Education in the USA Camille Williams

Elementary and High School Pre-school, also known as nursery school (age 3-4), is not mandatory, but highly encouraged Elementary aka primary school: age 5 -13, grades kindergarten - 8 Some schools are broken into K – 5, then middle school aka junior high: age 11-13, grades 6-8 High school or secondary school: age 14-17, grades 9- 12

Elementary and High School Teachers are usually hired for full-time positions with an annual salary that averages $56,000 (higher or lower depending on experience and location). Teachers stay in the same classroom throughout the day. They organize and decorate their own classroom and use it as an office. In primary school, students stay in the same classroom for all subjects. Secondary students move for each subject.

Primary School Subjects Curriculum standards are determined by individual states but generally include: Basic arithmetic, rudimentary algebra Grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading Social studies/history Art and physical education

High School Most high schools are general schools, but other types include: vocational, college preparatory, magnet, special, and alternative.

College and Graduate School

University Key Terms Higher education: all education beyond high school. College: an undergraduate institution where you can earn a Bachelor’s degree. Most college students start when they are 18 years old. University: an institution with one or more undergraduate colleges as well as graduate and professional schools (e.g. law school, business school).

Key terms continued… Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.): the diploma or certificate you earn after 4 years of study at an undergraduate college. Is a Bachelor’s degree enough to be a competitive professional in the U.S.?

Key terms continued… Liberal Arts: This term describes the most common and most popular course of study at colleges in the U.S. At liberal arts colleges, you do not need to know what subject you want to focus on when you start. You can explore your interests by taking a variety of courses. However, after the first two years, you are required to declare a major.

Key terms continued… Major: Your major is the subject that you will focus on and the subject for which you will ultimately receive your Bachelor’s degree. The most popular majors of 2012 in the U.S.A.: 1. Business Administration 2. Psychology 3. Nursing 4. Biology 5. Education 6. English/Literature 7. Economics 8. Communications Studies 9. Political Science and Government 10. Computer Science

Applying to College Very rigorous and competitive Most high schools employ a college counselor to provide assistance for students during the process In order to get into college, you need: Good grades (based on academic performance, attendance, and behavior during class) At least 3 recommendations from teachers, employers, or mentors Good scores on the SAT exam (some colleges accept ACT scores) Complete the application for each college, including several essays about your goals, personal challenges you’ve overcome. Many people argue that the essays are the most important part of the application because it’s your only opportunity to show who you are as an individual

Paying for college College is extremely expensive. It costs less if you go to a public college in the state where you are from. Example: University of California at Los Angeles: $15,000/yr or $60,000 total Columbia University: $60,000/yr or $240,000 total Apply for grants, loans and scholarships.