Prep Pathway specializes in athletes who wish to realize their dream of attending a high school in the USA while continuing their sport at a high level. Unlike conventional exchange organizations, we ensure that both the academic and athletic requirements of your child are met at a suitable sports academy or boarding school. At the same time, you have complete say and decision-making power when it comes to choosing your dream high school in America.

Through our close cooperation with leading boarding schools and sports academies in the US, we offer the best possible support in both academics and athletics. Your child will be enrolled as a regular student, receive official transcripts, and have the chance to further develop in some of the best school teams in America.

With Prep Pathway, your child benefits from first-class education and top athletic performance – for a successful future in the USA.

Prep Pathway does not offer homestays with host families.

An international stay at a US boarding school promotes your child’s development in sports, academics, and personally.

Athletically, your child will benefit from intensive athletic support and professional training opportunities offered at many US boarding schools and sports academies. The USA is known for its highly developed sports programs, providing access to top coaches, modern facilities, and participation in competitions at a national level. Your child has the opportunity to further develop his/her sporting talent and prepare for a professional sports career, whether in basketball, soccer, swimming, or other disciplines. Additionally, sports scholarships for further education in the USA or at international universities could be an option, opening up additional career opportunities.

Academically, an international stay at an American high school strengthens discipline and time management.

On a personal level, your child matures through international experiences, develops social skills and self-confidence – all important prerequisites for the future.

The USA is undoubtedly number one when it comes to success at the Olympic Games. The nation repeatedly produces dominating athletes in a variety of sports. Particularly in disciplines such as track & field, swimming, golf, and tennis, the USA has a long history of outstanding achievements, but it is also a leader in traditional American sports like basketball, football, and baseball.

A key reason for the USA’s outstanding athletic performance is the school system which integrates competitive sports directly into everyday school life. Unlike in many countries such as Germany, sports are organized through high schools and universities, allowing athletes to combine their sporting goals with a solid academic education. Through this close integration of sports and school, talents receive optimal training opportunities, enabling the USA to develop a continuous pipeline of successful athletes for national and international competitions.

An international stay at an American high school offers numerous advantages for both athletic and academic development. Boarding schools and sports academies in the USA combine competitive sports, first-class athletic support, and a solid education – ideal for young athletes. Your child benefits from professional coaches, modern sports facilities, and a performance-oriented curriculum.

The stay makes it possible to compete at the highest level in sports, establish valuable networks, and prepare for an American college or university. Sports scholarships support both academic and athletic careers. Studying abroad also fosters personal development and improvement in English skills. Prep Pathway ensures that your child learns and trains in the best environment to be successful and gain international experience.

We offer individualized consulting and place great emphasis on close cooperation with families to capture your child’s individual academic, athletic, and personal needs. Through personalized advice and thorough assessments, we help you choose a U.S. high school that aligns with your child’s goals and interests. This ensures that your child is placed at a school that provides a supportive and enriching environment.

Boarding schools and sports academies in the USA often offer performance-oriented sports programs that aim to promote talented athletes. With qualified coaches and first-class sports facilities, students have the opportunity to participate in challenging competitions. These programs combine athletic development with academic requirements and offer an ideal environment to promote both sports skills and academic performance.

After signing the contract, your child’s personal Prep Pathway advisor will contact you to discuss next steps. Together, you gather application documents and receive suggestions for suitable high schools or sports academies in America.

Once you have decided on a school, Prep Pathway submits the application documents. After acceptance at the school and signing the school contract (official enrollment), we begin the visa application process and take care of all further steps on the way to boarding the plane.

The application process for an international year at boarding schools or sports academies in the USA takes place in several phases. The process usually runs from August to February and includes both academic and athletic documents (e.g., athlete profile, transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, language tests). In March/April, interviews follow, in which the school makes its decision and sends out acceptance letters. After acceptance, the I-20 form for the visa application is prepared. Late applicants can apply until August, but the selection is then often limited. The preparation for the international stay takes place from March to August, before departure and the start of the school year in August/September.

The costs for a school year at a high school in America consist of the placement fees charged by Prep Pathway and the school fees (boarding tuition) of the private school in America. While Prep Pathway handles the placement at a suitable school, the school fees are invoiced directly by the US high school. More details on the school fees can be found in section “Additional Fees”.

Placement Fees:

Prep Pathway supports you through the entire administrative process until your child’s arrival on campus. While other educational consultants often charge extra for many fees (e.g., application fees, visa fees, test registration), those fees are already included in our services. The detailed cost overview can be found in the service contract – full transparency is guaranteed.

School Fees:

Prep Pathway cooperates with selected boarding schools for athletes in the USA and acts as an educational consultant to ensure the ideal combination of competitive sports and academic support. This ensures that the school perfectly matches your child’s athletic and academic level, and that preferential treatment is enabled during the application process.

A major advantage: Your child can extend the high school stay flexibly – up to graduation. This is often not possible with classic exchange programs. The final school fees depend on the academic, athletic, and financial application.

The application process for American boarding schools and sports academies may seem challenging, but with our professional support you will master it successfully. We show you exactly how to optimally prepare all the required documents – from transcripts to tests – and position your child as best as possible for the desired school in the USA.

With our help, you will learn which documents are required for the application and how to complete an application effectively and convincingly. We guide you through the entire process – from academic requirements to financial proofs, as well as essays and letters of recommendation. This ensures that the high school application is complete and maximizes the chances of being admitted to your dream school in the USA. Together, we prepare you for a successful future and an international stay in America!

In the USA, the school system is particularly characterized by a strong school identity and community, especially at boarding schools and sports academies. Students and teachers identify intensely with their school and, for example, support school teams in competitions. Boarding schools and sports academies combine academic excellence with athletic support, so that students can pursue both their academic and sports goals.

The American high school covers the last four years (grades 9-12) and ends with a high school diploma. The school year runs from August/September to May/June, lasting about 10 months and is divided into two semesters. The school day usually begins between 8 and 9 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m. At sports academies, practice often takes place both in the morning and afternoon, with the daily schedule effectively balancing academic and athletic commitments.

The academic standard at US high schools, especially at renowned boarding schools, is high. These schools offer challenging courses and individual support. In addition to traditional subjects, there are specialized programs in areas such as sports, science, and the arts that specifically develop talents. Many schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which serve as preparation for college and broaden academic opportunities.

Sports programs at US high schools promote competitive athletes and offer the possibility to elevate sports skills to a higher level. Collegiate sports scholarships also provide excellent opportunities for success in both school and sports in the USA. Boarding schools and sports academies create ideal conditions for combining a sports and academic career.

Private and independent schools in the USA, also known as “American Independent Schools,” “private,” or “prep schools,” are among the best academic institutions in the country. These schools were founded to optimally prepare students for college (prep = college preparatory). They are financed through tuition fees, private donors, alumni, parents, and foundations. Many of these schools are particularly attractive for international students who wish to combine an excellent education with competitive sports, for example at sports academies in the USA.

Features of a US prep school:

• Small class sizes (maximum 15 students)

• Highly qualified teachers with first-class training

• High academic demands

• Excellent programs in art, music, sports, and community service

• Modern, high-quality campus facilities

• Focus on character building

• Safe campus life

• Accreditation by regional and national organizations

• Strong “school spirit” in the form of a strong identification with one’s own school, enthusiasm for school activities, cohesion within the school community, and support for sports teams

These schools not only offer first-class education but also excellent opportunities for talented athletes who wish to kick-start their careers in disciplines such as soccer, swimming, basketball, golf, or track & field at an American high school. An international stay for athletes in America enables the combination of top-tier education with professional training at boarding or sports schools.

Our athletes are exclusively placed at boarding schools, where they live in dormitories with other students and athletes. Boarding schools offer comfortable rooms, healthy meals, and comprehensive care. All academic and athletic facilities are in close proximity so that students can fully focus on their education and athletic development.

Campus life provides an authentic insight into everyday life at a US college and helps in deciding whether studying at a US college with a sports scholarship makes sense.

Some schools also offer homestay programs where students can stay with a host family on weekends or holidays to get to know life in an American family. Prep Pathway has no influence on the availability of these programs.

In the USA, there are various types of schools, including public schools, which are free, and private schools, which charge tuition. A special form of high school are boarding schools, which offer students year-round care on campus and promote a close community as well as intensive academic and personal development. Sports academies combine academic education with athletic training, especially for talented athletes.

Public schools are free, while boarding schools (also known as prep schools or boarding schools) charge tuition and provide accommodation, meals, and care. Prep schools intensively prepare students for entry into a university or college, with challenging academic programs and extracurricular activities. They are characterized by smaller class sizes and individualized support.

The terms high school, boarding school, prep school, and boarding school are often used synonymously, although they have specific differences. As educational consultants specialized in private schools in the USA, we support you in finding the right school for your child.

US boarding schools and sports academies are both forms of high school in America. Students who complete high school receive an official diploma – the US High School Diploma. This diploma is generally recognized in the USA and qualifies for admission to an American college or university.

Both share some similarities but also have important differences. Both types of schools offer intensive support and a structured environment in which students experience both academic and extracurricular activities. Both often provide a boarding system where students live on campus.

While both school types offer holistic support, the main difference is that sports academies place a stronger emphasis on athletic development and offer specialized training in certain sports, such as basketball, soccer, swimming, or tennis, making them ideal for students who aspire to a professional sports career or wish to apply for a sports scholarship at a college.

Boarding schools offer a broader academic education and place a stronger emphasis on holistic personal and intellectual development, with sports and other activities also being part of the offering, though not to the same extent as in sports academies. Boarding schools provide a comprehensive academic education and can also emphasize other subjects, interests, and activities such as art, music, and science.

Which school system is better largely depends on whether your child’s main goal is a professional sports career or a balanced education in athletics and academics. If the focus is clearly on a sports career and intensive, specialized training is needed, a sports academy may be the better choice. However, if a high value is also placed on academic excellence and personal development, a boarding school with good sports infrastructure offers a balanced solution that supports both.

The chances of obtaining sports scholarships for a college in the USA are high at both sports academies and boarding schools with good sports infrastructure, but the orientation of the school plays an important role. Sports academies offer specialized training programs and close connections to college coaches, which give talented athletes higher visibility and better chances of securing sports scholarships. Boarding schools with strong sports infrastructure provide a balanced education that includes both athletic support and academic excellence, increasing not only the chances of sports scholarships but also academic scholarships. Ultimately, success depends on the student’s athletic performance and academic aptitude.

High school sports in the USA are seasonal and are offered in three seasons – fall, winter, and spring. In sports such as soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, athletics, or swimming, Prep Pathway cooperates with schools that offer affiliated clubs or sports academies in the USA to enable year-round training. This training takes place on campus or nearby. Clubs outside the high school charge separate fees, which are beyond Prep Pathway's control.

Sports academies in the USA are specifically geared toward competitive athletes and prepare specifically for college sports. An international stay for athletes at such an academy or boarding school combines high-quality education with professional training, ideal for students who aspire to receive a sports scholarship at a college or university in the USA.

A student exchange means that an athlete lives with a host family in the USA and, in return, an American student is hosted.

Prep Pathway does not offer student exchange; instead, it places students at boarding schools and sports academies in the USA that offer an optimal combination of education and competitive sports – ideal to prepare for a future at a US college with a possible sports scholarship without the obligation to host a foreign student.

The optimal time for an international stay for athletes should be coordinated early with the school administration. Most students switch to a high school in the USA in 10th or 11th grade, depending on whether a diploma is obtained after 12 or 13 years.

US high schools themselves tend to recommend an international stay in 9th or 10th grade, as these years are not part of the final years and the academic demands are lower compared to 11th and 12th grade, which are closer to the final exams and the transition to college. If the goal is to obtain a high school diploma in the USA, an early switch facilitates integration into high school sports and improves the chances of college sports scholarship.

Prep Pathway can boast a 100% placement rate. Thanks to our close partnerships with high schools, boarding schools, and sports academies, all athletes we have placed in the past have received multiple school offers from which they could freely choose.

Yes, we offer targeted test preparation for standardized tests to optimally prepare your child for the exams and the high school application process in the USA. With personalized tutoring and individualized study plans, we achieve the best results. Our experienced language teacher prepares your child intensively for the Duolingo English Test, which is recognized by most US schools.

For an international stay in the USA, your child generally needs to demonstrate basic English language skills. Depending on the school and program, the requirements may vary. International applicants must take a language test to verify their English skills. Often, the Duolingo English Test or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required. These tests assess abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking and help schools determine whether applicants meet the language requirements for academic success. Our service offerings include language lessons to prepare your child for the language test.

Whether a repeat year is necessary is decided by the school in the home country. We recommend discussing with the school administration early on whether and under what conditions the academic achievements from the high school in America can be recognized.

Many private schools in America offer challenging academic programs that can sometimes be credited in the home country. An international stay at a high school or sports academy in America not only offers excellent athletic support but also high-quality academic content that can facilitate reintegration into the home country’s school system. With careful planning, the stay can be optimally integrated into the educational biography without jeopardizing academic progress.

Yes, the US high school diploma is recognized internationally, even though it does not directly correspond to the German Abitur or comparable international high school degrees. It can sometimes be recognized through additional exams such as the SAT or ACT. Many universities of applied sciences and international programs accept the US high school diploma. Advanced Placement (AP) courses improve both academic preparation and the recognition of the diploma.

An international year at a US high school is especially a great opportunity for athletes, as they can be recruited early on by college coaches to increase their chances of obtaining a sports scholarship for an American college. This can result in an American college education being partially or fully funded.

Yes, if your child obtains an American high school diploma, they can directly attend a US college, provided the admission criteria are met. Students graduating internationally must first pass the Abitur, Matura, Fachabitur, or a secondary school leaving certificate with vocational training, or the GED test, in order to study in the USA. Many of our athletes choose a US college after high school graduation, as the high school years provide excellent preparation, both academically and athletically. Especially athletes benefit from the fact that college coaches see them live, which increases the chances of a sports scholarship. Additionally, a college stay is often more affordable, as sports or academic scholarships can cover part of the tuition fees.

Academic scholarships at private high schools in the USA are rare and usually amount to 500 and 5,000 USD.

Sports scholarships are not awarded at boarding schools and high schools, as this financial support is primarily reserved for colleges and universities.

Many private schools in the USA offer financial aid for families in need through their “Financial Aid Programs.” The support is based on your income and expenses and is determined individually by the school after a separate application is submitted. In general, the amount of aid can be contested once.

Prep Pathway assists with the application process but has no influence on the amount of aid granted. Sports scholarships, as they are known from US colleges or universities, are not awarded at boarding schools and high schools.

Yes, in Germany, Auslands-BAföG can be applied for or you can apply to private scholarship providers for financial support. The application is independent of Prep Pathway and falls outside of the scope of our service offerings. Further information on Auslands-BAföG can be found on their website.

For a school year at a US boarding school, you should plan for additional costs besides the regular school tuition, which can vary depending on the high school. These can range between $1,800 and $3,000 per year.

The most common additional fees include:

• International Student Fee: Administrative fee for international students, often includes visa support and health insurance

• Health Services Fee: Fee for access to on-campus health services

• Accident Insurance: Insurance for accidents

• Technology Fee: Costs for the use of computers and internet

• School Uniform: Costs for the purchase of uniforms

• Transportation Fee: Fees for transport to the airport and on excursions

• Field Trips: Costs for mandatory or optional excursions

• Book Deposit: Fee for books, which may be refundable

• Elective Subject Costs: Additional fees for materials in certain courses

• Athletic Fee: Fee for participation in sports, depending on the sport

• SAT/ACT Test Fee: Costs for standardized college admission tests

• Yearbook: Optional fee for the yearbook

• Room Deposit: Deposit for damages to boarding school property

Please note that fees may vary depending on the boarding school, sports academy, or sports program in the USA. For students who wish to participate in sports such as basketball, swimming, soccer, tennis, golf, etc. at an American high school, many schools and sports academies offer tailor-made programs that may also incur additional costs (e.g., tournament fees, club fees in the off-season, etc.).

High school in the USA lasts four years (grades 9-12) and ends with the US high school diploma. The school year is divided into two semesters: August to December and January to May/June. With Prep Pathway, your child receives an F1 visa for several years at a high school. After graduation, they can go directly to a US college without having to apply for a new visa.

Yes, it is possible to extend your child’s stay at an American school with an F1 visa. With Prep Pathway, your child receives an F1 visa that enables them to attend a US high school for several years. If desired, your child can obtain the high school diploma in the USA and then go directly to a college or university without having to apply for a new visa.

This is particularly advantageous for students at sports boarding schools or academies in the USA, as it allows them to pursue a long-term school and athletic career in the USA and to apply early for a sports scholarship.

In general, it is not possible to stay at a US boarding school for one semester only, especially if your child wants to become part of a US sports program or team. Many boarding schools and sports academies require registration for the entire school year. If the stay is terminated prematurely, the full annual fees may still apply.

Sports such as basketball, swimming, or ice hockey extend over both semesters, and athletes can only fully take advantage of the training and competition opportunities if they participate for the entire school year (from August to May). In addition, it is easier for integration and success in both school and sports if your child is there for the whole school year.

Parents can visit their child during the boarding school stay in the USA. Whether a visit is advisable depends on the situation. A visit can be a good opportunity to get to know the school, but it might be better for athletes to leave the stay undisturbed so they can concentrate on their sports career and academics. A visit should not disrupt the acclimatization process and integration.

It is more sensible to visit during campus closures or on holidays. This way, parents can spend more time with their child without affecting school operations or athletic commitments.

The international stay can be terminated at any time. However, we recommend encouraging the athletes to take on challenges and not give up after initial setbacks, to make the most of the high school experience in the USA.

A boarding school in the USA offers comprehensive support for students, both academically and in the social and personal environment. Here are some of the main roles that ensure your child receives the best possible support during their time at a high school in America:

• Academic Advisors: They assist with course selection and preparation for college applications, especially for students aiming for a sports scholarship in the USA.

• Guidance Counselors: They support with personal and social challenges and help with integration into the US high school.

• Dorm Advisors: They take care of the well-being of students in the dormitory and support them in settling in.

In addition, your Prep Pathway advisor is always available to assist with any questions or issues that cannot be resolved directly with the school.

On weekends, there are many different activities at US boarding schools and sports academies that your child can take advantage of according to their interests. On campus, one can participate in sports such as flag football or basketball, enjoy creative activities like arts & crafts or climbing, and take part in dorm competitions, movie nights, or sports events.

Off campus, one can explore the city, go shopping, attend concerts or sports events, or simply go out to eat with friends. For those seeking adventure, there are also outdoor activities. Boredom therefore has no chance!

For an international year at a US private school, your child requires an F-1 visa. This is issued to international students who wish to study at an accredited high school or private school in the USA. The prerequisite is acceptance by a school approved by the US Department of Homeland Security as well as proof of financial means. The application should be submitted as early as possible, as the process can take 1 to 3 months.

The process for applying for a student visa for a high school stay in the USA usually takes place in several steps, starting with admission to the school, followed by the issuing of the I-20 form, visa application, visa appointment, and interview. Prep Pathway will assist you in applying for the correct student visa for your child. We will take care of all the paperwork, ensure that all requirements are met, and support you in scheduling the appointment so that everything proceeds as simply and stress-free as possible.

At US high schools, all staff—including teachers, advisors, and coaches—undergo background checks to ensure the safety of the students. In addition, they participate annually in training sessions and regular “Safe School” and “Safe Sport” trainings to prevent abuse and violence.

Modern security measures such as surveillance cameras and controlled access protect the students. Boarding schools provide a 24/7 security system, emergency numbers, quick contact options for parents, and medical emergency assistance. Many schools cooperate with nearby hospitals.

Additionally, there are clear behavioral guidelines regarding drug abuse, alcohol, and bullying to foster a respectful environment. In an emergency, parents are informed immediately.

At American high schools, parents are regularly informed about their children’s progress. This includes academic reports, transcripts, updates on academic performance, athletic progress, and overall well-being, as well as parent-teacher conferences. Many schools offer online portals or apps through which parents can view grades, attendance, and homework.

Other communication methods include monthly newsletters, emails or phone calls for special concerns, as well as individual advisory reports. These measures enable parents to actively accompany the educational journey and provide support early on.

Prep Pathway is also happy to introduce you to the local contacts so that you always know whom to approach.

At a high school in the USA, students can choose from a wide range of subjects that promote their academic and athletic development. In addition to compulsory subjects such as English, mathematics, and sciences, there are numerous elective options. Athletes benefit from programs that combine academic and athletic support. Guidance counselors assist in creating a schedule that corresponds to personal interests and goals. In addition, there are many extracurricular activities and clubs in which students can get involved.

For a stay at a US high school, your child is required to have health insurance, which is often offered by the boarding school or sports academy. This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies. Few schools allow students to have their own international insurance provider. Dental and optical/eye treatments are usually not included. Details regarding the insurance are specified in the school contract. Optionally, additional insurances such as liability, accident, or travel insurance can be taken out though are usually not required by US boarding schools.