There are many educational options for international students in the U.S ., which can be difficult to choose the appropriate school. To simplify this process and better understand the options available, it's helpful to first understand the American school system.
In the United States, there are four levels of education: preschool, primary, secondary and higher. Schools offer a flexible and hands-on approach, paying attention to the individual needs of students. Education for children is compulsory and generally accessible.
Primary school is the first stage of studying, which is aimed at creating a solid academic foundation for further education. Teachers use books, games, movies, computers, and art to keep children's attention. In the U.S., the primary education usually covers the first three years of elementary school (grades 1–3), just as grades 4 and 5 come after. Children complete primary school at the age of 10-13. Before primary school, there is often preschool education for children 3-6 years old.
What is the difference between Preschool and Kindergarten?
Preschool classes are very diverse, aimed at helping children to socialize and prepare for kindergarten. According to these programs, educational process stipulates using of games, a lot of attention is paid to communication with peers. A standard set of lessons in a preschool institution can look like this: mathematics, reading, drawing, playing with blocks, playing with sand and water, role-playing games. Each "object" develops certain skills: drawing develops abstract thinking, creativity and imagination, blocks help with imaginative thinking, attention to detail and fine motor skills, a table with water and sand is the first acquaintance of children with the world of physics, and role-playing games teach them to try on different roles and develop emotional intelligence.
Preschool and Kindergarten are early development programs that teach children basic social skills, reading, writing, and math. The main differences between them are age and direction of studying.
Age
The age of a child may vary depending on which educational institution you choose for your child. The Preschool is aimed at kids aged from 2 to 5 years old. Here, as a rule, children attend classes for half a day, no more. Kindergarten is designed for children aged 5 to 6 years. Preschool (Pre-K) is a program which usually aimes at children aged 4 to 5 and serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.
Curriculum
- Preschool programs make a focus on child development and early learning skills such as recognizing shapes, colors, numbers, and letters, and focus on developing a child's curiosity, creativity, and social skills. Preschool has fewer educational standards, children do not receive grades, assignments or progress reports.
- Kindergarten focuses on basic literacy, mathematics, and social skills. Programs focus on educational skills and theory, children can participate in more structured learning, including writing lessons, reading, listening, and reading aloud. Kindergarten can also include group activities and small-group projects to help children learn how to communicate effectively, manage emotions, and make friends.
Understanding these differences helps to highlight the importance of each stage of education in supporting children's overall development and preparing them for future educational challenges.
Elementary School Education
The transition from preschool to primary school is featured by a change in educational focus and structure. While preschool and child care emphasize social, emotional, and basic academic skills through play and exploration, elementary school (grades 1 through 5) introduces a more structured academic curriculum. Subjects become clearer, with periods dedicated to mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. During this period, everything is taught by one teacher. On average, children stay at school until 6-7 pm, during the same period they take additional study hours or do homework after school.
The grading system for the first two years is simple:
- E (excellent),
- S (Satisfactory),
- N (needs to be improved),
- U (unsatisfactory).
Later, standard American school grades A, B, C, D and F were gradually introduced, where A is "excellent" and F is "unsatisfactory". Already in elementary school, children take their first standardized tests, which assess students' progress and prepare them for the future (still distant) SAT entrance exam. There are no final exams in elementary school.
How strong are Primary Schools in America?
The quality of elementary education in the U.S. varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including location, funding, and school district policies.
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Funding and resources
Schools in affluent neighborhoods naturally often have better facilities, more experienced teachers, and additional resources such as modern equipment and extracurricular programs.
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Teacher Qualifications
Elementary school teachers in the U.S. are well-prepared and dedicated, often with a bachelor's degree and state certification.
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Curriculum and Standards
In the United States, there are national and state standards that determine what students should learn at each level of school, but the implementation of these standards may vary by state and district. Some schools offer innovative and enriching programs, while others focus more on preparing for standardized tests.
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Standardized Testing
Some schools focus on preparing students for standardized tests, which can affect the focus and methods of teaching.
Can foreigners send their child to an American Primary School?
In the United States, children attend either public or private K-12 schools. Only schools registered in the Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) can accept international students. SEVP, in turn, certifies only certain types of K-12 schools:
- Private schools K-12 at all levels (grades),
- Public secondary schools (grades 9 through 12).
This means that public elementary schools (i.e., kindergarten through eighth grade) are not eligible to accept students with an F-1 visa.
Features of education in the USA
- Autonomy. Some subjects are required to study by state decree: science, mathematics, English, and social studies. Some states also list first aid and gender education subjects. But otherwise, schools form programs and schedules on their own, they can add courses in foreign languages, art, ecology and other disciplines.
- K-12. This is the general name for the school system in the United States. In America, students study for 13 years: kindergarten (K) + 12 years of secondary education. Sometimes K-14 (kindergarten + secondary education + two-year college) and K-16 (kindergarten + secondary education + bachelor's degree) are also mentioned.
- Sport. Physical education occupies a large place in the U.S. educational system, and not only in school, but also in the university. For example, universities almost always provide generous scholarships to athletes. Students are always assessed on two indicators: academic performance and athletics. There are many clubs in schools: basketball, football, rugby, volleyball and others.
Methods and programs of elementary school in the United States
Primary school covers a wide range of child development. Starting from kindergarten, incoming 5-year-olds get their first school experience and learn the basics of typing, letters and basic counting skills, actively socialize. Over time, reading, basic mathematics, and understanding the foundational concepts of other subjects become the primary goals of the curriculum. The senior elementary program begins to study more advanced topics such as economics, U.S. history, and the natural sciences. The initial program includes an introduction to additional subjects such as fine arts, physical education, computer science and languages.
Elementary school teachers in the U.S. use a variety of teaching methods to help students learn and stay engaged:
- Flipped classroom: Students learn new material at home through video or reading, and then use classroom time for discussions, projects, and exercises to deepen their understanding of the subject.
- Project-based learning. Students work on large projects that include research, critical thinking, teamwork. These projects are based on real-world tasks and can be carried out individually or in groups.
- Practical classes. Students learn best when they can experiment with concepts and practical problems.
What will primary education in the United States give?
Primary education in the United States is like the first chapter in a long and exciting book that lays the groundwork for everything that follows. It is designed to give young learners a solid foundation in a range of core skills and knowledge, preparing them for future academic and personal success.
At its core, primary education focuses on the development of basic academic skills. Students begin their journey by learning to read and write, including forming a vocabulary, understanding grammar, and writing their own stories. Math tasks are also introduced, covering everything from simple addition and subtraction to more complex concepts like multiplication and division. These skills play a crucial role as they form the foundation for all future learning.
In addition to studying core subjects, primary education emphasizes on developing curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Students are stimulated to ask questions, explore new ideas, and think critically about the world around them – a process which helps them develop logical reasoning skills, playing an important role for problem-solving skills in school and future studying.
Primary school serves as a time of important social and emotional development: children learn to interact with peers, work in a team and communicate effectively, begin to understand and manage their emotions, developing empathy and resilience, which are vital for personal growth and healthy relationships.
U.S. Elementary School Visas
Foreign students can use an F-1 visa to study at a U.S. elementary school as an exchange student. The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, allowing students to attend any educational institution in the United States, including elementary schools, high schools, universities, and language schools. To obtain a visa, students must be enrolled in a program, which stipulates awarding a degree, diploma, or certificate. In addition to it, their school must have an authorization of the U.S. government to admit foreign students.
Average Cost of Primary Education in the U.S.
The average annual tuition fee for elementary school in the United States for foreign students can vary significantly depending on the type of school and region. In private elementary schools, the international children should expect to pay for from $10,000 to $30,000 per year, and in some prestigious private schools, the tuition fee can be even higher. International schools designed for foreign students often offer programs in multiple languages, charging between $15,000 and $40,000 per year. Such schools may offer specialized programs and support for students who speak other languages.
In addition to basic studying, there are additional costs to consider, such as registration fees, school supplies, activities, and health insurance.
