School education in America is aimed at educating children in self-discipline, responsibility, independence of thought and leadership qualities. Teachers help children develop analytical skills, teach them to make decisions on their own, defend their point of view and apply the acquired knowledge in real life. The spirit of freedom is one of the main distinguishing features of American educational institutions.

In the American school, children study for 12 years - from 5-6 to 17-18. Each school determines the age of enrollment of foreign students independently. In some cases, children are accepted from the age of 7, but few parents are ready to send a child abroad at this age. Therefore, as a rule, children of middle (13–14 years old) or older (16 years old) school age come.

The structure of secondary education in the USA

Academic year:

5 days a week, 6-8 hours with a lunch break

Holidays:

4 days in November for Thanksgiving

3rd week of February

1st week of April

2 months in summer

The American school system has three main levels. Each step is a completely independent institution, which is located in a separate building. In the elementary grades, children study compulsory disciplines; in the middle grades, several elective subjects are added to them. In high school, children can choose the disciplines that will be needed when entering the university. There are no class teachers, as well as classes, in American schools, but each student has a curator who gives recommendations on the choice of subjects, schedule, career guidance and admission to universities.

Elementary School

5–11 years old (grades 0–5)

In the structure of an elementary school, depending on the state, there may be 5 or 6 classes, starting with preparatory. Children from the age of 5 are admitted to the zero (preparatory) class. Students from other countries may enroll in elementary school if the child lives in the US with parents or guardians.

For the first two years in an American elementary school, there is no strict discipline and no serious academicism: children can walk around the classroom, sit on the floor, read bright books and talk while sitting in a circle on the floor. Assignments are offered in free form. For example, after a walk, the kids are asked to draw what they saw green; older children can write a mini-essay about a beetle that crawled on a tree in the school yard. By the fifth grade, children move to single desks, and the lessons become more structured.

In elementary school, the main subjects - writing, reading, the basics of mathematics and the world around us - are taught by one teacher, and other teachers take children to creative, music and sports lessons.

Middle School

11–14 years old (grades 6–8)

In secondary school, each subject has its own teacher, and students have a certain freedom in choosing subjects.

Mathematics, English, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy - science), history, physical education and creativity remain compulsory disciplines. Students choose 1-2 subjects at their discretion. Most often it is computer technology, cooking, a foreign language or art.

Also, in the middle link, it becomes possible to choose a more complex program in the subject. To do this, you need to get an excellent mark on it in the previous year. From the 7th grade, you can take an increased level of complexity of mathematics and English. In the 8th grade - also natural and social sciences. In the classes of increased complexity, a more intensive program with complex tasks and a large amount of information for self-study.

In addition, a credit system is being introduced in secondary schools. For the study of 1 subject for 1 year, 5 credits are given, for disciplines that last 1 semester - 2.5 credits. These indicators are then taken into account when entering a university.

High School

14–18 years old (grades 9–12)

In high school, students are given greater freedom in choosing subjects and their level of study.

Required blocks:

2 years of mathematics;

4 years of English;

2 years of natural sciences (with laboratory work);

3 years of social sciences;

1 year of physical education;

1 year art course.

Each discipline includes a number of sub-disciplines that a student can take individually or in combination: for example, mathematics includes courses in geometry, algebra, trigonometry, principles of analysis, statistics and other sections; the social science group includes US history, world history, political science, psychology, sociology, etc.

Also, the guys choose extracurricular activities:

• foreign languages;

  basics of a healthy lifestyle;

  basics of doing business;

  oratory and others.

In high school, students take tests for admission to universities or colleges (SAT or ACT - tests that test general knowledge in mathematics, language, logic and critical thinking).

Advanced Placement (AP)

Starting from grade 9, some subjects can be studied deeper - at the AP level. Most often, the guys choose the disciplines in which they will specialize at the university.

There are 38 subjects taught at the AP level in the USA. Among them:

art history;

macroeconomics;

microeconomics;

psychology;

music theory;

Latin language;

programming;

Eastern and European cultures.

The results of the AP preparation give advantages in admission to 90% of universities in the USA, Canada and more than 50 countries. However, for this, the mark for the exams in the selected AP subjects must be higher than 3.5 out of 5.

In 2014, a new program with a focus on research activities appeared - AP Capstone. It consists of two courses: seminars (AP Seminar) and research (AP Research).

The most prestigious universities do not consider certificates with a GPA below 4.25, and this score cannot be obtained without advanced AP courses.

Types of American Schools

Most children in America receive secondary education in free public schools (public school), there are also paid private schools (private school), about 3% of students remain at homeschooling (homeschooling). Only children with U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency can attend public high schools. Only private schools have special accreditation and can accept foreign students.

Private schools are divided into:

boarding schools;

• parochial.

Also, private schools can be coeducational or separate - for girls and boys.

From the point of view of socialization, preference is given to joint schools (they are chosen by 76% of parents). Here, children learn to trust members of the opposite sex and work with them as a team, which is important for future university studies and work.

However, students of separate schools show higher academic results. According to statistics, they are less distracted and spend more time on independent work, which affects the results of their studies (81% of children receive above average scores - against 75% in coeducational schools). In boarding schools for girls, the main emphasis is on the humanities and arts, in schools for boys - on discipline, exact sciences and sports.

Features of US private schools

Private schools make up about 25% of all US secondary schools. Most of them are small, up to 400 students. Almost all are boarding houses that provide students with not only education, but also accommodation throughout the school year.

The advantages of American boarding schools are many:

location in a picturesque area;

high level of student safety;

comfortable living conditions;

quality food;

developed infrastructure (laboratories, sports complexes, theaters);

modern technologies and innovative equipment.

But the main advantage is the high level of education. According to statistics, the average SAT score of private school graduates is higher than that of public school graduates (1645 versus 1453 points in 2016). In addition to studying the basic subjects, an important place is given to sports and creativity, cultural education and the development of the child as a person.

Many private schools focus on one direction: for example, in Fairmont Private Schools, special attention is paid to the study of technical and natural sciences; Idyllwild Arts Academy enrolls children who dream of a future in the arts and media.

How are the lessons in the American high school

A typical class in the US is a lively lecture where the teacher asks a question and engages the students in a discussion. Children are taught to independently seek solutions through discussions and disputes, to critically evaluate historical events.

Collaboration is regarded as one of the most important skills for a future career, so often students work in groups on projects and in the classroom. In computer science classes, for example, teamwork is the main condition: during the year, a group of students of 3–6 people can work on creating a simple application for smartphones. The teacher will always help if something does not work out, or advise you to contact the guys from another group with a similar project to jointly find a solution.

Much attention is paid to the physical education and health of children in the school. Each school has an infrastructure that allows you to practice a huge number of sports: from tennis to horse riding. Students choose their favorite sport and practice it 4 days a week. Each semester, you can choose a new sport. The guys are part of the school team at regional and national championships.

How performance is assessed

Oral questioning in an American school is a rarity. All homework is done in writing and submitted in class or through a personal account in electronic form. Sometimes students carry out large projects: for example, they invent and stage performances in a foreign language, prepare arguments for debates on sensitive topics (ecology, foreign policy, medicine, sociology). Often, as a final task on a topic, children make a presentation (for example, on the periodic table).

There are no exams in elementary school. They appear towards the end of high school, and in high school they take place every six months.

The exam usually lasts 90 minutes. Most of the tasks are multiple choice tasks. There are no special days for preparing for exams, and the exams themselves go on for several days in a row.

For tests, tests, projects and exams, students receive marks A, B, C, D and F with the addition of minuses and pluses. For example, if a student solved 95% of the tasks, then he will be given A, 90-92% - A-; for 60% of correct answers - D- (satisfactory, pass), and less - F (unsatisfactory, fail).

In most schools, marks are posted in an electronic journal that only the student and his parents have access to.

Cost of education

The cost of secondary education in the United States depends on the ranking of the school, state, prestige, history. On average, a year of study costs from $ 40,000 to $ 70,000. This amount includes not only tuition, accommodation and meals, but also extracurricular activities and clubs, study materials, English courses for foreigners and preparation for final exams.

Help from experts

To understand all the nuances of school education in America, contact the experts. IQ Consultancy experts with 17 years of experience in the field of foreign education will tell you how to choose a private school and what you need for admission. Specialists will help to draw up documents, will accompany your child at all stages and resolve issues that arise in the process.

According to many studies, they are recognized as one of the most adapted to real life. By the time they complete secondary education, most of the students, in addition to a good base of theoretical knowledge, also have the practical skills necessary in life.

How do they study in American schools?

It is worth noting that secondary education in the United States is slightly different in different states, but the general scheme remains unchanged and consists of the following stages:

Primary education (Elementary school) - the first stage of education begins from 5-6 years and lasts from zero to fourth grade inclusive. Here children are taught writing, arithmetic, reading. Also, all subjects at this stage, except for physical education, visual arts and music, are usually taught by one teacher. Reaching the age of 10-11 years, the student moves on;

Secondary education (Middle school) - the second stage of education starts from the 5th grade and ends in the 8th. Once in the middle classes, the child can already study not only the basic subjects - mathematics, English, natural sciences, social studies, arts - but also additional ones of their own choice. For example, theatrical art, journalism, rhetoric.

High school () - the third, final stage of secondary education continues from grades 9 to 12. Here, teenagers have a certain freedom in choosing subjects. At the same time, the minimum educational criteria do not disappear anywhere, which students should not forget about if they want to get a diploma after graduating from high school. Again, these requirements may vary slightly - it all depends on the state.

How many years do you study in America?

In the US, secondary education takes 12 years. Thus, by the age of 18, adolescents already have a general education. Based on the diploma (High School Diploma), young people can go to college or, as well as complete their studies by getting a job.

What is taught in American schools?

If we give a general description of the education system in the United States, then we can safely say that its program is designed to meet different needs, and is also quite diverse.

Just like in all European countries, there are also in America (every tenth student comes to the latter). The first students are initially distributed according to their place of residence, and if there is a desire to change the educational institution, then you can always go to a private school.

Every educational institution in the United States, regardless of its type, is attentive to the following things:

Education of certain values. The American school is called upon to form with its pupils, first of all, self-discipline and responsibility, as well as such qualities as initiative, readiness to solve tasks independently;

Development of the child's personality. The program must take into account the child's abilities - psychological and academic. An important role is also given to the formation of independent thinking and creativity;

Purposefulness. Many US schools enhance the level of the main program, giving subjects according to a complicated methodology. Thus, institutions attract serious students into their ranks, who are initially set up to receive advantages upon admission or to prepare in advance for studying at a university.

Physical development. This aspect is given special attention in American schools. Already from elementary school, all students have the opportunity to get involved in several sports at once - basketball, swimming, tennis and others. Competitions in these sports, which are organized between schools, cities, and regions, are also very popular.

Comprehensive development. In addition to all of the above, every high-level American school is ready to offer its students a rich cultural program.

Status. A document confirming the completion of a private school in America gives its graduates the opportunity to be in the highest circles of American society.

Mothers are such mothers. It doesn't matter where we live, in Moscow or New York. We all want our children to be healthy and happy. It is fashionable to talk about the difference in mentalities and approaches to education and upbringing. Well, what really? Watching and learning from other people's experiences is always helpful. Ready to learn about school life on the other side of the Atlantic?

In contact with

Classmates

There is no September 1st

If we have been preparing for the First of September since the beginning of July, then in America this day generally goes unnoticed and no one is preparing for it. No flowers and bows, poems and gifts for teachers.

The school year starts at different times in each state. In one it may be as early as August, in the other closer to mid-September. Children just come to class and start learning without any solemn rulers. Like this: without excessive emotionality, rather pragmatically.

Grades and homework are not the main thing

All my friends in Russia every day study the electronic diary of their children and, after several bad grades, they rush to ask the teacher for his opinion on the reasons for the decline in academic performance.

In the US, moms aren't obsessed with daily grades and perfect homework. This is not an end in itself. It is more important that the child understands that it is necessary to work, that any effort aimed at achieving a result is valuable. Any.

Foreign languages ​​are not taught in elementary grades

Russian schools now teach languages ​​from the second grade. My eldest daughter changed two schools in Russia, and there was no option to learn any other language than English.

And in American public schools in the primary grades, they do not study languages ​​in principle. Only in secondary school can a student choose a foreign language of his choice. There is no such close attention to the study of languages ​​in America, so most of the natives speak only English. Or learn Spanish, especially if you live on the West Coast. This is due to the proximity of Latin America.

Language courses and training in the United States are considered the lot of migrants. When applying for a school, they will definitely be asked to pass an English language test if the child was born in another country.

No one tries to skip gym

Few Russian children go in for serious sports within the walls of their school. Physical education is generally considered to be a secondary subject.

In America, there are serious sports sections right at school. They allow children to prove themselves in the most popular sports in the country. And if a girl chooses handball, and a boy chooses sports ballroom dancing, then no one will be surprised: self-expression is welcome in everything.

Being in a school team is not just cool, it is prestigious and very promising. There is always a chance that a scout (a sports club manager who is looking for young and promising athletes) will come to your team's final match and offer you an athletic scholarship to your dream college.

After-school clubs have serious sponsors

Now schools in Russia, like schools in America, offer a sufficient selection of circles for every taste. In the Moscow region, the average cost of eight classes per month is from 2000 rubles, there are very few free clubs.

In America, children themselves decide which circle they will study in, and enroll in it on their own. The most popular sections have sponsors who allocate funds for staging musicals, creative and scientific projects. The clubs themselves are usually free, but parents can pay for outdoor activities, costumes, props.

Parents also receive certificates

In Russia, all the activities of the parent committee come down to the collection and distribution of funds for the needs of the class.

In the US, being a parent committee mom is very prestigious. Such mothers go to meetings in the administration, they know everything and everyone, they have weight in making decisions about the development of the school.

At the end of the year, the director will definitely thank the parent committee for the work done and, in front of the entire school staff, will present a diploma and other distinctions. Of course, mostly non-working mothers are included in such activities. But they carry out this kind of “social work” with incredible enthusiasm and dedication. In society, this is also perceived as work.

Temperature and cold do not exempt from lessons

In the US, a runny nose and cough is not considered a reason for missing classes. The doctor will see you if the child's temperature approaches 39 degrees. Everything else is rather a minor deviation from the norm.

The system of education in the USA is different from what we are used to: American students receive secondary education for 12 years, the year is divided into two semesters, and the grading system is based on a letter designation.

International students usually begin their studies in middle or high school in an American school.

A high school in America is called Middle School (grades 6-8) or Junior High School (grades 7-9). They come here from the age of 11. At this time, students study a set of compulsory subjects (mathematics, English, natural sciences, social studies and art) and several subjects to choose from (journalism, rhetoric, theater arts and many others).

Senior School - grades 9 to 12 (High School) or 11 to 12 (Senior High School). There are more subjects to choose from, students are already guided by their goals in entering a university. Schools in America offer a wide range of subjects, from agricultural engineering to 3D design.

A High School Diploma usually requires 20-24 credits (Special Education Units) in required and elective subjects in grades 9-12. Each credit is the result of studying one subject during one academic year. Credit requirements may vary by state.

Why USA

America is a country of opportunities, a multicultural society and a high standard of living. The business and economic elite of the world is concentrated here. US universities occupy the highest lines of authoritative rankings. Studying at school in the USA is the first step to enrolling in a prestigious university and brilliant career prospects.

The American education system is considered one of the most progressive. In US schools, participation in real scientific and technical developments is encouraged, leadership qualities and the ability to defend one's point of view are developed.

In recent years, it is the United States that has become a priority area of ​​education for Russian schoolchildren. Parents see more opportunities for their children in America than, for example, in densely populated Europe, where it can be difficult to get a work visa and find application for the education received.

US private schools are the most prestigious secondary schools. Here, children are purposefully prepared for admission to leading universities, including elite Ivy League universities. Career consultants work with high school students, so the guys already know what they want to become and choose subjects depending on their future specialty.

Foreign students prefer to study in private schools in America, and here's why:

• a higher level of student preparation (which reflects the percentage of students enrolled in top universities);
• small classes (10-15 people), where teachers can pay attention to everyone;
• teachers who are interested in their work and the success of students;
• technological classes and laboratories;
• excellent conditions for sports and creativity.

Private boarding schools in the USA are a safe and picturesque area with educational buildings and residences for living.

Much attention is paid to physical training. Parents of sports gifted children often make a choice in favor of such schools, which, without interrupting their studies, prepare children for a professional sports career.

Educational programs of American schools

Each state has at least 50 private schools, each of which is an independent educational unit with its own administration and teaching staff.

American schools do not offer a single curriculum with the same set of subjects for all students. There are compulsory subjects and elective subjects. The older the child gets, the more subjects he can choose - in accordance with his plans for higher education.

To gain an advantage in admission, students can take courses of in-depth study (Honors) and choose one or more subjects of increased complexity AP (Advanced Placement). The higher the level of the school, the more AP subjects it offers.

In some educational institutions, you can study under the international IB (International Baccalaureate) high school program, the results of which are accepted by universities around the world.

Cost of education

The cost of education in private schools in the United States starts at $ 39,300 per year. This amount usually includes accommodation, meals, insurance, educational materials. Excursions and extracurricular activities are paid extra.

When to act

The ideal age for school entry in America is 11–13 years old. At this time, it is easiest for the child to adapt to the new system, make friends, and get comfortable in another country. By the senior classes, it will be easier for him to choose subjects for study and the direction of preparation for the university.

We recommend starting preparation for admission a year before the start of studies. Each school has its own requirements for admission, conditions may vary depending on the state. In some American schools, in addition to providing grades for the last 2-3 years of study, it is necessary to pass tests in certain subjects.

How can we help

IQ Consultancy specialists will help you understand all the variety of US schools and choose the one that suits your child and reveals his potential.

We will help:

• understand all the intricacies of the entrance requirements;
• improve English and pass TOEFL;
• prepare a motivation letter;
• Successfully pass an interview with the admission committee of the school;
• arrange all necessary documents and visa.

We will keep in touch with the chosen school and help resolve all possible difficulties and force majeure. If necessary, we will recommend a language camp in the USA, organize a tour of the schools, if there are several options, and offer the service of supervising the child during the training.

In the last article, we got acquainted with. This article will tell you about secondary education in the States. Namely, what documents are needed, what are the ways to get into such a school and much more, read below.

general information

The academic year in the American school is divided into two semesters. A school day can last up to 6 hours, including a lunch break, each lesson lasts 25 minutes (one module or block).

The school day lasts until 14:40, and it starts differently for each school (more on that below).

A child can get to school either with the help of a free school bus or a student brought by parents.

Holidays such as Christmas or Easter, as well as summer holidays, children spend at home.

Enough attention is paid to physical development in American schools, so students have the opportunity to additionally engage in swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, etc. Necessarily held competitions between city and regional schools.

For the entire period of study in schools, extensive cultural events and programs are necessarily held.

For a fee, there are "extensions" where your child will play educational games or help with homework.

Police officers are always on duty at the school before the start of the school day and at the end. In addition, in the mornings and at the end of the school day, school employees go to intersections and, as a traffic controller, help students cross the road.

Select school you can based on its rating, which is in the public domain, and it is determined on the basis of the results of students at the end of school.

Documents for admission:

• Visa;
• Medical certificate in English (translated), as well as information about the last medical examination;
• English test results, as well as interviews;
• Some schools may also require an extract or report card with grades for the last 1-3 years, as well as a recommendation from an English teacher.

Knowledge of English

Any student who enters a private or public school must pass an English language proficiency test. If the child does not have enough language skills, he can be transferred to a kindergarten class, in which such gaps will be actively filled up.

Structure:

Depending on the state, school programs may differ from each other, because in America there is no single curriculum. By the way, all schools are located separately from each other.

After graduating from grades 9, 10, 11, the student has the right to go to a technical school, so, in addition to the general education program, the teenager already has the opportunity to get some specialty (designer, educator in a preschool institution, electromechanic, etc.)

• Zero grade (preschool kindergarten). Age 5-6 years.
• Primary School(Primery or Elementary School). Grades 1 to 5, ages 6-11. Lessons start at 08:40.

Before the start of the school year, all children take an IQ test. Based on this test, children are divided into several groups depending on their abilities. Upon reaching the third grade, each child is tested annually. There are classes for children with better academic performance, where subjects are studied in more depth and vice versa. Until the fifth grade, children are allowed to move around the classroom, or even hold an open-air circle, and then they are offered to write an essay about a leaf from a tree or a beetle on a tree. Actually, this approach is one of the differences between American schools.

Most subjects are taught by one teacher, with the exception of fine arts, music and physical education. As a rule, writing, reading, natural and social sciences, and arithmetic are studied.

• Mediumschool(Middle School orjunior high). Grades 6 to 8, ages 11-12 to 14. Lessons start at 08:00.

By the fifth grade, all children are sitting at single desks, and the lessons are already familiar to us. In American schools, there are compulsory subjects (mathematics, English, science subjects, physical education, social studies and art studies) and elective subjects (each school has different subjects to choose from, for example, journalism, theater arts, rhetoric). Each subject is taught by a separate teacher.

By the way, every year, children are assigned to new classes, thus, every subsequent year, students study in a new team.

• Senior school (High School). Grades 9 to 12, ages 15 to 18. Lessons start at 07:30.

Students are given even more freedom in terms of choosing subjects for study. Thus, each student is engaged in a program selected by him. That is, the total attendance is checked daily in the morning, after which, the students go to the right classes.

Also, high school students can choose additional subjects in an advanced course.

But in order for a student to be awarded a graduation certificate, there is a certain list of subjects that he must learn and successfully pass.

By the way, in college, as you know, you have to pay for each course you take. But not everyone knows that some of the subjects studied in school may coincide in college. Therefore, a student can pass such additional subjects at the end of school with excellent marks and in the future no longer study them in college.

Schoolchildren are engaged on a 100-point scale, where points have letter values, namely:

How to get to school

There are three ways to enter an American school:

1. Private school.

Most private schools accept foreign students without any problems. In order to get into such a school, it is enough to contact the school on your own to find out all the details, or contact a private office (intermediary). The approximate cost per year can range from $ 10,000 (depending on the state and the school itself).

1. Exchange program.

Selection for such a program, as a rule, is carried out in several stages: a written examination, testing and interview. In addition to knowledge of the language, during the passage of such a competition, adaptability is also taken into account. After successful selection, the student is given the opportunity to live in an American family and study in a public school.