The system of Education in the USA

System The USA’s education system is diverse, with rules and regulations varying from state to state. Even within each state, separate districts organize and oversee the public schools in their local area. Elementary education begins at the age of six or seven, when a child goes to the first grade (form). At the age of sixteen schoolchildren leave the elementary school and may continue their education at one of the secondary schools or high schools, as they call them. Teenagers study at high school four years and graduate from it at the age of eighteen. Members of each grade in high school have special names: - a ninth grader is called a Freshman, - a tenth grader - a Sophomore, - an eleventh grader - a Junior, - a twelfth grader - a Senior.

Schedule A school year starts at the beginning of September or at the end of August and ends in late June or early July, just before the Independence Day, and is divided into three terms/trimesters or four quarters. School children have winter and spring breaks for two or three weeks and summer vacation for six up to eight weeks. Students go to school five days a week. A typical school day will begin anytime from 07:30-09:00. The end of the day ranges from 14:30-16:00pm. Every day students usually have seven periods which last 50-55, sometimes 45 minutes. In some schools there are four periods lasting 90 minutes. There are 2-5 minute passing between periods and a break of 30 minutes for lunch.

Curriculum –The programme of studies in the elementary school includes English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of the USA, Natural Sciences and, besides, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, Wood or Metal Work, etc. Sometimes they learn a foreign language and general history. Beside giving general education some high schools teach subjects useful to those who hope to find jobs in industry and agriculture or who want to enter colleges or universities. –American teachers don`t cause students to the blackboard. It is important to participate in discussions on lesson. –Homework is not necessary. –Extracurricular activities are the many club meetings, music or drama rehearsals, and sport practice sessions.

Funding There are state public schools, private elementary school and private secondary schools. Public schools are free and private schools are feepaying.