support, as the government sees a need for a new generation of innovators. 

International students are eligible to apply and attend, but must meet specific , as set by the Ministry of Education. There are a number of prestigious available through the school for Singaporean students with high academic achievement in a particular subject of interest. 

This is a coed junior college notable not just for its strong academic achievement, but for its sports and artistic successes. It was the first junior college to offer theatre, and has very strong choral, band, and dance programs as well. Athletically, they are often one of the top junior colleges in Singapore. 

The school is very strong academically, usually ranking in the top three junior colleges for A-Level exam results. They accept students through regular admissions, and also joined an integrated program, allowing some students to enter the school directly, without having to sit for the O-Levels. It is often one of the most competitive schools for admissions based on O-Level scores. 

In addition to core academic offerings, Victoria has a number of special programs that students can take advantage of. These include , which offer students a chance to network with industry experts and pursue scientific research. They also have a very strong , one which offers students a chance to build their skills and create a portfolio of works should they wish to pursue their craft further through higher education. 

International students may apply to the college . They note that admissions is based on number of available spaces, and is not guaranteed for international students. Financial aid is available for Singaporean students.

The Best Private High Schools in Singapore

In addition to their excellent public schools, Singapore is home to a large collection of excellent private high schools. These serve primarily expat students; indeed, many of them are forbidden from admitting Singaporean students, though recently a number of new private schools have opened which are permitted to do so, though they must follow Ministry of Education guidelines on curricular offerings and school administration. 

We can¡¯t go through every private school in Singapore, but we¡¯ll give you a selection of some that are quite highly rated, so you can see what your options are, and what might fit your needs best.

One of the oldest international schools in Singapore, SAS opened in 1956. It is currently host to slightly over 4,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. The school is coed, with slightly over half the students coming from the US. Over 65 different nationalities are represented however.

The school¡¯s curriculum is set up like that of a standard American high school. Students pursue a broad, liberal arts based curriculum, and have 22 AP courses to choose from, including AP Capstone. A majority of the students who take AP courses at the school score a 4 or 5 on the exams. In addition to AP courses, they have their own Advanced Topic courses, which allow students to explore various subjects at the collegiate level. 

Fees for the school vary by grade level; they are $53,860 annually for high school students at time of writing. Other fees may be assessed as well. Applications to SAS must be done . Students may only enter the high school at the start of a new semester, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application also requires a school report and recommendations from your former school. Singaporean citizens are only able to apply if they hold dual American citizenship.

This is an independent coed (sort of) Catholic school; founded in 1852, it is the third oldest school in Singapore. It houses both a secondary school and junior college; students may enter either the secondary school or junior college; or based on their results on O-Levels transfer to another school within Singapore. The school¡¯s curriculum parallels that offered by other junior colleges in Singapore, culminating in the A-Levels. Note that female students may only enroll in the IB program; the IP program is for male students only.

Unlike pure public schools, however, SJI students may instead choose to pursue an International Baccalaureate diploma. Regardless of which path students take, the school focuses on providing a high level of academic rigor, and preparing students for university. They have a focus on leadership and service for their students. While the school is Catholic, students do not need to be Catholic to attend, though the religious values of the school do impact their educational philosophy. 

Despite being a Catholic independent school, St. Josephs operates in many ways like a public school for . Both Singaporean and international students may attend, and must meet the same admissions requirements; these are based on performance on competitive exams. for the school depend on grade level and nationality. 

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Founded in 1886, this school began as boys only; it remains boys only for the younger years, but admits girls to the senior ranks. The school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum, and is recognized as one of the top IB schools globally. Students in the secondary school prepare for and take the O-Levels, while students in the upper division all follow the IB curriculum.

The school is known for its academic prowess; students in the secondary school often earn top marks on the O-Level exam, while those in the IB Diploma program are often among the highest scoring globally. The school also has a strong athletics program, and its students go on to attend a number of top universities globally.

Fees for ACS depend on ; there are scholarships available for Singaporean students with financial need. Admissions for the school are done . These open in May, and are based on your academic performance on your O-Level exams. Certain students may also enter through direct admit programs if they are enrolled in the IP pathway.

By Mx. Granger – Own work, CC0,  

This school was founded relatively recently, opening in 2015. It offers education for students in grades pre-K through 12, and presents itself as an affordable option for international students in Singapore. It has a number of branch campuses in other countries in the region, all run and administered by a single corporate entity.

Invictus offers a Cambridge style curriculum, with upper level students taking the A-Levels. They offer a number of different course options here, allowing students to specialize somewhat. They offer instruction in English and Mandarin, though English is the primary language of the school. They have support for students for whom English is a second language.

Fees for the school depend on ; they do offer a sibling discount if multiple students from the same family attend the school. Applications must be submitted ; once you complete this form, you will be invited to take an in-person assessment. Admissions offers will be extended based on the results of this assessment, as they want to be sure you are able to handle the material presented by the school.

Final Thoughts

Singapore is a cosmopolitan metropolis, a hub of business and innovation. The government there has seen the importance of a skilled and well educated populace, and invested accordingly. There are many options for great education in Singapore, and we hope that this article has shed light on what that might look like for you and your student.

Of course, this is only a sampling of the schools available. If you are looking for advice specific to your situation, or help applying to one of these highly competitive schools, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. We¡¯re masters of assisting students manage the transition to secondary education, and are always happy to help you on your educational journey. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can make your life easier.

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The Best Private High Schools in Doha

We are only going to cover private high schools in this article. All of the best high schools, preferred by both Qataris and ex-pats alike, are these private high schools. There are public high schools of course, but most students with an option choose one of these private institutions. 

Originally known as American Community Schools, this is part of a larger collection of schools, originally based in the UK and offering an American-style educational experience. They serve students in grade K-12, and offer an International Baccalaureate curriculum to their high school students. Students may decide if they wish to pursue this, or a more standard American high school diploma.

Students not in the IB program may still take IB coursework, or have the option to take AP courses. Graduation requirements for the school mimic those of many US high schools; English, math, science, history, foreign language; all the core academic subjects colleges want to see. This is a good option for students who are looking for an American-style educational experience in Qatar.

Tuition varies by grade level, and is currently 80,465 QAR annually for high school students. Some extracurricular activities require additional expenses. Applying to the school may be done entirely . This requires the online form, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Students will also need to prove nationality; students from Arab countries are required to take Arabic as a language, for example, though the school¡¯s main instructional language is English.

This is, as the name suggests, an English school based in Doha; founded in 1994, it was acquired by an international educational conglomerate in 2015. It is accredited as a British school. The school only goes through sixth form, and the GCSEs; students will need to transfer elsewhere if they wish to pursue A-level coursework. 

The curriculum followed is standard to English schools, and serves to educate students up to age 17. They do offer a number of unique opportunities, including an with other ISP schools in other countries. This is not required, but is a good way to gain experiences other schools do not offer.

Tuition rates vary based on year in school, for sixth form students it¡¯s QAR 52,423. There are some additional fees as well. Applications to the school must be submitted . In addition to the online form, you must provide a copy of your most recent transcript, and the child¡¯s residency permit for Qatar. Admissions are very selective, with far more applicants than they have spaces. 

This is a British International school, based in Qatar, and serves students between the ages of 3 and 18. It is regularly ranked as one of the best independent schools in the entire Middle East. They follow a British educational model, culminating in 6th form and the GCSEs; they do not offer A-level coursework. Notable for an independent school, they release their GCSE results, so you can see how they measure up to other institutions; you may see these online . 

They also show off the success of their students in . Being a British school, most students choose to matriculate in the UK, but they also have impressive admissions results elsewhere, including to a number of elite colleges in the US. Their curriculum covers all the academic basics, and gives students some freedom to explore academically as well.

Doha College is the only not-for-profit British school in Qatar. Their fees vary by year; they are currently 29,947 QAR annually for 6th form students. This is one of the lower rates charged by schools in Qatar. Applications open in November; their due date depends on grade; those for 6th form are due by May. The application must be done ; once you complete the online application you are invited to take an admissions assessment. Applications are very academically competitive.

Founded in 2016, the AIA offers education to students in grades K-12. It offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum, for both the middle and high school years, and is pioneering the curriculum for its elementary school as well. The program is offered primarily in Arabic, though there is an English language option, this is primarily a school for Arabic speakers, both Qataris and those from elsewhere in the Arab world.

Application to the school must be done ; you may apply to any grade level. The application requires an online form and transcripts from your previous school; they will also request a recommendation directly from your previous school. They do also require Qatari ID cards, and copies of your passports for international students. Applications are competitive.

This is a school which offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum to students aged 3-18. It offers a truly multilingual curriculum as well; students learn in both English and French for their entire time at the school, and they have support for German language students as well. In addition, they are partnered with a sister school in the French speaking region of Switzerland. 

Lower school classrooms are coed, while academic classrooms in the secondary school are separated by gender, though the school as a whole, and things like lunch and physical education are still coed. All students participate in the IB . Some students are required to study Arabic, and Muslim students are mandated to take Islamic studies; this is required by the Qatari government, and is by the school.

Fees for the school vary by grade level. For students in the diploma program, they are 74,017 QAR annually. Additional fees may be assessed for some activities or extracurriculars. Applications to the school may be submitted . These require the online form, the student¡¯s most recent transcripts, immunization forms, and ID documentation. Applications are accepted for all grades; students wishing to join the second year of the IB Diploma program must have completed the first year elsewhere.

Founded in 1977, this was one of the very first British international schools in Qatar, and has been offering excellent education ever since. The school is accredited by British School Overseas, run by the UK government. Instruction is fully in English, and it offers both GCSE and A-level testing; many British Schools in Qatar do not go through the full A-Levels, but QIS does. 

Most of the faculty and staff at the school previously taught in Britain, and the school does its best to exactly replicate a standard British education. You may find their online, they are quite proficient at turning out high scoring students, with the majority earning either an A* or an A. 

Fees for QIS vary depending on year; for students in years 12-13 the cost is 49,050 QAR, with some additional fees as well. Students may apply for the school . All students are welcome to apply, but they prioritize students who already have siblings at the school, those with an English background, and those with outstanding school reports. In addition to the online application, you must also submit your prior transcripts, and residency documents for Qatar. 

This school was founded in 1988 by the American ambassador to Qatar, to serve the needs of the international community in the country. Currently, around 38% of students are US nationals, 10% are Qatari nationals, and 52% are from other countries. There are approximately 650 students in the high school. 

The school offers a fairly standard American high school curriculum. They have both a suite of AP courses, and an IB curriculum option; students may choose which they avail themselves of. The school focuses on preparing students for college; many of their students apply to and attend colleges in the US, though other international colleges are supported as well.

Fees vary by grade level; for high school they are 79,305 QAR annually. Applications to the school are reviewed on a rolling abscess; they do not have any strict admissions deadlines. Once you apply , you will be invited to take an assessment based on your application factors. They do have a prioritization for who gets admitted; US embassy staff and corporate partners have priority, as do US passport holders and the children of US military commanders; the full list may be found on their .

This school was founded in 2001, and provides an education based on the English model. It offers instruction through the GCSEs and A levels, with examinations by the Cambridge International Exams Board. Some of the teaching staff is from England, but that is not a requirement to be hired; the student body comes from all over the world. The primary language of instruction is English, though courses are also offered in Arabic. 

Fees are assessed by grade level, for years 12-13 they are currently 40,350 QAR annually, along with a number of other additional required . Admissions to the school is done on a rolling basis. Forms must be submitted ; once this is done, students will be invited to take an assessment. Students will be invited to join the school based on the results of this assessment. There is no automatic promotion between grade levels at the school; it is based on academic performance. 

A Note on Applications and Fees for Doha Schools

Many of the international schools in Doha exist primarily to serve the children of expats employed in the country, though a significant number of Qatari students attend most of them as well. For this reason, private schools in Qatar often operate slightly differently than those in other countries, especially western countries. 

First, while some have strict application schedules, many offer rolling admissions, so that students who move in the middle of an academic year aren¡¯t left stranded. They also accept applications outside of normal grade transitions; since students are constantly circulating, they are more likely to have seats open at irregular intervals. 

The higher ranked schools do tend to have strict admissions timelines, but students who arrive outside of these may apply to a school they perhaps prefer less, and then transfer to a more prestigious school. This is not something you could pull off in New York or London, but works well here. 

Further, pretty much none of these schools offer any form of financial aid. Tuition must be paid either by the parents directly, or by the parent¡¯s employer, many of whom have agreements with one or more of these schools. 

These schools also have curricular requirements set by Qatar¡¯s government, namely that Arab students need a certain amount of instruction in the Arabic language, and that Muslim students take Islamic studies courses. Students who are not from these backgrounds do not need to comply with these requirements.

Final Thoughts

Doha is a fast-growing and cosmopolitan city, at the center of an industrial and economic boom. Qatar¡¯s government has made a major push to embrace education; this can be seen both in the rapid growth of universities in the country, and in the strength of some of these high schools. There are unique concerns for education in Qatar, but high school students in the country have many great opportunities available to them. 

We hope this article has given you needed insight into some of the best high schools in Qatar, and whether or not any of them are right for you. Of course, each high school has unique opportunities and culture, and each student has unique needs. If you are looking for more personalized advice, or have more detailed questions about the high school selection process, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students get into excellent high schools, and are always happy to hear from you.

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As with every other large city, there are a great many educational options in Dubai, to meet the needs of its people. As with any other set of high schools, these are as varied as the institutions, with a wide array of options. In this article, we¡¯re going to break down some of the best high schools in Dubai. Our goal is to help you understand what your options are, and which will best serve your needs. Let¡¯s jump right in!

A Note on Dubai¡¯s Public Schools

Dubai, as with most cities, offers both public and private schools. Unlike many western countries, however, public schools in Dubai are only free for Emiratis, and almost all expat students attend private schools. Note that a significant number of Emirati students also attend private schools.

Public schools offer instruction in Arabic, though generally have strong English language programs, with a focus on English as a second language. All of these schools are fully gender segregated at all grade levels, with separate schools for male and female students. All Muslim students who attend these schools (which is a vast majority of the students) are required to take Islamic education courses. 

Non-Emirati nationals must achieve permission to attend these schools. This is done on a case-by-case basis, but is generally only granted to citizens of other Arab nations. The curriculum for all of these schools is set nationally by the UAE¡¯s Ministry of Education. They have had a significant push in recent years to improve the educational quality of their public schools.

The Best Private High Schools in Dubai

There are a wide array of private schools in Dubai, offering an equally wide array of curricula. Most (but not all) of these use English as the primary language of instruction. We will go through a number of these, to showcase what they offer, and the diversity of private school opportunities in Dubai. 

Note that by governmental decree, all Arab students attending a private school must be offered Arabic language instruction, and all Muslim students must take Islamic studies courses. This is true regardless of school attended. These courses are not mandatory for other students.

This is a British-style educational school, serving students in nursery through their high school graduation. It offers a fully British educational experience; all students take coursework through the GCSEs in year 11; students then have the choice of either pursuing a two-year IB program, or pursuing their A Levels for years 12 and 13. The school is fully coed, and all instruction (save foreign languages) is in English.

The school focuses on preparing students for university, regardless of which pathway they take. Students in the A Levels path take three to four subjects, students in the IB program take six. Both do well to prepare students to attend college, and students at Sunmarke perform quite well on both sets of exams. A plurality fo students from Sunmarke attend university in the UK, but a great many also apply to and attend top schools in the US.

The tuition for Sunmarke varies by ; Year 13 students had fees of 88,538 AED annually at time of writing. Applications to SUnmarke may be completed . These require the online form, school reports, a reference letter from your former school, Emirates IDs, and immunization records. Students may apply to enter any year of the school. Once an application is submitted, students must take an assessment; these are offered year-round. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

This school was set up in a partnership between Kent College in England and a private company in Dubai, with the aim of offering the exact Kent College experience and education to students in Dubai. This means, unsurprisingly, that this school offers a fully British curriculum, with a fully coed educational program serving students from nursery through the end of 13th year.

All students at Kent take the GCSEs in year 11. After this, students have a choice as to whether they wish to pursue the A Levels, or an International Baccalaureate curriculum. There is a significant amount of curricular flexibility in what courses students are able to pursue, based on their interests. Many students from Kent pursue university in the UK, but students apply to and attend universities globally.

Fees for Kent vary by ; for year 12-13 they are currently 108,013 AED annually. There are discounts offered, for both multiple siblings or if you are a member of one of their corporate partners. Applications must be submitted ; these are accepted on a rolling basis. Once the application is complete, students must take an assessment. Placement within the school is based on both age and performance on the assessment; they are used to helping students transition from other school schedules to the British system.

Founded by a private educational group in 1991, this school provides education to students from early years through year 13. It is an international Baccalaureate school, and all students participate in the IB curriculum. Their school offers the primary, middle years, and diploma IB programs, so students follow this curricular path for the entire time they¡¯re in the school. 

This is a fully coed school, and instruction is primarily given in English. There are approximately 2,000 total students in the school across all grade levels; students who graduate pursue university at excellent colleges in Europe, the US, and elsewhere globally. Average scores for students in their diploma program are 31-35 points, above global averages.

Fees at EIS vary based on year; they are currently 81,872 AED for year 13 students. Note that there are some additional required fees beyond just tuition. Applications to EIS must be submitted . You may apply to any year in the school; if that year is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if there is a withdrawal. Once you apply, all students must complete an assessment and an interview to assure academic fit for the school. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Founded in 2007, this is a partner school to the Repton School in the UK, though it has its own governing body and standards. They are a coed school, serving students from ages 3-18, and are one of only two boarding schools in Dubai, though most students attend as day students. They are one of the top ranked schools in both Dubai and the broader Middle East.

They offer a British and International Baccalaureate curriculum, allowing students to choose which they take. All students take the GCSEs, but then may choose to pursue either the A-Levels, or the IB diploma program. They freely publish their scores for , so you can see how well their students perform. They focus on preparing students for university, and their students go on to matriculate at top schools worldwide, though most end up in the UK or US.

Fees for Repton vary by grade level; for year 12¨C13 students, they are 102,753 AED annually at time of writing. Boarding is a flat additional fee, and is the same for all students; it is currently 72,000 AED for full boarding. Only students aged 11 and up may participate in the boarding program. Applications must be submitted . Once this is done, you will be invited to the school for an assessment, to test your student¡¯s fit for the school; what this entails depends on grade level. Applications are accepted for all grades on a rolling basis, though there may not be spaces available for all grades.

This school was founded in 2014 by a group of Indian expatriate businessmen, and was intended to offer education to the Indian expat community in Dubai. It is not exclusive in this though, and students of more than 30 nationalities attend, though the majority of the student body is of Indian origin. This is a coed school, and serves students in pre-k through grade 12.

Credence follows an Indian-curriculum, and specifically prepares students to take Indian secondary school examinations. Students take courses in all core academic subjects, and have some curricular flexibility when choosing electives. There is also an option to pursue a business-centered curriculum.

Fees for Credence vary by grade level, and are 28,076 for grades 11-12 annually. Note that there are additional fees assessed for supplies and uniforms. Students must apply to the school online; those who are deemed qualified are invited to enroll. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all grade levels; which grade you are placed in depends on age and academic preparation.

This is a coed day school following the British curriculum, as the name implies, and serving students from ages 4-18. Opened in 1992, it serves just under 1500 students from a range of nationalities. All students take the GCSE exams, and then enter the A Level track. There are an array of course options for students to select for their A Levels. You can see their exam results . They have the goal of preparing their students for college, and most matriculate into schools in the UK or US. 

Fees for English College depend on grade level; for year 12-13 students they are 68,265 AED annually. Applications must be submitted ; these require completing a form, and submitting requisite documents, namely a full school report from their prior school and needed government identification documents. They accept applications for all grades on a rolling basis. They are generally noncompetitive for admissions.

Founded in 2012, this school is one of two boarding schools in Dubai, though most students attend as day students. It is regularly recognized as one of the best private schools in both Dubai and the wider Middle East. This is a coed school, serving students in grades pre-K through 12. Notably, the school offers instruction not just in English and Arabic, but also in French and German, one of the few schools in Dubai to do so. Note that the school is currently run and administered by Nord ANglia, a multinational education provider.

The curriculum offered by SISD is fully based on the International Baccalaureate, and this is the case for all grade levels. All students partake in the IB curriculum, though do have some freedom in which exact courses they take. They see a 100% pass rate for their IB diploma program, with 60% of students graduating with a bilingual or advanced bilingual diploma as well. 

Fees for SISD are based on grade level, for grades 11-12 they are 137,736 AED annually. There is an additional charge for boarding, leading to a total cost for boarding students of 254,968 AED. Note that only students in grades 6 and up may become boarding students. Applications to SISD must be submitted ; once this is accepted students will be asked to complete an assessment. Admissions offers are extended within five days of taking this assessment. Admissions for all grades are processed on a rolling basis.

This is an international school serving students in grades pre-K through 12, and offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum (as the name implies). They are a coed school, serving students from many different nationalities. Established in 2010, the school is owned and operated by Taaleem, one of the UAE¡¯s largest private education providers. 

The school offers the full IB curriculum, from primary all the way through the IB diploma program. They also offer a career program, for students who wish to focus on a particular career already in their high school studies, but don¡¯t offer a bilingual IB option. The point of the program as a whole is to prepare students for college, and it manages to do so well; most students end up attending university in the UK.

Fees for the school are based on year; for grades 11-12 they are 91,840 AED annually. Applications to the school must be submitted online through their . Once this is done, you must also submit required documentation; government IDs, your most recent school report, immunization forms, and any other needed supplemental forms. If there is space available, students are invited to take an assessment; places are offered based on student performance on this assessment. Admissions for all grades are open on a rolling basis.

Final Thoughts

Dubai has a large and diverse population, and their educational system reflects the diversity of these needs. We hope that this article has given you some sense of the options available; while we couldn¡¯t cover every single school in this country, we do hope this introduction will help you find a school that will best fit your particular needs. 

Of course, every situation is different, and many families grapple with the choice of keeping a child close and sending them to a local private school, or sending them abroad to pursue education in a great boarding school. If you have questions about your educational options, or want help finding the best school to meet your needs, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students navigate their educations, and are always happy to hear from you.

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These disparities can have a major impact on outcomes, with students at top high schools being much more likely to graduate on time, to have a solid understanding of the world around them, and to get into a higher ranked university. These are all things students and parents want (for obvious reasons), and so the question is often asked: which high school is best?

In this article, we¡¯re going to be exploring the best high schools in Ottawa, both public and private. We won¡¯t go over every school, nor is every school we list going to be the right fit for every student; our goal with this article is to give you a sense of what your options are, and to help you begin exploring some of the highest achieving high schools in this excellent city. Let¡¯s jump right in!

The Best Public Secondary Schools in Ottawa

Ottawa consists of four school districts stacked on top of each other; English, English Catholic, French Catholic, and French. Unlike in many other countries, the Catholic districts and schools are public, and funded by the government; this means they do not charge students tuition. These schools are Catholic, and include principles of the faith in their instruction, but are open to students of any religious background, and are bound by governmental regulations on what must be taught, though they have their own administrative superstructure. 

The French/English divide refers to the primary language of instruction, but as with other parts of Canada, students are expected to become fluent in both languages regardless of school. We will specify which district each listed school is part of, and include specific notes for each on how this influences their curriculum and culture. 

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Founded in 1922, Nepean is one of the older secondary schools in Ottawa, and is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The school enrolls approximately 1,200 students, and is primarily English-speaking, though they have a French immersion program. Nepean is located in the Westboro neighborhood, and enrolls students who graduate from Broadview Elementary School; like most public schools, it is a neighborhood school, enrolling the students who live nearest to it geographically.

Nepean is well known for being strong academically, offering a number of AP and advanced/honors courses to students. Nepean also has a special High Skills Major in the Environment, a series of coursework students can take which earns them a special designation when they graduate to denote their environmental focus. Students looking for a more practical and less academic approach may engage with the cooperative program, which allows students to work with partners and receive credit for job training while enrolled in the school. 

Nepean has a strong school community, and is noted for their athletic success. They regularly contend for top spaces in multiple sports; many students participate, though this is hardly mandatory. Nepean further has an award winning arts program, with both music and drama departments recognized regionally and nationally for their accomplishments.

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Founded in 1969, Canterbury is Ottawa¡¯s magnet arts high school, covering both performing and visual arts. Originally intended as a general purpose high school, it switched to an arts focus in 1983, and now serves talented and dedicated students from across Ottawa. The school is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It enrolls approximately 1330 students. Note that technically Arts Canterbury is a subsidiary program within the greater Canterbury high school, but all of the students at Canterbury are there for the arts program specifically. The primary language of instruction at Canterbury is English.

All students at Canterbury take a full suite of academic coursework in addition to their arts courses; students choose a particular arts specialty to audition for and take courses in, the options are: dance, drama, literary, music, and visual arts. The school also offers a Business High Skills major, a set of coursework students interested in business can take. There is a $250 annual fee to participate in the arts program, which helps subsidize the performing facilities and opportunities the school affords. 

for Canterbury open in November and are due at the start of December. After your application is submitted, you will be invited to audition, and must then get two letters of recommendation from current teachers. Audition dates are by discipline, with multiple dates available. Note that literary and visual arts require a portfolio submission and interview in place of an audition.

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Founded in 1843, Lisgar is among the oldest secondary schools in Ottawa, and is regularly ranked among the best in the province academically. It is located in downtown Ottawa, and serves locally zoned students. It is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and English is the primary language of instruction. It enrolls approximately 900 students.

Lisgar offers a full suite of AP coursework, plus an additional gifted program, the first of its kind in Ontario. Students have access to a range of challenging coursework options, including a French immersion program. They have a well-developed arts program, and a cooperative/apprenticeship program for students who are looking to receive job training and work experience in high school. 40 hours of community service are required to graduate.

Enrollment at Lisgar is based primarily on address; students who live outside their catchment area may apply for . This process is open at the end of January and start of February; you must be registered at your zoned school before you can apply to transfer. Note that if transfer admission is granted, students are required to supply their own transport to and from Lisgar each day. There are a very limited number of transfer seats available.

Operated by the French-Catholic school board, Samuel-Genest operates primarily in French; while there are English language courses, the primary language of instruction is French; there is also not the equivalent to French-immersion offered at some English-language schools. Samuel-Genest is a combined junior high and high school; students generally enter at the start of junior-high and continue at the school until they graduate. 

Academically, the school is known for its strong STEM program; while they offer advanced coursework in a number of areas, they have a particularly broad range of science and technology courses available. This is a Catholic school, and the faith does inform the courses and viewpoints offered. That said, non-Catholic students may attend the school as well. 

Admission to the school is based on residence. Students usually enroll in 7th grade, students wishing to enroll later must a guidance counselor at the school. This generally occurs when students move to the district, or transfer from one public school district to another.

Run by the Ottawa Catholic School Board, St. Paul is a Catholic public school serving approximately 950 students and offering instruction primarily in English (though there is a French immersion program). The school combines junior high and high school, serving students in grades 7 through 12. Located in Ottawa¡¯s west end, the school has moved several times over its opening in 1978.

St. Paul offers an advanced curriculum, with a suite of AP coursework and honors available. They offer a program in cooperation with Algonquin College, which also allows advanced students to earn some college credit in select courses. They have a number of specialized business and technology programs for students interested in those fields, along with a co-op internship program to offer students job training. 

Attendance to the school is based on address; they have a number of feeder schools from lower level Catholic schools. The general point of entry for the school is 7th grade.?

Best Private Secondary Schools in Ottawa

Beyond some excellent public schools, Ottawa also has a significant number of excellent private institutions. Again, we don¡¯t have time to cover every school, so we¡¯re going to give a sampling of some standout options, to give you a sense of what¡¯s out there. As with public schools, there are both English and French language options. 

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This is an all-girls secular day school serving approximately 400 students in grades pre-K through 12. Located in Ratcliffe Park, the school¡¯s classes are primarily in English, though French immersion is available, and students can earn a certificate asserting bilingual fluency. The school is based on private schools in Britain in its traditions, and uniforms are required for all students. 

Elmwood offers a full IB curriculum; this includes not just the upper level IB coursework available at most schools, but all three IB programs, including middle and primary school. The school is well known for its academic rigor and excellence, with something of a focus on STEM as well. Graduation requirements are based primarily on the IB diploma, but all students are also required to learn French and complete 40 hours of community service.

Tuition at Elmwood is $36,000 annually, though this is reduced for pre-K and kindergarten students. There are limited need and merit based scholarships available. Applications to Elmwood are competitive, and must be submitted . Applications require an online form, an interview, an academic assessment administered by the school, and for international students only, SSAT scores. 

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This is a coed, Anglican, boarding and day school serving students in grades 4-12. It enrolls approximately 580 students in the senior school. The school offers both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Ashbury Diploma; students are generally expected to earn both. OSSD requirements are set by the province, so students graduating from public and private schools attain similar schools. While the school is technically Anglican, religion does not have a major influence on the school¡¯s culture.

Ashbury offers an advanced IB curriculum, which all students are encouraged to take. Students may either take the full IB program, or may take up to three IB courses in addition to their normal courseload. Students are also encouraged to earn a bilingual certification, with many courses being offered in both English and French. In addition to the academic requirements, graduates are expected to complete 40 hours of community service. 

Tuition at Ashbury is $38,970 for day students and $84,700 for boarding students generally. There is need based aid available; less than 5% of students receive merit based aid at Ashbury. Applications to the school must be completed . These require the online form, a personal profile, transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a school-administered academic assessment.

A private coed day school, Claudel serves students in grades pre-K through 12, and enrolls approximately 1,000 students. The school offers all courses (with the exception of language courses) in French, and follows the French international curriculum. This terminates in a baccalaureate at the end of 12th grade. 

The school offers an advanced academic curriculum, intended to prepare students for university. They follow the French international baccalaureate; students do get some choice in what coursework they take; they select one of nine areas in which they want to focus their studies, and do additional work in these areas. Their students boast a 100% success rate on passing the baccalaureate exams. 

Tuition at Claudel is $16,860 annually, though this does vary by grade level; fees are reduced for younger children with older siblings attending the school. There is limited need-based aid available. Admissions open on October 1, and must be submitted . Applications require an online form, grades from an accredited school, entrance exams, and an introductory meeting.

Final Thoughts

Canada is a multicultural and multilingual country, and this is clearly reflected by the secondary schools in the nation¡¯s capital. Ottawa is a vibrant city, and the education available to students there is quite excellent. As with many cities, where you live does determine which particular schools you end up at, but there are plenty of excellent options, as we hope this article has illustrated. 

Of course, we couldn¡¯t evaluate every school, and each student has their own particular needs. If you want additional help reviewing high school options, or want to talk to an expert about any other aspect of your educational journey, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students find the best situation for them to succeed, and are always happy to hear from you.

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The Best State Sixth Form Colleges in London

Due to historic reasons that are confusing and nonsensical to my American mind, ¡°Public¡± schools in the UK refer to private institutions. State schools is the term for those schools run by the government. There are many different forms these take, with different focuses and requirements for admission. We are covering primarily those schools which focus solely on academics, with an aim at preparing students for higher education.

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Run in partnership with King¡¯s College London (as the name might suggest), this is a maths school, and focuses principally on mathematical subjects and students who are underrepresented in those fields. All students at the school must complete their A-Levels in mathematics, further mathematics, and physics. In their first year students choose to complete their AS-level in computer science or economics, and complete a substantive research project. 

The academic achievement level at the school is high, with 60% of students receiving an A* on their A-levels, and 90% receiving an A*/A. By A-Level achievement, they are the best performing state school in London. Further, a significant number of graduates matriculate at either Oxford or Cambridge; the number was 25% in 2019. It is regularly ranked as the best sixth form college in London.

to King¡¯s Maths is quite competitive, with hundreds of applicants for 70 places each year. All applications begin with the submission of an online form; this is due in November. Everyone who submits this form then sits for a mathematics aptitude test in December. Students with a high score on the test are invited to an interview, and after that students receiving a seat are announced in February. Prospective students must attain GSCE scores of 8-9 in mathematics, 7 or above in physics, and grade 5 or above in at least seven total GCSEs.

Administered by the City of London Academies Trust, NCS is a coeducational free school, and is partnered with University College London. This school focuses specifically on teaching maths and sciences, and offers the following A-Level courses: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Physics, Psychology, and Religious Studies.

The goal of the school is to give students a thorough academic understanding of their subjects, and to prepare them to enter top universities. Their A-Level results support this, with 96% of students attaining A*-B, and 100% getting a C or higher on all A-Level exams. Their university admissions results are also impressive, with students matriculating at both top universities in the UK, and Ivy league and other top schools in the US. They are regularly ranked among the best sixth form colleges in London.

to NCS open on January 1, and are due in February. This solely requires the online form, which does include a personal statement. They do warn against the use of AI in crafting your personal statement. In order to qualify for NCS, students must have a minimum of 62 points from their eight best GCSEs. In addition, they need scores of at least 7 in both English Language and Mathematics GCSEs.

Located in the Stratford area, this is a free school serving approximately 500 pupils. A flagship of the government¡¯s academies program, the school is devoted to offering students an advanced academic curriculum with an eye towards helping them secure spaces in top universities. While the school relies primarily on state funding, they also raise funds from corporate and philanthropic donors to support various activities and offerings of the school.

LAE is consistently named one of the top sixth form colleges in London, and their results bear this out. For their A-Levels, 32% of students earned an A*, 72% earned and A*/A and 92% of all grades earned were a B or higher. They offer an extensive A-Level , allowing students to choose which subjects they desire to specialize in and dive deep on them, while providing a broad range of student supports to assist in this.

to LAE must be done online. Applicants are encouraged to attend the school¡¯s open evening to learn more; either in person or virtually; both are offered a single time each year. Your online application is due at the end of January, and relies on your projected scores on your GCSEs; provisional offers are sent to students in March. In order to qualify, you need at least 8 GCSEs with scores of 9-7 and must score a 7 or higher on English Language and Mathematics. You must also have a 7 or higher on any subjects you will study for your A-Levels. Applications are extremely competitive, with 7,000 applications for 250 spaces in 2025.

Located in the borough of Barnet, Woodhouse is a former grammar school converted to a selective state sixth form college. They are a large college with a broad focus, rather than the focused approach taken by some other top sixth form colleges. While they lack a narrow approach, they are quite strong in all the subjects they offer, seeking to prepare their students for university in a broad range of subjects. The school serves slightly over a thousand pupils.

Woodhouse offers 26 A-Level courses, across STEM and the humanities. Students generally only take three subjects, though some take four. Their exam results are generally quite strong; 17.5% of students received A* last year, 49.7* received A*-A, and 79.7% scored B or higher on their A levels. They regularly send many students to both Oxford and Cambridge, as well as other great universities throughout the UK.

to Woodhouse are done online. These open in October, and close in January. The most important component of the application are your predicted grades on GCSEs. Note that different groups in the application process are weighed differently; children of faculty and students in partner schools have their applications examined first. Note that they have for the GCSE scores you need for each A-Level course; these are minimums, and students should generally have scores higher than these to be competitive for admissions.

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This is a free school, formed in cooperation by the government, the Westminster School, and the Harris foundation, and located in Westminster. It had the original goal of supporting underserved students in their university applications, and while it was formed in partnership with a private school, is still technically a state school. They prioritize providing places to disadvantaged students, and have a goal of sending all students to university.

Harris Westminster offers 16 A-level subjects, spread across the humanities and STEM fields. They do not have the narrow focus of some schools, but do offer all subjects at a high level. All students take four subjects. They also offer Cambridge pre-U coursework. Their students do quite well on their A-level exams; last year 19% received an A*, 53% received A*-A, and 78% received a B or better.

Admissions to Harris Westminster are determined based on your admissions test and an interview. They prioritize admitting students who receive free meals; about half of their student body comes from this population. Applications open in September and close in December; examinations are held in January with interviews in February. Results are then announced in March. Offers of admission are conditional on your results on GCSEs.

Best Private Sixth Form Colleges in London

Some of these institutions are part of larger schools, ones which educate students from a young age, while others are stand-alone institutions. Unlike their state counterparts, however, all of these schools cost money to attend, often a fair bit of it. Many of these are well storied schools however. We, of course, cannot cover every private school in London, so we are bringing you a selection of excellent examples, to give a sense of what¡¯s available.

Located in Kensington, Ashbourne offers both A-level and GCSE courses, with students having the option to transition from one to the other with satisfactory exam results. They are one of the top-ranked private schools in London, and serve both domestic and international students; indeed, around 40% of their student body is international.

Ashbourne offers 25 different A-level course options. There are also options for students to take shortened or make-up courses, if they are trying to catch up to their peers or perform better on their A-levels on a second go around. Their students perform well on their exams, with 46% achieving A*-A, and 78% scoring a B or higher. Fees are 12,650 per term for A-Level domestic students (or 13,750 for international students). A limited number of scholarships, covering up to full tuition, are available to particularly talented students.

to Ashbourne are competitive, first requiring an online form, and then subject tests for the particular A-Levels you intend to pursue. Those students who are interested in pursuing the arts will have to submit portfolios, those interested in theatre must attend an audition. Predicted or actual scores on the GCSE are a major factor in admissions decisions.

MPW is a collection of schools, and has a campus in London. They primarily offer two-year A-level courses, but they also offer GCSE coursework, and Easter revision courses for students from other schools. The school¡¯s campus is in South Kensington in London. Their goal is to prepare students for admission to top universities, and offer a wide range of coursework options.

The school offers 43 A-Level subjects across a wide array of disciplines. All classes are capped at ten students maximum. They have the widest range of courses available to students in the UK, and offer all of these at a high level. Their results are quite strong across all of these disciplines, with 38% of students receiving an A*-A, and 66% achieving a B or higher on their A-levels. Their students attend a number of top-tier universities, both in the UK and internationally.

to MPW must be done online. They are not academically selective (by their own definition), but do require all students to have an interview, and international students must sit for an assessment exam. Fees depend on the number of courses studied; the basic fee is 11,966 per term.

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This is a private school in London serving students from ages 2-18; though age groups are separated into different campuses. It has two separate sixth form campuses; each of which is combined with a senior school. Both schools have the same offerings, but have different head teachers and slight variations in culture. Both, however, offer high level coursework with the goal of preparing students for university.

Nortbridge offers 20 A-level subjects, spread across a variety of disciplines, both STEM and the humanities. Students typically only study three A-level subjects, but may choose four depending on GCSE results and ability. Their results in the A-levels are quite good, with 40% of students earning an A*-A, with notable high performances in particular subjects, especially drama and languages. Their students matriculate to a number of top universities throughout the UK and internationally.

Applications to Northbridge must be done online; as there are two separate sixth form campuses, each handles admissions separately (though the overall process is the same), and you should decide which you want to attend when applying. The process requires a brief online form, this is due in November. Once these are reviewed, students are invited to interviews and assessments on campus to test their fit for the school, these take place at the end of November. Note that most students apply to join the school for year 7, rather than for sixth form. Term fees are 10,472 for sixth form students. Discounts are available if multiple siblings are attending the school.

Final Thoughts

Unlike in many US cities, the state administered sixth form colleges in London often outperform their private counterparts, especially at the high end. Due to the somewhat patchwork nature of schools in London, however, it can be quite an adventure to find and apply to these schools, especially if you want to consider options outside of what your current school partners with. 

This is where ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. If you are looking for help deciding between your options for schools, or managing the process of applying to US universities as a student in the UK, then we have just the thing for you. Our mentors are well versed in helping students find the best educational environment for them, and in helping international students navigate the admissions process for US universities. If you are looking for help with this, or any other aspect of your educational journey, don¡¯t wait. Schedule a free consultation with us today. We¡¯re always happy to hear from you.

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