The American School System

The American education system is very different from many other countries.   Education is divided into elementary/primary, secondary, and postsecondary/higher education (college/university).   US children enter formal schooling around age 6 and are typically in one classroom with the same teacher for most of the day.  After elementary school, students begin middle school,  where they usually move from class to class each period. In high school, students in their first year are called freshman, in their second year sophomore, in their third year junior, and in their last and fourth year senior. Students must earn a certain number of credits (which they get for a successfully completed course) in order to graduate and be awarded with a high school diploma -- there is no final examination like in many other countries. 

Graduating from an American School

In the USA, graduation from high school is ultimately determined by how many credits (classes) you have taken.   Even if you have attended high school for four years, if you do not have the right amount of credits,  you cannot graduate. This can be confusing for international students if you try to “guess” what grade you would be in at an American school. For instance,  an international student may only have one semester left in his own country,  but will need a full year in order to study American history (a required course) at a U.S. high school. 

This is why we require international students who are applying to grades 9-12 (high school) to complete the Transcript Evaluation Form, included on page 13 of the application.   Applicants must submit their most current transcript and we will have the transcripts professionally evaluated in order to determine what American grade you should be placed in and how many classes you still need to graduate.   The evaluation company will know which courses you take in your home country are able to “count” towards your American diploma. 

Please note that ALL offers of admission to a specific grade are contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of your transcripts.   IMG Pendleton reserves the right to place you in the grade and classes most suited to help you graduate in a timely manner. 

Required Documentation

Applicants to grades 1-8:  All official school records should accompany the application, along with an official English translation. These applicants do not need to submit the Evaluation Form. 

Applicants to grades 9-12 and the post-grad program: IMG Pendleton must receive all transcripts from non-U.S. sponsored high schools or secondary schools (i.e. Prepartoria, Ensino Médio, Gymnasium, Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form, etc..). Applicants should also submit records for the year prior to Secondary School (i.e. Secundaria, Ensino Fundamental, Basic Secondary, Middle Class, Key Stage 3) and national examination scores, if applicable. 

Applicants must complete the Transcript Evaluation form (see page 13) and include a credit card number. There is a fee for the evaluation process.  All transcripts must be official documents and must show courses taken and grades earned.

IMG Pendleton Graduation Requirements (High School)

There are specific credits needed to graduate.  For example, at the IMG Pendleton school you must have completed the following requirements in order to graduate:

• English: 4 years, 4 credits
• History*: 4 years, 4 credits
• Mathematics: 3 years, 3 credits
• Science: 3 years, 3 credits
• Foreign Languages: 2 years, 2 credits
• Other Academic Electives: 3 credits
• Arts: 1 year, 1 credit (Theatre, Dance, Music, Visual Arts)
• Physical Education: 2 years, 2 credits
• Community Service Hours: Optional

*must include one full credit of U.S. History.