The United States is made up of 50 states and one federal district. According to different sources, there are anywhere from 4 to 14 regions in the US, but for the purposes of this course, we have identified six main areas:
American students begin either in preschool or kindergarten for one to three years before progressing to elementary (primary) school, in most states, the age at which a child must start school is six
Most school districts offer a free year of kindergarten before the starting year; In most cases, children must be five years of age to enter kindergarten. If you are counseling a family planning to have a child under the age of six attending school in the US, make sure to ask the kindergarten schools under consideration about their cut-off birth dates for turning five, as this varies by school district.
Children attend elementary (primary) school for varying amounts of time. In most cases, they attend elementary until Grade 6. They then progress to one of the following: a junior high school for two years, a combined junior/senior high school (generally Grades 7-12), or a four-year high school Please note that high schools can also be called secondary schools.
School-aged students in the US have the option of going to public schools (free) or to private schools (where they must pay tuition or be on scholarship). The vast majority (88%) attend public schools: nation-wide, 9% attend private schools, but this percentage is much higher in some regions and cities, and among Caucasian Americans. Three percent are home-schooled, in which case parents and/or caregivers provide education to children provided their practices meet the education laws of
the state.
International students tend to attend K-12 private schools at a much higher rate than public scheals especially because public high school schools allow international students to study for only one year Private schools have no such limit
There is no federally set national examination determining whether a student has successfully graduated high school in the US. However, as of this writing, 25 states require that students take a high-school exit examination for graduation, and three additional states have legislation that will see such exams required in the future.
Whether or not a national examination is used in assessment, American high schools issue high- school diplomas to students who have completed their curriculum.
As we have discussed, because different states and school districts determine what is taught in schools and how, the courses that must be completed to eam a high-school diploma will vary from one school and state to another.
American students normally graduate high school at age 17 of 18
The US offers a wide variety of higher education options for the diverse requirements and goals of domestic and international students. This variety encompasses:
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A: Consider factors such as academic programs, location, campus culture, and available resources when selecting a university in the USA.
A: Yes, international students can work part-time on-campus during the academic year and may be eligible for off-campus employment under certain conditions.
A: Visa processing times vary but generally take a few weeks to a few months. It's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date.
A: Most U.S. universities require proof of English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS. Some institutions may have specific requirements.
A: The USA offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) that allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation