Education in the USA: all levels, features and top educational institutions

The USA attracts students from all over the world every year, so in this article we decided to take a detailed look at the structure of American education, starting from the preschool level and ending with postgraduate. We will also highlight the features of public and private educational institutions, the assessment and accreditation system, and compare American education with other countries. 

The U.S. educational system is a multi-level structure. Let’s consider its key steps.

Pre-school education

American preschool education begins almost from the cradle. Many families entrust the upbringing of babies to nurseries from the age of six months. Preschools in the States are diverse:

• Children’s centers for babies from 6 months to 5 years old.
• Preparatory groups before school for children 3-5 years old.

Although preschool education is not compulsory, it is popular among parents as a tool for early socialization and preparation for school.

American preschool education is notable for the following:

• Commercial nature: the services of such institutions are paid, on average you need to pay about $ 1,200 per month.
• Long day: many centers are open from early morning to evening.
• The emphasis is on comprehensive development, communication and the basics of literacy.

Examples of preschool institutions in the USA:

Elementary school

Primary education is the first compulsory level in the USA. It covers grades 1-5, sometimes including 6th. Training starts at 5-6 years old.

What is important to know about primary education in America:

• The homeroom teacher teaches the main subjects.
• Focus on basic skills: reading, writing, counting.
• Integration of creativity and physical activity.
• Introduction of standardized assessment.

The primary school program includes:

• Native language
• Arithmetic
• Natural study
• Social Studies
• Creative disciplines
• Physical education

Examples of elementary schools in the USA:

Secondary education

Secondary education in the USA is divided into two phases:

1. Secondary school (grades 6-8 or 7-9).
2. High school (grades 9-12).

In secondary school, there is a transition to subject-based learning. The high school focuses on specialized training and orientation towards higher education.

Features of American secondary education:

• The variability of the curriculum: a combination of compulsory and elective courses.
• A point-based assessment system.
• Activities outside of school: sports, clubs, volunteering.
• Advanced Degree Programs (AP) for college preparation.

Examples of middle and high schools in the USA:

Higher education

American higher education is considered one of the most advanced in the world. It includes:

1. Two-year programs at U.S. community colleges that lead to an Associate’s degree. This degree occupies an intermediate position between secondary education and a bachelor’s degree.
2. Four-year bachelor’s degree.
3. Master’s degree (1-2 years).
4. Doctoral studies (3-6 years).

Types of higher education institutions:

• Community colleges
• Four-year colleges
• Universities
• Institutes of technology.

Examples of higher education institutions in the USA:

“If you look at the TOP 100 universities in the world, about 40-50 of them are American.” How to leave to study in America and why is it necessary at all?

Public and private education

In the USA, both public and private institutions are represented at all levels of education, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Public schools:

• They are free for local residents.
• They are funded from the state budget and local taxes.
• The quality of education can vary greatly depending on the area.

Private schools:

• Paid.
• They have more freedom in the formation of the curriculum.
• They often offer higher quality education and better technical equipment for classes.

The field of higher education

State universities:

• More affordable, especially for residents of the state.
• Often larger in size.

Examples of state universities:

Private universities:

• As a rule, it is more expensive.
• They may offer a more individual approach to learning.
• They often have higher prestige (for example, Ivy League universities).

Examples of private universities:

The assessment system

In the USA, a letter-based rating system is used:

A (excellent) B (good) C (satisfactory) D (below average) F (unsatisfactory).

To calculate the average score, the GPA (Grade Point Average) system is used, where each grade corresponds to a certain number of points:

A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0 F = 0.

The GPA plays an important role in applying to colleges and universities, as well as in obtaining scholarships.

Accreditation

Accreditation in the USA is a process by which educational institutions confirm the quality of their educational programs. 

There are several types of accreditation:

• Regional accreditation (the most prestigious).
• National accreditation.
• Professional accreditation (for specific programs).

Accreditation is important for:

• Recognition of diplomas by employers.
• Transfer of credits between educational institutions. This means a process in which a student’s academic achievements obtained at one educational institution are recognized and counted in another.
• Receiving financial assistance from the state.

Comparison with other countries

The U.S. education system has a number of differences from the systems of other countries:

• Flexibility: The American system allows students to change the direction of study, which is rare in other countries.
• Emphasis on practical application: In the USA, a lot of attention is paid to project work and internships.
• A huge selection of subjects: students have the opportunity to study subjects from different fields.
• Point system: allows for more flexible formation of the curriculum.
• The role of extracurricular activities: in the USA, great importance is attached to participation in sports and other clubs, volunteer projects, etc.
• Cost of education: Higher education in the United States is often more expensive than in other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Education System

Is education in the United States free?

Primary and secondary education in public schools is free for local residents. Higher education is paid, but there are various financial aid programs and scholarships.

What is the minimum age for admission to school in the United States?

Usually, children begin their education in a Kindergarten class at the age of 5-6 years.

What are SAT and ACT?

These are standardized tests that are used for admission to colleges and universities in the United States. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) evaluates reading, writing, and math skills. ACT (American College Testing) covers English, Mathematics, reading and science.

How many years does it take to study for a bachelor’s degree in the USA?

The bachelor’s degree program usually lasts 4 years.

Can international students study in U.S. public schools?

International students can study at public high schools in the United States only for one year under the exchange program. For long-term education, they need to enroll in private schools.

What is the Advanced Placement (AP) system?

AP is an advanced study program in high school. Passing AP exams successfully can give students college credits.

How do I choose a university in the USA?

When choosing a university, the following factors should be taken into account: academic reputation, availability of programs of interest, tuition fees, location, size of the campus and financial assistance opportunities.

What are Community Colleges?

These are two-year institutions offering associate degree programs. They are often used as a more affordable way to get a higher education followed by transfer to a four-year college or university.

How does the credit system work in American universities?

Each course has a certain number of credits (points). To obtain a degree, a student must gain a set number of credits in various subjects.

Author

Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief

I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.

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