Educational School System In America? Education in the US is provided in public, private, and home schools. The state governments set up educational standards. However, the school system in the US focuses on developing each student’s individuality and their specific set of skills. By concentrating on the desired subject earlier in the students’s/child’s educational activities.
The US offers education for local and international students. International students’ admission requirements differ from that of US residence. However, you will learn everything you need to know about US educational system, including students grades and ages, school hours etc.
Check Out: Become an Online Teacher without a Degree
Educational School System In America
The US school system gives lots of opportunities for anyone who wants to study. How? The US government does not have a set curriculum for the country, which gives room for varieties of schooling options.
It offers from preschool to high school and doctorate degrees. The only downside about schooling in the US is that it’s costly for private and international schools. But public schools are free.
Educational System In America For International Students
Want to relocate to the US with your family? Or maybe you want to continue your educational journey in the US? Relocating abroad won’t be easy. That’s why you need to make enquiries on how things are done there. If you’re going for studies or you have a loved one you want to enrol in the school there, you need more knowledge on the school system.
Overview of US Education System
Here is the overview of the school system in the US.
- The School system in America is often called Kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12).
- Compulsory education mostly begins from age 5 or 6 to 18 years of age. The system varies from state to state.
- Government schools are mostly free from kindergarten to grade 12.
- University in America is “college. Though they make use of both names. College- private schools while University- public schools.
- Bachelor’s degree in the US is known as an “undergraduate degree, while a “graduate degree” is known as a master’s. Also, “post-graduate” is referred to as doctoral or advanced studies.
- The US School System’s Grade Division by Age
Find out the educational grades and age in the section under
Grades/levels and Ages
Primary/Elementary School
Age Year
5-6 Kg
6-7 Grade 1
7-8 Grade 2
8-9 Grade 3
9-10 Grade 4
10-11 Grade 5
Middle School
11-12 Grade 6
12-13 Grade 7
13 -14 Grade 8
High school
14-15. Freshman
15-16.
16-17.
17-18. Senior
College/University
18-19 1st year
19-20 2nd year
20-21 3rd year
21-22 4th year
America School Grading System
Primary to high school years uses both letter (A to F) and numerical (percentage from 0 to 100) grading systems.
While the high school uses Grade Point Average (GPA) that ranks from 0 to 4.
Letter Grade Percentage GPA Meaning
A = 100-90% 4.0 -Excellent
B = 89-80% 3.0 – Good
C = 79-70% 2.0 – Average
D = 69-60% 1.0 – Pass
F = 59% 0 – Fail
The grading may vary between schools.
School Year in the US
The school calendar in the US usually begins from August to May or thereabout. Some school year is divided into two semesters: August/September until December, and January until May/June. However, the three main breaks of the school year take place in spring, summer, and winter.
Spring break- in late March or early April.
Summer break – late May to late August or early June to early September, depending on the US state.
Winter break: two weeks break for primary and secondary students. Starts in late December until the beginning of January.
School Hours in the US
The hours’ students spend in school usually depend on the regulations of each school. It mostly begins around 7:00 and 9:00 and end around 14:00 or 16:00. The close time varies depending on the grade the student is in.
Benefits of the Educational School System In America
The educational school system in America provides several benefits, including:
- Access to education: The American educational system ensures that every child has access to education regardless of their socio-economic status, race, or ethnicity. This allows students to gain knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional growth.
- Diverse Curriculum: The American education system offers a diverse curriculum that includes a wide range of subjects such as science, math, literature, social sciences, and arts. This helps students to gain a broad understanding of the world and develop a well-rounded education.
- Highly qualified teachers: The American education system employs highly qualified teachers who are trained in their subject areas and experienced in teaching. These teachers provide students with quality education and individual attention, helping them to achieve their academic goals.
- College Preparation: The American education system is designed to prepare students for college, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in higher education. Students are taught critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are essential for college success.
- Extracurricular activities: American schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and clubs. These activities provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build social connections.
While the American educational system has several benefits, there are also challenges such as inadequate funding, achievement gaps, and unequal access to education. However, efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the educational outcomes for all students.
