The U.S. School System
Secondary education in the United States is designed to instill in children self-discipline, responsibility, independence of thought, and leadership qualities. Teachers help children develop analytical skills, teaching them to make their own decisions, defend their opinions and apply what they have learned to real-life situations.
In U.S. schools, children study for 12 years - from ages 5-6 to 17-18. Each school independently determines the age of entry for foreign students. In some cases, children are accepted from the age of 7.
The American school system is divided into three main levels. Each step 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 School (Primary) 5-11 years old (grades 0-5)
Within the structure of elementary school, there may be 5 or 6 classes, depending on the state, starting with matriculation. Children over the age of 5 may enter the zero (preparatory) class. Students from other countries may attend elementary school if the child lives in the U.S. with a parent or guardian. The first two years of U.S. elementary school are free of strict discipline and serious academics. Homework is provided in a free format, and arithmetic, reading and writing are taught by academic subjects. Little to no natural and social science is given.
Middle School (Middle School) Ages 11-14 (grades 6-8) or Junior High School (grades 7-9)
They start coming here at the age of 11. At this time, students study a set of required subjects (math, English, natural sciences, social studies, physical education and art) and several optional subjects (foreign languages, arts and technology, journalism, rhetoric, theater arts, etc.)). In high school there are also opportunities to take courses in more complex subjects. To do this, you need to get excellent grades in the first year. Starting in the 7th grade, you can increase the complexity of math and English. In grade 8 - also natural science and social science. 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. These indicators are then taken into account when entering university.
High school 14-18 years (grades 9-12)
In high school, there are more subjects to choose from and students are already guided by the goal of entering a university. Schools offer a wide range of subjects, from agricultural engineering to 3D design. In addition, these guys choose extracurricular activities.
-
Music ;
-
Foreign languages.
-
Foundations of a healthy lifestyle.
-
Foundations of doing business.
-
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).
Advantages of studying in American schools
High-quality secondary education. U.S. high schools give graduates the opportunity to attend the best universities in the U.S. and the world
After graduating from an educational institution, graduates will have an easier time finding a well-paying job in the U.S. and, if desired, immigrating
Starting from the intermediate level, students have the opportunity to adapt their own personal curriculum - this is how the idea of so-called individual education is realized. It helps develop a child's personality, purpose, leadership qualities and teamwork skills.
The United States is a multi-ethnic country. Studying in the United States will help your child find friends from all over the world, broaden their horizons, and determine their future career.
Cost of Studying in U.S. Schools
Although in public schools you can receive a free education in the U.S., foreigners can only study in the U.S. for one year.
In private schools, it is possible to complete a full course of study, and the quality of education in private schools in the U.S. is much higher. All private schools are paid and the cost of education ranges from $5,000 to $40,000 to $50,000 per year, just like the most expensive universities.
Top U.S. High Schools
Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology
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 United States 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 America in 2022 and one of the best high schools in America.
Gilbert Classical Academy
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.
Lawrenceville School
The Lawrenceville School is a private boarding school for students in grades 9-12, located in New Jersey. The school brings together students from 32 states and 38 countries: they learn to interact with representatives of different cultures and develop tolerance and respect. On average, no more than 12 students study in a class, so every child has the opportunity to express themselves. Teachers are very aware of the needs and characteristics of each student and use an individualized approach.
Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the most elite and prestigious private boarding schools in the United States. This school is known for its outstanding classical education and, in fact, has itself set the tone for hundreds of other educational institutions in the United States. This school is known for its selectivity and higher expectations of its students, so the brightest and most ambitious students from around the world study here. This is how future leaders, orators, politicians and big managers are raised. Alumni include author Dan Brown (Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, Inferno) and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.
The Lakeside School
The Lakeside School was founded in 1919 by Frank G. Moran on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle's Denny Blaine neighborhood.
Originally, the purpose of the school was to provide food for students at another Moran school on nearby Bainbridge Island. Around 1923, the school was founded and renamed Lakeside Day School. In 1923, he moved to the current site of the Bush School in Washington Park.
In 1930, Lakeside moved to a new campus at its present location. In 1971, it became coeducational when it merged with St. Nicholas School, a private girls' school located on Capitol Hill.