Boarding school age and grade

Prep School Admissions
1

Hey guys
I was born in August 2011, so technically in the U.S. school system, I would be starting 9th grade this fall (please correct me if I’m wrong!).

But I live in a different country where the school year and grade system are different. Here, we started 8th grade in March 2025, and it will end in February 2026. Then I’ll start 9th grade in March 2026 and finish it in February 2027.

I’m planning to apply to boarding schools (phillips academy and groton) for Fall 2026 admission (the one that deadline is feb 2026) . That would be the second semester of 9th grade in my country, but it would line up with 10th grade in the U.S. system.

So should I apply for 9th grade or 10th grade? Which would be better?

Thanks so much!

2

9th. Easier entry for both. Plus you’re young and benefit greatly from the opportunity to do a full four years at those two. It is hard to transition in in any case. Takes the additional year.

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thank you

4

I agree with IndySceptic—applying for 9th grade is generally less competitive than later entry points. I’d also add that these schools are incredibly selective. While I don’t know your specific situation, I can say from experience that nothing is guaranteed, no matter how strong the application.

If attending a U.S. boarding school is truly the dream, I highly recommend applying to a broader range of schools. There are many excellent options on par with, and less competitive than, Phillips Academy and Groton (which were recently ranked #1 and #2 in national high school rankings). Let me know if you would like more insight.

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5

Last year, my southern hemisphere kid applied to Yr 9. They completed half of Yr 9 and will do it again . Not really a reclass. Just a seasonal adjustment. School starts in a month!

FWIW, the incoming freshman class info is now available to the community via an internal website, including birthdays. My child is nowhere near the oldest. Middle of the pack. So I do not think you will regret applying for Yr 9. Good luck!

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6

thank you for the advice

7

thank you for your advice and kind words

8

Are you willing to give a citation or link to these rankings ?

Thank you in advance.

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