Add to that the differences in materials and technical equipment and you get a lot of completely different educational institutions, the only common denominator being that they are all engaged in educating children.
In this case, not every American can make a choice in favor of one school over another. Not to mention those who come from abroad to study in the United States.
The U.S. Secondary Education System
Education in U.S. schools lasts 12 years, usually from age 6 to 18.
There is a three-tiered system of schooling in the United States: elementary school - required courses, middle school - some electives + required courses, and high school - specializing in subjects that will come in handy later in college.
Elementary School (Grades 0-5)
In elementary school, children study until the age of 11. Class 0 is considered a preparatory class. Sometimes children start at age 5, sometimes at age 6. Math, reading, writing - these are the main subjects in the elementary school cycle.
Secondary school
It is sometimes called middle school and sometimes junior high school.
They study here through 8th grade. Sometimes (in some states) up to 9th. At this level, in addition to the required subjects (English, math, natural science, physical education), there are additional subjects that students choose. (You can choose to study an additional foreign language, some art subjects, humanitarian or other subjects from the science cycle).
Highschool
All learning in high school is focused on the student's future college admissions. They study here through the 12th grade, usually ending at age 17-18. Since high schools in the United States are geared toward college admission, there is a wider variety of subjects to choose from. Here, you can already encounter unusual programs such as agricultural technology or design.
Why study in American schools?
The American secondary education system also has the most valuable advantage: the education system is as flexible as possible, and at school it offers a very extensive list of subjects from which students can choose their priorities. The flexibility of the school curriculum means that children have the ability to focus on specialized subjects. In fact, admission to American universities is based on the results of an assessment of 3 tests - English, mathematics and a profile subject.
Career guidance with schoolchildren is ideally set in the United States, a country with a large number of summer academic schools that offer access to loans and recommendations, thus increasing the chances of getting into the university of choice.
The United States is very loyal to foreigners: to enter a U.S. university, they need to pass the SAT/ACT and provide proof of admission from their home country. They do not need to retake school subjects. However, this last advantage has more to do with the accessibility of higher education.
Cost of attending school in the United States
Let's talk in more detail about how much it costs for a child to stay in a U.S. educational institution (whether private or comprehensive) each year.
As a rule, studying in the United States, even in high school, can be a rather expensive pleasure. The average cost of a one-year educational program is about $40,000. The cost of studying in the USA usually depends on the rating and prestige of the school, the state where the educational institution is located and its history.
The cost of a prestigious American education is high. However, it is important to note that this price includes not only tuition, meals, and accommodation, but also some additional bonuses.
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All study materials.
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Insurance.
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Preparation for the upcoming final exams.
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Participation in circles, various extracurricular activities.
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English classes for foreign students.
Key Criteria for Choosing the Right School in the U.S.
Price
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a school. Ask yourself if you can afford the tuition if you are accepted to a particular school. Be sure to consider the financial aid the school may offer you and find and apply for as many scholarships as possible.
Location
When considering schools, ask yourself if you would prefer to be in a rural, suburban or urban area. How far is the school from where you live, and does it matter to you? Does the city require you to invest in a car, or will you be able to use public transportation to get to the city where you live.
Selectivity
Some schools are more selective than others. Before applying, you may want to research the acceptance rates of the colleges you are considering. More established colleges tend to be more selective. Think about your chances of being accepted to a prestigious name school and ask yourself if you would be happier at a lesser-known school. While degrees from certain universities are important, what really matters in the end is the quality of education you receive and the experience you gain.
Services and programs for international students
If you are traveling to a school from another country, you can check out any programs and services that the school offers for international students. Does this school offer a variety of programs, services and activities to help with the cultural transition? Your school must have your best interests in mind; make sure that any school you are considering is committed to meeting your needs.
Size
Size is an important factor in the college selection process, and everyone has their own preferences. Some people find they do better in smaller classes because they have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the instructor. Others prefer large lecture halls, where students more or less take care of themselves. Ask yourself which one is more conducive to your learning style.
Percentage of graduates entering top higher education institutions
When choosing a college, you want to know that you will receive a quality education and that you will have many options after college. Even if you are currently unsure if graduate school is in your future, you may want to look at graduate admissions rates. Knowing that you will have options after graduation will help you find inner peace.
Public Life
Your university will be your home for the next four years (at least). You'll want to know what social life is like. For example, do most students live on campus, or do most students have to live off-campus in a college? What do students do for fun? What is the reputation of the school? Is it a party school? Does it have activities that interest you?
Special Sports or Extracurricular Activities
If you are involved in sports, drama, dance, art or any other hobbies and wish to continue these activities at the university, or if you are interested in participating in a new activity, you should check the availability of these activities on any university campus you may consider. Does the university have intramural sports teams? An a cappella group? A belly dance group? Wherever your interests lie, make sure they are catered to at any college you apply to.
Retention and 4-year graduation rates
When considering a college, you may want to know how many freshmen move on to their sophomore year and how many stay at the same school after four years. If a college has a particularly high transfer rate, this may strongly suggest that the college is somehow unable to meet the needs of a large number of students. Also, you will want to ask how many graduates earn their degrees in four years; some schools take longer than others. Ask yourself if you are willing to spend more time and money to earn your degree.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important considerations. In the past few years, crime rates have increased, even on college campuses. When considering a college, research its crime statistics and find out what steps the school is taking to keep its students safe.
Personal Preferences
There are many additional variables to consider, and these issues may be more important to some students than others. For example, are you more interested in a coeducational college or a single-sex college? Do you prefer private or public schools? Religious or secular? The answers to all of these questions depend entirely on the personal preferences of the student choosing the school.