The procedure for foreign nationals to gain admission to the American public (that is, state) school system is fairly straightforward. If parents are studying, working or on diplomatic service in the USA then their children will be able to attend school on the basis of the parents' visas, without paying tuition fees.

A zoning system exists for public schools and children can only attend a school if it is in the area in which they live. Many parents, if they have the means, will make sure that they move to an area in which they like the schools. Children will be assigned to a school which will usually be the one nearest the home. Parents should inquire at the central office of the local school district for details of what documentation - such as records of immunization and academic records - will be necessary.

The student's academic performance record is important and should be as detailed as possible as this will be used to place him or her in a suitable class.

If the student is planning to live with anyone other than his or her parents, an F-1 student visa will be necessary. It is best to ask about visas in the US Consulate in your home country. Students whose ambition is to live and work in the USA can get a foretaste of life in the States through the EIL program, which offers homestays abroad with or without language courses, for individuals, couples and families (though not in the same home). There is also the US High School plus Homestay program, which lasts for five months. Contact Experiment in International Living (address below) for details.

Parents should contact the school in question to see if it is eligible to meet visa requirements and admit foreign students. The school must be able to issue the form I-20, which must be used to apply for an F-1 visa.

Students attending a school on an F-1 visa can be charged tuition. This is up to the individual school and there is no central regulation (or any information available), so it is simply a matter of getting in touch with the school or education district in question and finding out what their policy is.