The U.S. School System
The U.S. school system is divided into three main levels. Each level is a completely separate institution, located in a separate building. At the elementary level, children study the required subjects; in the middle grades, they add several elective courses. In high school, children can choose the subjects they will need when they enter college. American schools do not have classroom teachers or classes, but each student has a curator who advises on subject selection, scheduling, career guidance, and college admissions.
Elementary Schools
Within the elementary school structure, there may be 5 or 6 classes, depending on the state, starting with matriculation. Children over the age of 5 may enter zero (preparatory) classes. Students from other countries may attend elementary school if the child lives in the U.S. with a parent or guardian.
During the first two years of elementary school in the United States, there is no strict discipline or serious academy style: children can walk around the classroom, sit on the floor, form circles on the floor, read bright books and talk. Homework is provided in the form of free assignments. After a walk, for example, children were asked to draw what they saw in green; older children could write a short essay about the beetles that crawl through the trees on campus. By fifth grade, children move to single desks and the curriculum becomes more structured.
In elementary school, the main subjects - writing, reading, math basics and the world around us - are taught by one teacher, while others take children to creative, music and physical education classes.
Secondary School
In secondary school, each subject has its own teacher and students have some freedom in their choice of subjects.
Mathematics, English, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy-science), history, physical education and creativity are still compulsory subjects. Students choose 1-2 subjects on their own. The most common ones are computer technology, cooking, foreign languages or art.
In addition, in the middle, it is possible to choose more complex programs in the discipline. To do this, you need to get excellent grades in the previous year. Starting in grade 7, you can increase the complexity of math and English. In grade 8 - also natural sciences and social sciences. In courses of increased complexity, more intensive programs with complex tasks and a lot of self-learning information.
In addition, a credit system is being introduced in secondary schools. For 1 subject 1 year of study, 5 credits are given, for subjects that last 1 semester - 2.5 credits. Then these indicators are taken into account when entering the university.
Highschool
In high school, students have more freedom in choosing subjects and levels of study.
Required blocks.
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2 years of mathematics.
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4 years of English.
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2 years of natural sciences (laboratory work).
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3 years of social sciences.
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1 year of physical education.
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1 year of art courses.
Each discipline includes many sub-disciplines that students can study individually or in a complex way: for example, mathematics includes courses in geometry, algebra, trigonometry, principles of analysis, statistics and other sections; the social sciences group includes American history, world history, political science, psychology, sociology, etc.
In addition, these guys choose extracurricular activities.
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Music ;
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Foreign languages.
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Foundations of a healthy lifestyle.
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Foundations of doing business.
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Oratory, etc.
In high school, students take a college or university entrance exam (SAT or ACT - tests general knowledge in math, language, logic and critical thinking).
Top 20 U.S. Public High Schools
Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology
In order to improve the education of students in math, science and technology, Fairfax County Public Schools and the business community came together to establish Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology. The high school is located in the Northern Virginia Governor's Regional School. Science and Technology. The curriculum emphasizes STEM subjects, problem solving, critical analysis and research, intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. All honors, gifted, AP and post-AP courses are taught by faculty.
Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology has very rigorous admission requirements, including entrance exams, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a record of high academic achievement. Students are also considered for admission because of their demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for learning in the areas of math, science and technology. Today, it is one of the best public high schools in the U.S. in 2022 and one of the best high schools in the country.
Carnegie Vanguard High School
Carnegie Vanguard High School is a community magnet school that offers AP, pre-AP and elective classes. 98% of students go on to four-year colleges or universities, and 100% of students pass AP exams. 100 hours of community service and 10 AP courses are required for graduation. Carnegie Pioneer High School's clubs emphasize community service and academics. Admission requires common assessment scores, teacher recommendations, transcripts and identification of gifted or talented. It is one of the best public schools in the United States according to the 2022 U.S. High School Rankings.
Academy of Arts and Sciences High School
The Academy of Arts and Sciences is the premier academic magnet high school in Austin, Texas, which recruits talented students from public and private high schools. AP courses are taken by 95% of students, with a 96% pass rate. The four-year college acceptance rate is 95.5%. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a project-based curriculum that emphasizes discussion, research and seminar-style meetings. As a cornerstone of the curriculum, the school offers co-opted courses.
Student groups conduct scientific and humanitarian research, design, implement and present projects. In addition to educational institutions, the College of Arts and Sciences has chess, debate, the Future Teachers of America team, and philosophy clubs and clubs. French, German, Spanish and Chinese are foreign language clubs. This school maintains a competitive admissions process based on past performance, test scores and faculty recommendations. Today, it is one of the best public high schools in the United States in 2022 and one of the best high schools in the country.
Gilbert Classical Institute
Gilbert Classical Academy offers a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum that emphasizes a Socratic approach to teaching and learning. The school offers only honors and AP courses to prepare students for college-level study. All students take AP courses and have a 98% pass rate on exams. The Gilbert Classical Academy curriculum is supplemented by fine arts courses, clubs and physical education classes. Each student must complete 80 hours of community service and pass a thesis defense. To enroll in Gilbert Classical Academy, you must complete an initial course. It is one of the best public schools in the United States according to the 2022 U.S. High School Rankings. 5.
High School of Design and Architecture
Design and Architecture High School is a magnet school that teaches students the basics of visual communication, fine arts, entertainment, and architecture. Students can also take traditional science, math and language arts courses. Design and Architecture Senior Academy offers AP and Honors courses, as well as dual enrollment courses at the community college. Ninety-eight percent of students take AP courses. Internships at local design firms provide students with hands-on experience.
Low-income students make up 40% of the Design and Architecture High School student body. The U.S. Department of Education awards the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence to Design and Architecture High School. To be considered, each candidate must submit a sketchbook, portfolio and audition. Today, it is one of the best public high schools in the United States in 2022 and one of the best high schools in the country.
University High School
It is one of the best public schools in the United States according to the 2022 U.S. High School Rankings. University High School is a college preparatory school that offers courses in math, science, English and modern languages. Through honors and AP courses, this high school serves academically oriented and intellectually gifted students. The school has foreign language classes, including Chinese, French and German. The university's graduate school, in partnership with the University of Arizona, also offers engineering programs.
The school shares a campus with Rincon High School, and University High School students can participate in Rincon High School classes in addition to University High School classes. The school shares most clubs in addition to the University High School chess team, Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon and tryouts. Hosts regional, state and Republican level Olympiads for students. Admissions are ba