Americans are a practical nation. This can be seen in everything, and even in the local schools. An important advantage of American schools, which distinguishes them favorably from educational institutions in other countries, is their practical orientation and orientation towards independent work. Children are taught self-discipline, responsibility, independent thinking 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 knowledge gained in real life.
Types of American schools
There are public and private schools in the United States , and the latter are of greatest interest to many Americans, and foreigners too. Despite their small size, they can boast of a high level of teaching and equipment, using the latest teaching methods. A graduate of a private school has great prospects to enter one of the best universities in the United States. Not only Americans can graduate from a private school, but also foreign citizens.
Private schools are divided into:
- boarding schools (with accommodation)
- daytime
- parish.
Private schools can be coeducational or segregated ─ for boys and girls.
Education system
Children in America start getting education early. It consists of three stages, and each is taught in a completely independent institution in a separate building.
Let's look at the main stages of the American school system:
preschool (preschool education) starts from 3-4 years
Here children learn letters and numbers. This step is optional.
elementary school (grade 0-5)
This class is called null. It accepts children from 5 years old. The first two years there is no strict discipline: children can walk around the classroom or sit on the floor on the carpet, tasks are offered in free form. In the fifth grade, students gradually move behind their desks. The main subjects here are math, reading, writing, creativity and sports.
middle school (grades 6-8)
Children learn math, English, social and science. In addition to the main list, there are 1-2 subjects to choose from - most often it is computer technology, cooking, a foreign language or art. At the end of high school, students are tested: the maximum number of points is 100. If a student gains at least 70 points, he is offered to go to high school. In addition, at this stage there is a system of credit credits. For the study of 1 subject within 1 year, 5 credits are given, for disciplines that last 1 semester - 2.5 credits. These indicators are then taken into account when entering the university.
high school (grades 9-12)
In high school, the learning process is aimed at a further career and university. Compulsory subjects for study are mathematics, English, natural and social sciences, physical education, art course. Each discipline includes a number of sub-disciplines that can be studied individually or in combination. Students are offered optional classes: music, foreign languages, the basics of a healthy lifestyle, the basics of doing business, public speaking and others.
There are several types of high school: academic, professional, and multidisciplinary. After graduating from high school, each student undergoes the obligatory SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) test, which consists of two levels. The first level is required for admission to colleges and universities, the second for studying at prestigious universities.
There are no class teachers in American schools, but each student has a mentor who gives recommendations on the choice of subjects, the schedule, career guidance and admission to universities.
