The American high school begins in the 9th grade and finishes after a dignified graduation ceremony in the 12th grade. Students use names as Freshman (9th grade), Sophomore (10th grade), Junior (11th grade) and Senior (12th grade) to describe what year they are in.

As an exchange student you will most likely be placed in the 11th or 12th grade. The decision on which grade you will be placed in will be made by your high school, based on your age, grades and subjects you studied so far.

You will study two mandatory subjects, English and American history or social science, and four or five optional subjects. Many special subjects are on offer, such as speech, journalism, computers, dancing, drama etc. 

Schools in the USA follow a two-semester system. Breaks are around Christmas, in spring and in summer. You will go to school from Monday to Friday for 6 to 7 hours a day and follow the same schedule every day.

Lunches are not for free in American schools. You will have to bring your lunch to school or to buy it at the school cafeteria.

The school year starts either in the middle or end of August, or at the beginning of September, depending on the State.