If you are seriously considering sending your child to study in the United States, secondary education in the US is an excellent start for adapting to and continuing life in this country. The education system in the US differs from ours, and for a well-rounded education, it is desirable for your child to at least graduate from high school in America.

What does secondary education in the United States offer?

The United States offers its own education system. It is similar to the educational systems in other Western countries, but it also has its own unique features. Secondary education in the United States consists of three stages:

  1. Primary school. It consists of five grades. Children attend primary school from ages 6 to 11. The compulsory curriculum includes subjects such as writing and reading, arithmetic, basic mathematics, and the fundamentals of natural and social sciences. Creative activities aimed at the comprehensive development of young children are also mandatory.
  2. Middle school. It includes 3 grades: 6th to 8th. Children attend this school from ages 11 to 14 or 15. Here, different teachers teach different subjects. There are a number of compulsory subjects that everyone must study (math, chemistry, physics, US and world history, English, etc.), as well as elective subjects (music, computer science, foreign languages, etc.). Children can take an in-depth program in certain specialties.
  3. High school is the upper level of secondary education in the United States. It covers grades 9 through 12. Children attend high school from ages 15 to 18. This is the most important stage of preparation for university admission. There is also a list of required subjects (math, science, English, history, physical education, foreign languages, etc.) and a specific period of study for each (for example, a minimum of three years of math). A diploma is issued only if the student has passed all required subjects. There are also a number of elective courses to choose from. Students choose these themselves depending on their future plans. These can be foreign languages, computer science, business, etc.

High school in America is designed to prepare students for college admission. Each educational institution has a counselor who helps students decide on the list of subjects they will need to apply to a specific faculty
at a university.

High schools in America also offer Advanced Placement courses for in-depth study of subjects. The curriculum for these courses corresponds to the first year of college, and sometimes they count as completed credits. However, not every school offers Advanced Placement courses.

Unlike in our country, the division of schools in the US is not just theoretical—they are literally located in different buildings, taught by different teachers, and each has its own administration.

Extracurricular activities

Secondary education in the United States places great emphasis on extracurricular activities and comprehensive personal development. Physical education classes are mandatory. In elementary and middle school, they are similar to ours, but in high school, students choose a specific sport and practice it almost professionally. High achievements in sports can lead to a college scholarship, which is an opportunity for many talented students.

All students are also required to participate in the social life of the school. They can choose clubs and activities according to their interests: theater, music, painting, debate, etc. These activities are also taken into account when applying to college.

Public and private schools

Secondary education in the United States can be obtained in two types of schools:
  • public;
  • private.

Public schools are funded by the government and are free for Americans. Most Americans receive their education in this type of school. Since the programs are not controlled by the state, public schools can provide either a high or average level of knowledge.

Private schools are highly regarded, and everyone strives to send their children to them if possible. There are about 30,000 private schools in the US. They can be different: co-ed, for girls only or boys only, religious, military. Some offer “full board,” but most require students to live with a host family. Private schools are very expensive. They are completely self-sufficient, so not every American family can afford to send their children to such a school. However, private schools provide a much better education than public schools. Not only do they have better facilities, but they also have much higher standards for their students. As a rule, the curriculum is more rigorous, and graduates have a significant advantage when applying to college or university.

Foreign students can study at both public and private schools in the US, but in either case, they must pay for their education.

Public and private schools

Secondary education in the US can be obtained in two types of schools:
  • public;
  • private.

Public schools are funded by the government and are free for Americans. Most Americans receive their education in this type of school. Since the programs are not controlled by the state, public schools can provide either a high or average level of knowledge.

Private schools are highly regarded, and everyone strives to send their children to them if possible. There are about 30,000 private schools in the US. They can be different: co-ed, for girls only or boys only, religious, military. Some offer “full board,” but most require students to live with a host family. Private school education is very expensive. They are completely self-sufficient, so not every American family can afford to send their children to such a school. However, private schools provide a much better education than public schools. Not only do they have better facilities, but they also have much higher standards for their students. As a rule, the curriculum is more rigorous, and graduates have a significant advantage when applying to college or university.

Foreign students can study at both public and private schools in the US, but in either case, they must pay for their education.

Schools in the United States

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Vladimir Rudeshko
Representative of US Universities
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