The educational system in the United States has a long tradition and well-established canons, but in spite of this it is recognized as the most democratic. There is no unified educational system in the USA, the state has no right to establish any rules on education or the educational system. All matters concerning education are regulated at the state level. Decentralization is the most characteristic feature of the American education system. The U.S. education system has four classic stages: preschool, elementary, secondary, and higher education. And higher education in the USA has its own additional system, which has its own features in every state.
Early childhood education: Preschool
Preschool education is not compulsory in most countries. Children can attend nursery schools, kindergartens, preschool centers, and day care centers.
Pre-primary education lasts two years and is designed for children ages 4 to 6. In many states a certificate is issued upon completion of preschool education indicating the child’s attendance, behavior, and abilities. This certificate may be required for enrollment in elementary school.
Elementary Education: Elementary School
Elementary education in the U.S. is required. It is a 5-year program, and children ages 6 to 11 years old attend elementary school. Institutions may be public, private, or parochial, with a strong emphasis on religion.
A characteristic feature of elementary school is the formation of classes according to the abilities of the students. Students take IQ tests, and classes are formed based on the test results. The elementary school curriculum includes basic subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, etc. All subjects are taught comprehensively by one teacher; in some states separate subjects are taught by different teachers after the 4th grade.
The curriculum, content, and teaching methods are state- and school-level, and the state does not regulate these issues. At the end of elementary school, students move on to secondary school.
Secondary Education: Middle School, High School
Secondary education in the United States is divided into two parts: Middle School and High School.
Middle School is a three-year, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade school; students ages 11 to 13 years old. Most of the subjects are taught by subject teachers, with an emphasis on English and the humanities. Already in high school, begin to form classes with different gradients and abilities of students. Students who perform better than others in a particular subject may be placed in an “advanced” class, where they learn the subject material more quickly and in greater depth.
Then comes high school, high school. The program lasts four years and runs from 9th to 12th grade. High School is attended by students aged 14 to 18. The school offers basic and specialized subjects. Many students can choose to study for their future professions on their own or with their parents and teachers.
At the end of high school students take the SAT I or SAT II. Levels I and II are differentiated by their focus and difficulty. The SAT Level I is taken by students who plan to attend a mid-career college or university in the future, while SAT Level II allows students to enter the country’s most prestigious universities. After passing the SAT, students receive a high school diploma