Education in Canada and the US for an English Student?

Okay I'm 15 and 16 early next year, I'm currently an English student in a non-sixth form school in the UK. I'm thinking of becoming an international student and going out to the USA or Canada (or New Zealand, maybe) to continue my education, but I know very little of how things work. I'd be 16 going on 17 for the year in which I would be studying and I'd presumably be going to High School. For location in mind I was thinking Vermont in the USA or Vancouver in Canada. My subjects (main) are Physical Education (Sports), Philosophy and Photography though I wouldn't be against taking Film, Clical Civilization, History or Creative Arts. I'm looking into Vermont or Vancouver as I'm an avid snowboarder and would like to specialise it as my sport for when I take Physical Education. Where do I start or where can I get easy information? Wherever I go would have to have housing so that I can move over on my own.