Choosing a school for your child is perhaps one of the most important and exciting decisions for a family. Especially when it comes not just to a middle school, but to elite private education in the USA. In Miami and its surroundings, there are dozens of prestigious educational institutions, but the name American Heritage School stands out as a brand with an impeccable reputation.

This is not just a school — it is an entire universe where academic rigor, modern technologies, a strong sports community, and a unique multicultural atmosphere come together. Children of diplomats, entrepreneurs, actors, and athletes study here, and every parent knows: admission to American Heritage opens the doors to the top universities in America.

Success Story: From a Small School to a State Leader

When in 1965 educator and entrepreneur William Laurie founded American Heritage School, his goal was not to build a massive educational corporation. He dreamed of creating a space where children could learn freely, outside the pressures of the public system, while parents could be confident that their child would receive not only knowledge but also strong values.

The first campus was almost “homely” — just a few classrooms, a cozy atmosphere, and a focus on personal interaction between teacher and student. Yet it turned out that this was exactly what many families were looking for. Gradually, the school grew, attracting more parents ready to invest in their children’s future.

Today, American Heritage has two large campuses:

• Plantation
  Located just half an hour from Miami. This is the heart of the school and the largest campus. Students come here not only from Florida but from all over the world.
• Delray Beach
  The campus is slightly smaller but no less prestigious. It is known for its “boutique” educational atmosphere: fewer classes and more individual attention for each student.

Campuses as Miniature Cities

Both campuses are designed so that a student literally does not need to leave the grounds. It’s like a small city with its own infrastructure:

• Sports arenas;
• Science laboratories;
• A theater for plays and concerts;
• Art studios;
• An Olympic-level swimming pool;
• Its own school newspaper and even a TV studio.

Here, a child does more than study — they live a full life, exploring a wide range of roles: from athlete to journalist, from musician to engineer.

Interestingly, the school’s success is measured not only by beautiful campuses and modern technology. The main metric is the achievements of its graduates.

American Heritage ranks 17th in the USA and 1st in Florida for the number of National Merit Scholarship recipients. This means that graduates consistently enter the country’s elite and receive grants to study at the best universities.

For parents, this is music to the ears: every invested dollar carries a high probability that their child will gain admission to top universities — from Harvard and Stanford to MIT and Yale.

School Philosophy: Three Pillars That Shape the Future

Unlike most educational institutions, where the mission often remains just a formal statement on the website, American Heritage School truly bases its work on three core values. These principles are known not only to teachers but also to the students themselves: they are discussed during class meetings, revisited at school events, and even used as a “rule of three” when resolving conflicts.

1. 01. Honesty — a cornerstone in developing leaders
   Here, honesty means much more than “not cheating on an exam.” It is a deeper concept — the formation of a moral backbone of the individual.

• In social studies and history classes, students discuss real-life cases — from civil rights to modern dilemmas in digital ethics.
• In sports teams, special emphasis is placed on fair play — learning to win with dignity and lose with grace.
• Teachers often say: “If you become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, honesty will be your primary profession.”

1. 02. Knowledge — not for the sake of ticking boxes, but for the future
   At American Heritage, learning is not reduced to rote memorization. The goal is for students to understand why they are learning.

• Instead of dry lectures — laboratory research, projects, and real-world case studies.
• In biology classes, students conduct experiments themselves, while in mathematics they tackle problems at the level of university Olympiads.
• For those seeking more, there are advanced programs: Pre-Law, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical.
  In high school, students participate in project work evaluated by panels including university professors, giving them conference-level experience before graduation.

1. 03. Responsiveness — learning as part of societal life
   The school nurtures children to feel part of society and take responsibility for others.

• There is a mandatory community service program — assisting the city, volunteering in hospitals, environmental initiatives.
• Senior students mentor younger ones: helping them adapt, sharing experience, and collaborating on school projects.
• Every year there is a “Week of Responsiveness”, during which students choose social initiatives — from fundraising for animal shelters to anti-bullying campaigns.

Thus, the school’s philosophy is not just on paper — it permeates every aspect of academic and extracurricular life. This is what makes American Heritage special: it cultivates not just successful students, but strong, honest, and responsible individuals.

Admissions: Step by Step

American Heritage School welcomes children from around the world, creating a truly international atmosphere. Admission is possible from the age of 3 for the preschool program, while Middle School (grades 6–8) and High School (grades 9–12) accept students starting around age 11.

The admission process is structured but requires careful preparation. Here are the main steps:

1. 01. Filling out the registration form
   Parents usually start with the online application form. They provide basic information about the child, academic interests, English proficiency, and future plans. At this stage, it is important to indicate whether an ESL preparatory program is needed.
2. 02. Preparing academic documents
   The school requires an academic transcript for the last two years of study. Grades must be translated into English and officially certified. Many families use professional translators or agencies to avoid mistakes.
3. 03. Recommendation letters
   Two letters from teachers are required — usually one for English (or native language) and one for mathematics. It’s important that the teacher highlights the student’s personal qualities: curiosity, leadership potential, and teamwork skills, not just academic performance.
4. 04. Testing and exams
   Applicants take school tests in several subjects. For high school students, this may include mathematics, English, and critical thinking. Sometimes international exam formats (SSAT, ISEE) are used.
5. 05. English interview
   This is not a formal interrogation but a friendly conversation with a school representative. Questions cover hobbies, favorite books, and future plans. English proficiency is crucial. If the child struggles, the school recommends an ESL program — an adaptation course for international students.
6. 06. Decision
   After all steps are completed, the administration reviews documents, test results, and the interview. A response is usually given within a few weeks.

The annual tuition at American Heritage School ranges from $35,000 to $45,000. This includes not only the academic program but also:

• Accommodation with a host American family or on-campus housing;
• Meals and school uniforms;
• Textbooks and laboratory materials;
• Preparation for SAT and AP courses;
• School transportation.

For international parents, an important advantage is that the school assists with visa issues (F-1 Student Visa) and helps the child adapt to the new environment. Many families note that, at first, American Heritage becomes a second family for their children.

Academic Program: Where Mathematics Meets Law

American Heritage School is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education: here, students are not limited to a standard curriculum but are encouraged to explore professions of the future.

1. 01. Advanced Tracks (Pre-Programs)
   The school offers several “professional tracks” — unique among American private schools:

• Pre-Law Program — Law
  Students study the fundamentals of U.S. law, the judicial system, and argumentation skills. High school students participate in Mock Trial Competitions, acting as lawyers, prosecutors, and witnesses.
  Graduates of this track often enter universities with top-ranked law schools.
• Pre-Medical Program— Medicine & Biology
  Students work in labs, perform dissections, and engage in biotechnology projects. Courses include anatomy, biochemistry, and genetics. Many high schoolers gain internships at medical centers in South Florida.
• Pre-Engineering Program— Engineering & Technology
  Focus on robotics, programming, and design. Students compete internationally in robotics contests (e.g., FIRST Robotics Competition), gaining real teamwork experience.
• Pre-Business & Entrepreneurship Program— Economics & Startups
  Students learn business planning, marketing, and finance. Top projects are sometimes tested at school fairs.

1. 02. Academic Subjects: Foundation and Flexibility
   Alongside specialized tracks, students receive a strong academic foundation:

• Mathematics
  Advanced Placement level up to Calculus BC. American Heritage students regularly win national math competitions.
• Science
  Physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy. Many students begin their path to engineering or medicine here.
• Foreign Languages
  Spanish, French, Chinese. Bilingualism is encouraged, with ESL support for international students.
• Humanities & History
  Strong focus on U.S. and world history, helping students integrate into American culture.
• Arts & Theater
  Theater, painting, music, and dance. Studios and stages host performances; some graduates go on to creative colleges like Juilliard or New York Film Academy.

1. 03. Practical Approach
   American Heritage emphasizes learning by doing. Knowledge isn’t just for exams:

• Law students solve real cases;
• Engineers build robots;
• Medical students work in labs;
• Artists exhibit their work.
  This approach develops critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Sports: Champion Spirit from an Early Age

Sports at American Heritage are integral to education. Physical development and teamwork are considered as important as academic achievement.

1. 01. World-Class Infrastructure
   Campuses are equipped to professional standards:

• Soccer Fields
  Training future stars of American football and soccer.
• Baseball Fields
  Classic American tradition, fostering competitive spirit.
• Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center
  Swimming, water polo, and diving under coaches with international experience.
• Tennis Courts
  Professional-grade surfaces hosting regular competitions.
• Golf Courses
  Uncommon in schools, golf develops focus and concentration.
• Modern Gym
  Weight training, cardio, and fitness classes for all ages.

Clubs and Student Life: Never a Dull Moment

American Heritage is a small world where every child can find their passion.

1. 01. Over 80 Clubs and Organizations
   Options include:

• Astronomy Club — stargazing through campus telescopes.
• Marine Biology Club — field trips to the Atlantic Ocean, participating in environmental projects.
• School Orchestra & Choir — performances for parents and city festivals.
• Writers’ Club — students publish a magazine with stories and poems.
• Spanish-French Society — promotes language and cultural immersion.
• Debate Team — one of the school’s prides, winning national competitions.

1. 02. Leadership and Initiatives
   Many clubs are student-founded. Children can not only join but create their own projects, supported by the school. Recently, seniors launched an “Eco-Initiative” — a club focused on recycling and local environmental protection.
2. 03. Community Service & Volunteering
   The school teaches students to give back:

• Participating in charity events;
• Helping animal shelters;
• Environmental initiatives;
• Mentoring younger students.

Sports and extracurricular life at American Heritage School create a space where students not only learn but discover themselves, make friends, try new things, and even start building careers before graduation.

A Step Toward the Future with American Butler

Why do families choose American Heritage?

• Prestige and a strong track record of admission to top U.S. universities;
• Robust academic foundation;
• Unique sports and cultural opportunities;
• International environment — students from all over the world;
• Care and attention to each individual student.

American Heritage School is more than just an educational institution — it’s a gateway to elite education in the U.S. Here, children gain not only knowledge but also experience, connections, and cultural skills. Parents gain peace of mind, knowing they’ve made the right choice.

If you are considering enrolling your child in one of Florida’s top schools, American Butler will assist you at every step:

• Arrange a tour of the Plantation and Delray Beach campuses;
• Provide guidance on admission and documentation;
• Assist with interviews and preparation;
• Ensure support and leisure activities for the family in Florida.