EF Academy

About EF Academy

EF Academy opens a world of opportunities for high school students by providing them with a superior education abroad, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders. Our mission is to grow and develop students that are ready to tackle the world and be successful in the globalized 21st century. In 1965 Bertil Hult brought a group of Swedish students to Brighton, England. The idea was simple — students would learn English while traveling on holiday. Over 50 years later, millions of people have created opportunities for themselves through EF. The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) attempts to rank countries by the equity of English language skills amongst those adults who took the EF test. It is the product of EF Education First, an international education company, and draws its conclusions from data collected via English tests available for free over the internet. The index is an online survey first published in 2011 based on test data from 1.7 million test takers. The most recent edition was released in November 2023

Why Should Study at EF Academy?

The EF Academy high school experience can be one of the most immersive and transformative experiences in a student's life. We aim to acknowledge students who have the drive and motivation to thrive within our school communities. Therefore, we offer limited scholarships to study at our international high schools. Attending an international high school like EF Academy will expose you to a variety of cultures and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to meet students from all over the world, learn about their customs and traditions and develop a global mindset. This will not only broaden your horizons but also help you develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity. One of the most obvious benefits of attending an international high school is the opportunity to learn a new language, or several! Being immersed in a language and culture accelerates language acquisition and improves fluency. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers and improve your listening and comprehension skills. Even if you are a native speaker of the language spoken where you study, you will still have manifold opportunities to engage with peers who speak other languages. International networking. Attending an international high school will give you the chance to build a global network of contacts. You’ll be able to connect with students and faculty from all over the world, and these connections can prove valuable as you pursue higher education or begin your career. The friendships and professional relationships you develop in high school can last a lifetime. You will also become part of a global alumni network, with opportunities to attend workshops and reunions with your former classmates. Access to international universities EF Academy’s three campuses have been strategically set in destinations that offer boundless opportunities for students to explore university options. Whether in New York, Pasadena or Oxford, our students have access to resources and one-to-one guidance to help them navigate the university application process. We are immensely proud of the university offers our students receive, and the educational paths they pursue after graduating from EF Academy. 99% of our students are accepted to university and over the past five years, our students have been accepted to 28 of the top 50 universities in the world. 81% of our students in 2022 went on to attend university in the US or UK. Studying at an international high school like EF Academy is a transformative experience that helps you develop independence, resilience and adaptability. Being away from home and in a new environment can be challenging, but it is also a time of personal growth and discovery. You’ll learn how to navigate unfamiliar situations, make new friends and develop skills that will serve you well throughout your life. Attending an international high school is a life-changing experience that offers a plethora of benefits for your future. Exposure to different cultures, language learning, international networking, access to international universities and personal growth are just a few of the reasons to consider attending EF Academy. Our academic advisors and personalized guidance system supports students in exploring different pathways and tailoring their academic journey to reach their target universities.

Campus

On our campus immersion learning happens everywhere. Flourish academically and in life with facilities designed to foster learning by doing and activities that inspire exploration beyond the classroom. All the while, you can feel safe and comfortable at your home-away-from-home on our picturesque, 97-acre campus. Your own dedicated support team: house parents, advisors, and teachers work as one team to look after your well-being and success. You also join an advisory group led by your Advisor that meets multiple times per week. This helps you flourish at all levels: academically, socially, and personally. You also get the additional support of qualified well-being counselors at our on-campus Health & Wellness Center. Our welcoming campus community empowers you to come as you are and become who you want to be. Together, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Sharing everyday life—studying, eating, rooming, exploring, hanging out—is a priceless life-preparation experience. Whether through a physical education class, competing in a sport with one of our varsity teams, or engaging in an active club, you will move and strengthen your body here!

The vast majority of our students live and learn on campus as full boarders. In New York, local students also have the option of boarding five days a week and living at home on weekends. You can also attend as a day student. Every single one of our students has a unique perspective on the EF Academy experience. Let them tell you in their own words.