Do you want to study in American school, but not sure if this is a right choice? Today we talk about the peculiarities of studying in the United States. It is worth noting that teachers use modern technologies, such as calculators or a paper checker to write essays to improve students’ learning conditions.
Preschool education
Optional education From 3-4 years.
53% of children receive it. The program involves learning the alphabet and numbers. This degree is provided by some public schools (free) and kindergartens (paid).
Elementary school
Compulsory education 0 – 5th grades. From 5-6 to 11-12 years
The zero class program (kindergarten) is little different from the preschool. In first grade, everyone should be able to read and write. From the third grade they start taking tests in mathematics and English. The fifth adds tests in social sciences and natural sciences.
Middle school
Compulsory education 6th – 8th grades. From 11-12 to 13-14 years
Compulsory subjects: English, mathematics, social sciences, physical education. Additionally – 1-2 items to choose from. After graduating from school, students write tests. If less than 70 points out of 100 are scored in the test for intellectual development, training in a professional high school is recommended.
High school
Compulsory education 9-12 grades. From 13-14 to 18-19 years
Senior schools are academic, professional and multidisciplinary. Upon graduation, students write a SAT (Academic Assessment Test) and receive a High School Diploma. SAT results are automatically sent to state universities. There are no entrance exams at the university. Talented students can receive invitations from various higher education institutions with a guaranteed scholarship. Those who drop out of school before the 12th grade can write a special test and get a GED – General Educational Development. In 15 states, schooling can be terminated at the age of 16 at will (in others – at 17-18). Up to 16 years – only with the permission of the parents and a good reason (for example, the birth of a child). 3 14 years in the United States are officially allowed to work. It is impossible to become a serviceman in the US Army without a high school diploma.
Number of schools in the United States
132,656 total schools in the United States.
71.5% are state-owned. Training is free. There are 16 students per teacher.
24.15% are private (80% of them are religious). Tuition costs range from $ 6,000 to $ 60,000 per year (average $ 17,500). There are 11 students per teacher.
4.35% – charter. They are funded by the state and can attract private investors. Training is free. To become a student, you must win a lottery, which is free for all once a year, or pass exams. There are 13 students per teacher.
On average, the US leadership spends $ 12,000 a year on each student who attends school for free (in New York ~ $ 20,000, in Utah ~ $ 7,000).
3% of American children are educated at home. 66.3% of parents of such children have at least bachelor’s degrees and above. 38.4% of these children study at home because of their religious beliefs, and 8.9% are disabled.
College, university
Optional education
Bachelor’s degree, 4 – 5 years
The first two years teach general subjects. The student chooses certain courses to earn the required number of credits. Points are awarded for attending classes, essays or courses, writing tests. At the end of each semester, students take exams and tests. To get a degree, you must earn 120 credits (credit hours). According to statistics, only 32% of students at public universities and 52% of private universities have enough for four years.
Master’s degree, 1 – 3 years
Provides a deeper study of subjects. In the master’s program they write scientific works, conduct research. American schools also provide top online learning classes in a variety of courses, such as online criminal justice masters, digital marketing masters, etc.
Doctor (Doctorate degree / PhD), 5 – 7 years
The highest level of higher education in the United States. He is awarded after passing exams in special disciplines and defending a dissertation.