The Questions That Reveal Whether a US High School Program Will Actually Serve Your Child

Marketing materials make every program sound excellent. The difference between programs where international students thrive and programs where they struggle only becomes clear when you ask the right questions and know how to interpret the answers. Programs confident in their results welcome detailed questions. Programs hiding weaknesses deflect, generalize, or change the subject. Amerigo Education's willingness to share specific data (97% Top 100 university admission, 83% success rate for low-B1 English students, $50,000 guarantee refund policy) exemplifies the transparency families should expect from any program they consider.

This guide provides the specific questions that expose program quality and explains what different answers reveal.

Why the Right Questions Matter

Every program claims:

• "Excellent university outcomes"
• "Comprehensive support"
• "Quality accommodation"
• "Strong communication with families"

These claims are meaningless without specifics. The questions below force programs to move beyond marketing language to concrete details that reveal actual capability.

The principle: Programs with strong systems welcome detailed questions because specifics make them look good. Programs with weak systems avoid detailed questions because specifics expose gaps.

Questions About University Outcomes

University outcomes represent the ultimate measure of program effectiveness. But "our students attend great universities" means nothing without data.

Questions to Ask

"What percentage of your international students were admitted to Top 100 universities last year?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific percentage (90%+): Program tracks outcomes and achieves strong results
• Vague response ("most students"): May not track systematically or results may disappoint
• Deflection ("every student is different"): Likely hiding weak overall outcomes

"What percentage reached Top 50? Top 30?"

What answers reveal:

• Tiered data provided: Sophisticated tracking, confidence in results at multiple levels
• Only Top 100 data: May have weak results at higher tiers
• No data: Not tracking or not achieving

"What outcomes do students with developing English achieve?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific data for B1/low-B1 students: Program transforms students, not just accepts strong ones
• "We require higher English": Not designed for developing students
• No data by entry level: Doesn't track this critical metric

"Can you provide specific university names, not just categories?"

What answers reveal:

• List readily provided: Genuine results they're proud to share
• Vague categories only: May be inflating or generalizing
• Reluctance: Results may not match claims

Benchmark Answers

Strong programs provide data like Amerigo's Class of 2025:

• 100% university acceptance
• 97% admitted to Top 100 universities
• 60% admitted to Top 50 universities
• 25% admitted to Top 30 universities

Students accepted to Duke, UCLA, NYU, Northwestern, Emory, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, Washington University in St. Louis, and many other elite institutions.

Critically: 83% of students entering with low-B1 English achieved Top 100 admission. This data point proves the program transforms students regardless of starting point.

Questions About Support Staff

The location and availability of support staff determines whether help arrives in minutes or days when your child needs it.

Questions to Ask

"Where are your support staff physically located?"

What answers reveal:

• "On campus at the school daily": Immediate access when problems arise
• "We coordinate with the school": No dedicated on-site presence
• "Our team manages from [different city]": Remote management, delayed response

"Who does my child go to if they're confused about an assignment during the school day?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific person/office named: Clear support pathway exists
• "They can email us": No immediate help available
• "The school handles that": Program doesn't provide academic support

"What happens if my child has a problem at 10 PM?"

What answers reveal:

• "24/7 staff in residence" or "emergency line answered by local staff": Round-the-clock support
• "They can call our emergency number": Check if this is answered locally or overseas
• Hesitation: May not have robust after-hours systems

"How many students does each support staff member work with?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific ratio provided: Systematic approach to staffing
• Vague or no answer: May be understaffed
• Very high ratios (50+:1): Individual attention unlikely

What Strong Support Looks Like

Amerigo operates as the international department at partner schools, with full-time staff based directly on campus. This means:

• Immediate access during school hours
• Direct relationships with classroom teachers
• On-site presence for quick intervention
• Staff who know each student personally

This model delivers support unavailable at typical US high schools where international students are served by general counselors with competing priorities.

Questions About English Support

For students with developing English, the quality of language support often determines overall success.

Questions to Ask

"What ELL curriculum do you use, and when is it taught?"

What answers reveal:

• Named curriculum during school hours: Structured, integrated approach
• "We offer tutoring after school": Competes with homework, less systematic
• Vague or no curriculum named: May not have structured program

"How do students progress through English levels?"

What answers reveal:

• Clear level system with advancement criteria: Systematic development tracking
• "Teachers assess readiness": Subjective, potentially inconsistent
• No clear system: Students may languish without advancement

"What English tests do you accept for admission?"

What answers reveal:

• Eltis, Duolingo, flexible TOEFL: Designed for developing students
• "TOEFL 80+ required": Expects pre-existing fluency, no ELL focus
• Only traditional tests: May not understand developing student needs

"What outcomes do students who enter with B1 or low-B1 English achieve?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific data: Tracks and succeeds with developing students
• "We don't accept students below B2": Not designed for English development
• No data: Doesn't track this crucial metric

What Strong English Support Looks Like

Amerigo Signature schools:

• Accept flexible English tests including Eltis and Duolingo
• Provide customized in-school ELL courses (not just after-school tutoring)
• Offer additional English tutoring beyond classroom instruction
• Track outcomes by entry level (83% of low-B1 students achieved Top 100 admission)

For comprehensive English development strategies, see how to improve English for international students.

Questions About Accommodation

Where your child lives affects safety, academics, social integration, and emotional wellbeing.

Questions to Ask

"What accommodation options do you offer?"

What answers reveal:

• Multiple options described: Flexibility to match family preferences
• Single option only: One-size-fits-all, may not suit your child
• "We help families find housing": Program doesn't manage accommodation

"What supervision is provided, and during what hours?"

What answers reveal:

• "24/7 staff in residence": Appropriate for high school students
• "Staff available during business hours": Gaps in coverage
• "Host families provide supervision": Quality depends entirely on family selection

"Are residential units single-gender or mixed?"

What answers reveal:

• Single-gender: Safety and comfort prioritized
• Mixed or vague: May not have considered this important factor

"What academic support is available where my child lives?"

What answers reveal:

• Dedicated study spaces with teacher support: Homework help integrated with living
• "Students study in their rooms": No structured academic environment
• "Homestay students study at home": Check if school-based support exists

"What happens if an accommodation placement isn't working?"

What answers reveal:

• Clear process for reassignment: Problems anticipated and addressed
• Hesitation or vague process: May struggle to resolve issues
• "That rarely happens": Not a process answer

Understanding Accommodation Options

Amerigo provides four accommodation types:

Homestay: Living with local host families offers deeper cultural immersion and is usually more affordable. Careful matching ensures appropriate fit. Learn more about homestay.

Off-Campus Residences: Most Amerigo students live in off-campus residences (typically 20-30 minutes from schools) with single-gender units, 24/7 staff supervision, and dedicated common areas for group study with teacher support.

On-Campus Residences: Available at select partner schools where on-campus housing exists.

Self-Provided: For families preferring to arrange independently.

Important: Amerigo's off-campus residential model is a strategic advantage. It enables access to top US day schools that don't offer traditional boarding, with modern facilities rivaling the best on-campus dorms.

Academic support is provided regardless of housing type. Homestay students receive support at the school's international department office.

Questions About School Quality

School prestige matters, but verified quality indicators matter more than name recognition.

Questions to Ask

"What are your partner schools' Niche ratings?"

What answers reveal:

• A+ or A ratings: Independent quality verification
• Don't know or won't say: May not meet quality standards
• "Niche isn't everything": Deflection from poor ratings

"How many AP courses are available?"

What answers reveal:

• 20+ courses: Strong academic rigor
• 10-15 courses: Moderate options
• Under 10 or vague: Limited advanced opportunities

"Do students have dual enrollment or university partnership opportunities?"

What answers reveal:

• Specific universities named: Genuine opportunities exist
• "Some students do": May be limited or competitive
• No: Missing valuable preparation option

"How long has the school worked with international students?"

What answers reveal:

• Years of experience: Established systems and visa track record
• "We're new to this": Learning curve ahead
• Vague: May not want to reveal inexperience

What Strong School Quality Looks Like

Amerigo's 40 partner schools are all rated Niche A+ or A, including:

• A five-time National Blue Ribbon School (one of only six nationally)
• Top 17 Best Private K-12 School in America (Niche.com)
• Top 5% Best Private Schools in the US (Niche.com)
• Top 3% Best High Schools for Athletes in US (Niche.com)

All exclusive partnership schools offer 20+ AP courses plus dual enrollment with UC San Diego, University of San Diego, University of Minnesota, and Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Questions About University Counseling

University success requires years of strategic preparation, not last-minute application help.

Questions to Ask

"When does university counseling begin?"

What answers reveal:

• "At enrollment" or "from day one": Strategic long-term approach
• "Junior year": Late start limits options
• "Senior year": Application help only, missing years of preparation

"What does counseling include beyond application help?"

What answers reveal:

• Course selection, test strategy, timeline management: Comprehensive approach
• "Essay review and applications": Missing strategic planning
• Vague: May not have structured program

"Is SAT/ACT preparation included?"

What answers reveal:

• "Yes, with registration and transportation to test centers": Fully integrated
• "We recommend test prep courses": Additional cost, not integrated
• "Students handle that": No support provided

What Strong University Counseling Looks Like

Amerigo's university counseling includes:

• Individualized academic planning aligned with university targets
• In-school support and academic advising from enrollment
• Application coaching and essay review
• Interview preparation
• SAT/ACT schedules, registration support, and transportation to test centers
• Parent communication throughout the process

Questions About Safety and Communication

Parents across the world need confidence their child is safe and awareness of how they're doing.

Questions to Ask

"What safety technology do you use, and can parents access it?"

What answers reveal:

• Named technology (Life360, Reach) with parent access: Real-time awareness
• "We monitor students": No parent visibility
• Vague or none: Safety technology not prioritized

"How often will I receive updates about my child?"

What answers reveal:

• "Monthly reports" with specifics about content: Structured communication
• "We'll contact you if there's a problem": Reactive only
• "Your child can update you": No program communication

"Can I communicate in my language?"

What answers reveal:

• Staff in your country/language named: Genuine native-language support
• "We can arrange translation": Not dedicated staff
• "English only": Communication barriers for families

"Who answers if I call at 2 AM my time about an emergency?"

What answers reveal:

• "24/7 local staff": Round-the-clock coverage
• "Our emergency line": Verify who answers and where they're located
• Hesitation: May not have robust emergency systems

What Strong Safety and Communication Look Like

Amerigo provides:

• Safety technology (Life360 or Reach) with parent access for real-time location awareness
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Monthly reports for all homestay and residence students
• Real-time outreach when updates require immediate attention
• Native-language staff in China, Vietnam, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan

Questions About Guarantees and Accountability

Promises are easy. Financial accountability is rare.

Questions to Ask

"Do you guarantee university outcomes?"

What answers reveal:

• "Yes, with specific terms": Confidence in their model
• "We're confident in our results": No actual guarantee
• "Every student is different": Deflection from accountability

"What happens if my child meets requirements but doesn't achieve the guaranteed outcome?"

What answers reveal:

• "We refund up to $X": Financial accountability
• "We work with them to find options": Support but no accountability
• Vague: Guarantee may not be meaningful

"What are the specific requirements for guarantee eligibility?"

What answers reveal:

• Clear, achievable requirements listed: Transparent terms
• Extensive fine print: May be designed to avoid paying
• Vague or unclear: Not a real guarantee

What Strong Accountability Looks Like

Amerigo's Top 100 Guarantee includes a $50,000 USD refund policy:

Requirements:

• Minimum two consecutive years at same Amerigo Signature School
• Graduate with US high school diploma
• Minimum 3.2 GPA across all years
• At least one AP/IB/Honors course
• TOEFL 85+ or equivalent
• Good attendance and behavior
• Complete all application steps as advised

If requirements are met but no Top 100 offer received: Amerigo refunds up to $50,000 USD in tuition fees.

This financial commitment demonstrates confidence in their model and provides families real protection.

Questions About the Application Process

Application requirements reveal whether a program is designed for international students or creates barriers.

Questions to Ask

"What English tests do you accept?"

What answers reveal:

• Eltis, Duolingo, flexible TOEFL thresholds: Accessible to developing students
• "TOEFL 80+ only": High barrier, expects fluency
• Only traditional tests: May not understand international student needs

"Are recommendation letters required?"

What answers reveal:

• "No" or "optional": Streamlined process
• "Yes, two or three required": Additional burden, potential barrier

"Can I apply to multiple schools through one application?"

What answers reveal:

• "Yes, with no extra cost": Student-centered process
• "Separate applications required": More burden on families
• "Extra fees per school": Cost barrier to exploring options

What Accessible Applications Look Like

Amerigo Signature schools:

• Accept flexible English tests including Eltis and Duolingo
• Most do NOT require recommendation letters
• Allow students to apply to multiple schools through one streamlined process
• Charge no extra costs for multiple school applications
• Offer rolling admissions for timing flexibility

For application timeline guidance, see the study abroad preparation checklist.

Quick Reference: Questions and What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the single most important question to ask programs?

"What percentage of your international students were admitted to Top 100 universities, and what outcomes do students with developing English achieve?" This reveals both overall effectiveness and ability to transform students. Programs should provide specific percentages readily. Strong programs achieve 90%+ Top 100 admission. Amerigo's 97% Top 100 rate, including 83% of low-B1 English students, demonstrates what's achievable with proper support.

How do I know if a program is being honest about outcomes?

Ask for specifics and watch for deflection. Honest programs provide exact percentages, name universities students were accepted to, and break down data by student profiles. Dishonest programs use vague language ("most students succeed"), highlight only exceptional cases, or claim they don't track detailed data. Request information in writing and verify if possible through independent sources or current families.

Why does on-campus staff location matter so much?

International students face challenges requiring immediate intervention: language confusion during class, cultural misunderstandings, sudden homesickness, academic struggles. Staff on campus can help within minutes. Staff in another city can only respond after the fact, by which time small problems may have become crises. Ask specifically where staff are physically located during school hours.

Should I prioritize school prestige or support infrastructure?

Support infrastructure, with one caveat. A prestigious school without international support often produces worse outcomes than a less famous school with comprehensive support. However, you shouldn't sacrifice school quality. The ideal is both: Amerigo's model provides access to Niche A+/A rated schools (including nationally ranked institutions) with comprehensive support infrastructure that prestigious schools alone don't offer.

How important are outcome guarantees?

Guarantees with financial backing provide meaningful protection and signal program confidence. Amerigo's $50,000 refund policy if students meet requirements but don't receive Top 100 admission demonstrates they trust their model. Guarantees without financial backing, with impossible requirements, or with vague language provide less value. Ask for specific terms in writing before evaluating guarantee quality.

What if a program can't answer my questions in detail?

Consider it a red flag. Programs with strong systems welcome detailed questions because specifics make them look good. Inability or unwillingness to provide details suggests: they don't track the information (concerning), they have weak results (more concerning), or they don't prioritize transparency (most concerning). Quality programs like Amerigo readily share data, explain systems, and encourage questions.

How do I evaluate accommodation quality without visiting?

Ask detailed questions: What supervision hours? Single-gender or mixed units? What academic support is available? What's the process if placement doesn't work? Request photos or virtual tours. Ask about distance from school and transportation. Understand whether it's program-managed or third-party arranged. Program-managed accommodation with 24/7 supervision and academic support integration provides advantages independent arrangements cannot match.

What should university counseling include beyond application help?

Strategic planning from enrollment: course selection aligned with university goals, standardized test timing and preparation strategy, extracurricular guidance, transcript building, and ongoing academic advising. By senior year, most important decisions have already been made. Programs starting counseling only for applications miss years of strategic positioning. Ask when counseling begins and what it covers beyond applications.

How do I verify school quality independently?

Check Niche.com ratings (look for A+ or A), research AP course offerings, verify any claimed rankings or awards, and look up the school's history with international students. Ask programs for specific school names, then research independently. Be cautious of programs that won't name partner schools or whose schools don't appear in independent rankings.

What's a reasonable timeline for making this decision?

Start research 18-24 months before intended enrollment. This allows thorough evaluation of multiple programs, proper visa processing time, and meeting eligibility requirements for multi-year guarantees. Rushed decisions often miss critical evaluation steps. Quality programs like Amerigo offer rolling admissions for flexibility, but starting early ensures access to best options.

Using These Questions

The questions in this guide separate programs that genuinely serve international students from those that merely accept them.

Strong programs welcome detailed questions and provide specific answers because transparency benefits them. Weak programs deflect, generalize, or discourage detailed inquiry because specifics expose gaps.

Amerigo Education, founded in 2016 and backed by Avathon Capital, exemplifies the transparency families should expect:

• Outcomes: 97% Top 100 admission (Class of 2025), including 83% of low-B1 English students
• Support: On-campus international department with staff present daily
• English: Integrated ELL curriculum, accepts Eltis and Duolingo
• Accommodation: Four options with 24/7 supervision for residential students
• Schools: 40 Niche A+/A rated partners with 20+ AP courses
• Counseling: Comprehensive university support from enrollment
• Safety: Life360/Reach technology, 24/7 emergency assistance
• Communication: Monthly reports, native-language staff in China, Vietnam, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan
• Guarantee: Top 100 Guarantee with $50,000 refund policy
• Application: No recommendation letters, flexible tests, streamlined process

Approximately 1,000 students from 11 countries trust Amerigo's model across US and Canada programs.

Your child deserves a program that welcomes every question and provides every answer.

Contact Amerigo Education to ask your questions directly and learn how their approach addresses what matters most to your family, or apply now to begin your child's journey.