Elementary, middle, and high schools
Unlike universities, K–12 schools don't have a single global application system. Public schools are assigned by address; private schools apply individually. Here's the honest guide for international families.
Search every public K–12 school
Public schools are free and assigned by home address. Use these official/trusted directories to find schools in any US state or Canadian province.
GreatSchools
The definitive US K–12 directory. Every public, private, and charter school, with community ratings, test scores, demographics, and parent reviews. Free.
Search US schools ↗NCES School Locator
Official US Department of Education directory of every public and private school, with district boundaries, enrollment, and report cards.
NCES directory ↗Fraser Institute School Rankings
Canada's most-cited K–12 school rankings, covering elementary and secondary schools in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Québec with annual report cards.
Canadian rankings ↗EduCanada — K–12
Official Government of Canada portal for international students, including K–12 programs, provincial visa-permit schools, and study permit guidance.
Official K-12 guide ↗How K–12 application actually works from abroad
Public schools
Only available if you're already living in the district. Tourist visas don't qualify. You need a US/Canada residency tied to a parent's work, study, or immigration visa.
Private day schools
Can accept international students, but family must live locally. Tuition $15k–$45k/yr typical. Application includes SSAT test, essays, interviews.
Boarding schools
The real international path for ages 10–18. Student lives at the school, visa is an F-1 (US) or Study Permit (Canada). See our Boarding page.
Online / hybrid
Some international schools offer US curriculum (AP, Common Core) online. Useful if you can't relocate but want American college prep.
Top specialized high schools to know about
World-famous public and magnet high schools. Most require exam-based admission, and most require local residency — but useful to know when planning.
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Technology
Alexandria, Virginia · The #1 US public high school. Residency and SHSAT-style entrance exam required.
Visit site ↗Stuyvesant High School
New York City · NYC specialized exam (SHSAT) required. Must be a NYC resident.
Visit site ↗Bronx High School of Science
New York City · Nobel-laureate alumni. SHSAT + NYC residency.
Visit site ↗University of Toronto Schools
Toronto · One of Canada's most selective high schools; entrance exam required.
Visit site ↗Phillips Exeter Academy
New Hampshire · Elite boarding; fully open to internationals. See our Boarding page for details.
View on site →IB World Schools Directory
Search every International Baccalaureate school worldwide — many countries have IB schools that are accepted by top US/Canadian universities.
Find IB school ↗Planning for a younger student?
Our team specializes in helping families navigate the boarding school SSAT, interviews, and visa process.
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