Public schools in the U.S. are government-funded and do not have admission requirements beyond residing in the school district. They often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and sports programs due to their larger size. Transportation is typically provided for students within the district, making them a convenient option for many families. Public schools are required to provide special education services and support for students with disabilities.

Immersion schools provide an educational environment where students are taught in two languages. These schools aim to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competencies. In immersion programs, a significant portion of the curriculum is delivered in a target language (e.g., Spanish, French, Mandarin), with the goal of students achieving fluency in both English and the target language by the time they complete the program.

Based on Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), immersion programs can be classified into three main types:

Total Immersion: In the early grades (K-2), nearly all subjects are taught in the target language, with English instruction gradually increasing in grades 3-6.
Partial Immersion: Up to half of the curriculum is taught in the target language, with English used for the remaining subjects.
Two-Way Immersion: These programs balance instruction between English and a non-English language, including both native speakers of the target language and native English speakers to promote dual language development.

Immersion schools aim to develop strong bilingual skills and a deeper cultural understanding. Parents interested in enrolling their children should check specific program requirements, as these may vary. Generally, these programs start in kindergarten or first grade, and early enrollment is encouraged due to the structured nature of language learning.

Private schools are funded through tuition fees and private contributions, which allow for smaller class sizes and specialized curriculums. These schools are categorized into two main types: day schools and boarding schools. Day schools enable students to attend classes during the day and return home in the evenings, fostering daily family interaction—ideal for younger children or families who prefer close daily contact. On the other hand, boarding schools offer a residential experience, with students living on campus during the school term. These institutions typically start from 6th grade, with a wider school options available from 9th grade onwards. Boarding schools offer a campus living environment that fosters independence through rigorous academic and extracurricular programs, making them ideal for independent students who excel in self-directed settings.
In addition to conventional academic offerings, some private schools are specifically designed for students with special needs. These therapeutic schools provide tailored educational programs and support services to address various learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Admission to private schools usually requires entrance exams and interviews. Applicants must undergo a comprehensive application process, where their materials are reviewed by the institution’s admission committee. Private schools often offer advanced placement courses and extracurricular opportunities. Boarding schools provide residential facilities, while day schools might have limited transportation options. Funded through tuition and private contributions, private schools are able to maintain extensive facilities and resources.

Homeschooling is an educational form where parents choose to educate their children at home rather than in traditional public or private school settings. This allows for flexibility in both curriculum and scheduling, enabling parents to customize the education to fit their child’s needs and interests.

The legal requirements vary by state, which typically include notifying local school authorities, adhering to certain subject requirements, and participating in an annual evaluations or standardized testing. Parents can choose from a wide range of curricula and educational philosophes, including structured programs, online courses, and self-designed lesion plans. Parents serve as the primary teachers, which requires a significant time commitment and a willingness to implement effective teaching strategies.

To start homeschooling, parents should register their child by filing a notice of intent with their local school district. Searching online for “local school district website ‘your city’ ‘your state’” can provide specific registration information. Keeping records of educational activities and assessments is crucial, especially in states like New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, which demand detailed documentation and periodic testing.

While homeschooling offers a customized learning experience and a focused environment, it requires significant time and effort from parents and may limit social interactions for children. Social interaction is particularly important for language learners, as engaging with peers helps develop needed language skills and cultural understanding. Thus, to support language development and ensure well-rounded social skills, incorporating group activities, community engagements, and language-focused social groups can be beneficial for homeschooled children.

Charter schools are independently run but publicly funded and can have unique educational approaches or curricular focuses, such as STEM or the arts. They often feature smaller class sizes and may require applications for admission. Charter schools might not always offer transportation, which is something parents should consider. They are also known for fostering strong community involvement and may require or encourage parental participation.

Religious schools, also known as faith-based schools, integrate religious education and values into their curriculum alongside standard academic subjects. These schools are typically funded through tuition fees, religious organizations, and private donations. They can be either private day schools or boarding schools.
Religious schools provide an environment where religious instruction and practices are part of daily school life. This may include regular religious services, classes in religious studies, and the observance of religious holidays. The specific religious affiliation of the school (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox Chrisian, Jewish) will influence the nature of these activities and the values emphasized in the school’s culture and curriculum.

Just like Private schools addressed above, the admission process for religious schools typically involves an application, which may include academic records, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Many religious schools also require entrance exams and interviews. In addition, parents may be required to provide information about their family’s religious practices and commitment to the school’s faith-based mission.