The American Education System

1. The American Education System

An Overview of the Educational System in the U.S.A.

2. In America…

•In America…
• Over 85% of the adult population have completed high
school
• Over 27% have received a bachelor’s degree or higher.

3. Public Schools

•Public Schools
Funded by the US Government
• Every child gets free education
at a public school
• Systems of curriculum, and
grading are decided at a local
level, not nationally.
• Public school buses are
provided by government
funding to help students get to
school.

4. But there is also Private Education!

•But there is also Private Education!
• Boarding Schools:
Eat, sleep, and study at the school
• Tuition-based, usually expensive
• Scholarships available
• Private Schools:
Tuition-based, usually expensive
• Can have academic specialties or be religious based
• Can provide a higher level of education than a public school
• Home School:
Taught at home but still have to follow
• mandated curriculum

5. Pre-School

•Pre-School
• Ages 0-4
• Not mandatory
• Tuition-based

6. Kindergarten

•Kindergarten
• Ages 5-6
• First year of school that
is mandatory for all
children living in the US.

7. Elementary School/ Primary School

•Elementary School/ Primary School
• Grades 1-5
• 1st year of primary school
is technically 2nd year of
education but we call it
1st grade.
• School schedules are set
for students.

8. Junior High/ Middle School

•Junior High/ Middle School
• Grades 6-8
• Students start to pick
elective classes.
• Some schools have
sports teams, bands,
and theater.

9. Secondary School/ High School

•Secondary School/ High School
Academic Structure
• Grades 9-12
• 9th: Freshmen
• 10th: Sophomore
• 11th: Junior
• 12th: Senior
• Students have some choice in
classes
• At large schools classes are
separated according to the level
of the students.
• Every 12th grade student must
pass the “Exit Exam”, a
standardized test to graduate.

10. Secondary School/ High School

•Secondary School/ High School
ExtracurricularActivities
• Elective courses are offered
and students can be
selected/ voted in for the
student government and
yearbook.
• Most students participate in
after school activities:
• Sports teams
• Music (School Band)
• Theater
• Dance

11. Graduation!

•Graduation!
Traditions
• Students wear cap and
gowns
• The “valedictorian”, the
highest-ranking academic
student usually gives a
speech.
• Diplomas are distributed

12. Applying to Colleges (universities)

•Applying to Colleges (universities)
University is the same thing as College in the US!
• Students must take the SAT,
or ACT which are
standardized tests
• G.P.A. (grade point average)
shows performance from
school.
• Students usually apply in the
Fall of their 12th grade and
find out if they are accepted
in March.

13. Undergraduate Education

•Undergraduate Education
Types of Degrees
• Associates Degree
• 2 years long
• Can focus in a specific trade
but many used it as a stepping
tool to get into a good
university
• Bachelors Degree
• 4 years long
• Has a specialty

14. Graduate School

•Graduate School
Types of Degrees
• Masters Degree
• 2- 3 years typically
• MBA (Masters of Business
Administration)
• 3 years typically
• Doctorate Degree
• 3-6 years

15. Paying for University

•Paying for University
$$$$
• Grants
• From the school or government and
are need-based
• Scholarships
• From the college, an organization, or
an individual
• Usually given for excellence in a
specific area
• Loans
• Provided by the bank
• Students have to pay it back
afterwards!

16. And Afterwards…

•And Afterwards…
• Students are prepared for to enter a
profession!