East Side Union High School District: High School in the Heart of Silicon Valley
To study in the heart of Silicon Valley is to immerse yourself in the epicenter of global technological innovation. The East Side Union High School District, located in San Jose, California, offers Brazilian youth much more than an American degree. It's the chance to graduate surrounded by companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, breathing the air of innovation on a daily basis.
For students between 14 and 18 years old seeking the High School abroad, this experience represents a unique competitive advantage. It's not just about learning English or earning an international certificate. It's about building solid foundations in an environment where the future is being created now.
What makes the district special
The East Side Union serves more than 24,000 students at 19 high schools spread across San Jose. The structure goes far beyond the conventional with state-of-the-art laboratories, professional performing arts centers, and cutting-edge sports facilities.
Academic highlights:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) for global university recognition
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses that accrue college credits
- Robust STEM programs with robotics, programming, and engineering
- Diverse languages including Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, and German
According to the World Economic Forum, 22% of global jobs will be transformed by AI and digital technology by 2030. Studying where these changes are born puts students at the forefront of this revolution.
Unmatched geographical advantage
San Jose was not chosen by chance. The city has an absurd density of innovative companies, prestigious universities, and professionals that shape the 21st century. For students, this means:
- Academic tours to companies like Google Campus and Apple Park
- Robotics competitions and hackathons with real prizes
- Networking with Stanford and UC Berkeley professionals and university students
- Access to technology museums and industry events
The proximity to UC Berkeley (12th best university in the world) and Stanford creates a vibrant academic ecosystem. Many alumni go to these institutions, and the district maintains specific preparation programs.
The Californian climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, beaches less than an hour away, and complete public transportation infrastructure complement the experience. The multicultural community welcomes students from more than 50 countries.
Sports and Athletic Development
For those interested in sports exchange, the East Side Union offers infrastructure that few Brazilian clubs can match. The teams compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), one of the most competitive student leagues in the United States.
Available modalities:
- Basketball, volleyball, American football, and baseball
- Swimming, Track and Field, and Cross Country
- Tennis, Golf, and Wrestling
- Soccer and softball
Indoor gyms, fields with state-of-the-art synthetic grass, Olympic swimming pools and fitness centers make up the available arsenal. Certified technicians conduct regular training focused on technical and tactical development.
In addition to sports, arts programs include musical theater, orchestras, marching bands, and visual arts. Student clubs cover everything from programming and engineering to entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
Elite college preparation
The district doesn't just train students, it forms competitive candidates for the best universities in the world. The graduation rate exceeds 90%, with a significant percentage receiving offers from elite institutions.
Academic advisors work individually to:
- Map interests and select strategic courses
- Prepare for SAT and ACT
- Guide the creation of personal essays
- Identify universities aligned with the student profile
Dual enrollment programs allow you to take university courses while still in high school, accumulating credits that save time and money later. Notable alumni include Khaled Hosseini (author of “The Kite Hunter”) and Jim Plunkett (Super Bowl champion).
Accelerated language immersion
Studying at an American high school dramatically accelerates English proficiency. Full immersion forces the brain to process and produce English in real contexts. At the East Side Union, students:
- They discuss literature and write analytical essays
- They present scientific projects for newsstands
- They discuss political issues in history courses
- Socialize with classmates using slang and everyday expressions
This type of exhibition develops authentic fluency, not the mechanics of those who memorize sentences. For those who intend to attend American universities or work in multinational companies, this level of proficiency is a decisive differential.
TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT preparation courses are available in the region. Public libraries offer digital resources and conversation sessions with natives, naturally pushing students to advanced levels.
Careers of the future start here
The East Side Union has partnerships with technology companies and universities. The Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways prepare for specific careers starting in high school:
- Software engineering and web development
- Biotechnology and health sciences
- Business administration and entrepreneurship
- Video game design and 3D animation
- Sustainability and renewable energy
Students build professional portfolios, undertake observational internships, and receive industry-recognized certifications. For those who want to explore different areas, Careers program for young people offers intensive experiences in Medicine, Engineering and Technology.
Validation and return to Brazil
The program of High School abroad includes full support for validating the diploma with the Brazilian Ministry of Education. Schools issue official transcripts that are sworn translated and apostilled.
Many young people complete their entire high school education in the United States, returning with an American degree and full proficiency in English. Others take one or two semesters as a complement to the Brazilian curriculum. Regardless of the length, the experience adds inestimable value to the university profile.
Brazilian universities such as USP, Unicamp, and FGV recognize the quality of American education and consider international high school alumni as distinct candidates.
Accommodation and full support
Housing options vary according to family preferences:
Homestay: Deep cultural immersion living with a carefully selected American family. Students practice English constantly and receive close emotional support.
School boarding: Supervised independence in on-campus residences. Living with colleagues of different nationalities and immediate access to school facilities.
Transportation is included, with guaranteed bus passes or school transportation. The region has an excellent public transportation system with buses, light trains, and connections to the entire Silicon Valley.
Be Easy
To study at the East Side Union High School District is to invest in an experience that shapes character and builds competencies for a globalized career. A Be Easy offers complete support from choosing a school to returning to Brazil, ensuring safety for each family and maximum enjoyment for each student. Our team experienced exchanges and is deeply aware of the challenges and rewards of this journey. Contact us and discover how we can make that dream a reality in the heart of Silicon Valley.
