Types of Schools in the United States
Elementary School Education
Children start school at age 5-6. Many first attend kindergarten or grade zero. Elementary school programs are designed to develop and educate. Children are taught basic subjects (math, English, natural science), but the lessons are delivered in a free and exciting way so they do not lose interest in learning. In American elementary schools, they are taught to listen to others, respect their opinions, and not be afraid to make mistakes and express their own opinions.
Secondary School
Children begin secondary school at the age of 11-12. Almost all subjects are required, but two or three additional subjects are added to choose from (foreign languages, various sports, photography, drama, etc.). The curriculum becomes more serious and the children have more freedom.
Old fashioned
From the ages of 14 to 18, American students attend high school and prepare for college or university. In high school, students choose almost any subject on their own, depending on their interests and plans.
A high school diploma is a basic school course that allows a child to enter college after receiving a diploma. The International Baccalaureate is an international program that gives you the opportunity to enter a university in any English-speaking country. The Pre-University Program is an additional school course designed for grade 13. All subjects are taught at the undergraduate level, and there are often many benefits to graduating from this course, including the opportunity to go directly to the sophomore year.
Extracurricular Activities
The goal of the U.S. secondary education system is to develop a versatile personality with a positive stance on life. Therefore, in American schools, great emphasis is placed on extracurricular activities for students.
Children spend a lot of time in educational institutions - the focus here is not at all on the number of courses.
These guys are actively involved in sports: physical education classes. Each high school student chooses the most interesting sport for him and devotes himself to it very professionally. Fortunately, the technical equipment of educational institutions (gymnasiums, courts, soccer fields and basketball courts) allows for the highest level of education.
Besides sports, many hobby clubs usually operate on the basis of American schools: one plays in the theater, another visits the debate club, and another learns the basics of painting.
But homework in the United States is rare. Also, its implementation usually requires that the child be at school - these people prepare reports and work on creative projects, sitting in the school library.
Progress Control
In the U.S., a letter grading system is used: A, B, C, D, F. By the way, each grading can have a + or - sign except for F. The GPA score (grade point average) is based on school performance. This is usually required for admission to college.
Another important form of performance monitoring in the U.S. school system is testing. American children become familiar with the annual testing process near the end of elementary school. Test results affect the prestige of the next educational institution for the rest of the child's life. The better a student does in high school, the higher the class in high school. The higher the high school scores, the higher the GPA, which means a better chance of getting into a good college.
In addition, the tests (developed by city or state boards of education, by the way) are not only a way to assess student performance, but also a test of the effectiveness of the work of the staff at the educational institution.
The U.S. secondary education system is primarily designed to prepare children for college studies as effectively as possible. This is why studying in an American school is a great place to start for foreign children who wish to pursue higher education in the United States.
How to get into a U.S. private school
Before you can enter a U.S. private school, you need to choose a suitable educational institution that offers a curriculum close to your child's preferences. After choosing an educational institution, you will need to collect the following documents.
Photo 3*4, passport.
Application for admission.
Transcripts of the last 2-3 years.
Recommendation letters from teachers and classroom teachers.
Essay
Diplomas, awards, certificates, trophies, etc.
SSAT test scores.
In addition, to enter a private school in the United States, you will need to pass an interview with a representative of the educational institution. It is important to note that private schools have a strict screening process for applicants, so your child must be prepared for admission and the interview.
What is the cost of a secondary education in a U.S. school?
If you permanently live and work in the United States, you may be able to send your child to a free public school. However, most likely, your situation does not fit this description.
In this case, your path is to attend a private school. By the way, in most cases, these schools do not belong to any one particular person. These schools are owned by foundations, organizations, religious groups, but they are traditionally referred to as private.
Usually, the cost of studying in them immediately includes full board (accommodation, meals, etc.). Prices vary greatly! The cost of a year of full board education is $30,000. Moreover, it is noticed that this is only the initial bet. The most famous and prestigious schools are 2 times more expensive or more!