Schooling in the US is one of the most diverse and complex systems in the world, with a decentralized and varied structure capable of offering a wide range of options for students, from local public schools to renowned private institutions.
In this article, we will explore how schools work in the United States, covering the main models and aspects of this diverse educational system.
Keep reading to find out how to find the ideal school in the USA!
How do schools work in the United States?
In the United States, the education system is decentralized, meaning that schools are managed at the local level, usually by school districts, resulting in a wide variety of educational approaches across the country.
Compulsory education in the US generally begins at age six and lasts until age 18, with children attending:
- the primary school, which covers kindergarten through the fifth or sixth year;
- and secondary school, which covers the sixth or seventh year up to the twelfth year.
The curriculum varies from state to state, but there are several common subjects, such as math, science, English language, social studies, and physical education.
Additionally, schools offer a variety of electives, such as art, music, foreign languages, and technology.
The structure of the school year varies, but generally follows a nine-month calendar, with summer, autumn, winter and spring holidays, with the typical school day starting in the morning and ending in the early afternoon.
Public schools are funded primarily by local and state taxes, which can lead to disparities in the quality of education between different districts.
To overcome this problem, there are also private schools and charter schools that offer alternatives to public education, often with an emphasis on specific pedagogical approaches.
Division of school years in the USA
The structure of the educational system in the United States is divided into several stages, each with its own importance in the development of children and adolescents.
See below the main steps of this process
Early Childhood Education: Kindergarten
The Kindergarten, or Kindergarten, is attended by children aged approximately five years.
At this stage, the focus is on social and emotional development, as well as basic reading, writing and math skills.
It is an environment where children learn to interact, share and adapt to a classroom environment.
Elementary School I: Elementary School
The next stage in the education of students in the United States is Elementary School, which covers the years from 1st to 5th grade.
During these years, children continue to develop their academic skills and are introduced to a variety of subjects, such as mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and school clubs, which enrich their educational experience.
Elementary School II: Middle School
After Elementary School, students advance to Elementary School II, which covers grades 6 to 8.
At this stage, emphasis is placed on preparing students for High School, the equivalent of High School in Brazil.
Students continue to improve their academic skills and are introduced to a wider range of electives.
Additionally, students begin to explore their personal interests and engage in extracurricular activities and educational projects that help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their future potential.
Secondary Education: High School
Finally, we have Secondary Education, or "High School", the period that covers the years from the ninth to the twelfth grade.
During high school, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects that interest them and prepare for higher education or the job market.
They also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and sports, enriching their educational experience and developing leadership skills.
Types of schools in the USA
Just like in Brazil, the United States has varied education options, allowing parents and students to choose the type of educational environment that best suits their needs, that is, whether they want their child to go to a public or private school. Understand:
Public schools
Public schools in the US are funded by the government and are free to students living within school district boundaries.
They are required to follow state and federal regulations and are committed to providing a quality education to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Public schools vary greatly in quality and resources based on geographic location and funding availability.
However, they have the advantage of offering a diversity of extracurricular programs, student support services, and a wide range of opportunities for social interaction, as they generally serve a large student population.
Private schools
Private schools, in turn, are independent educational institutions that operate with private financing, often in the form of monthly fees paid by parents or guardians.
They have the freedom to establish their own curricula and teaching standards, which creates a more flexible and personalized educational approach.
Private schools vary in terms of educational philosophy, religion, size, and available resources, with some focusing on religious principles while others have a specific academic focus, such as arts or sciences.
Homeschooling in the USA
Homeschooling, also known as home education, is an educational system in which children's parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home rather than sending them to a traditional school.
In the United States, homeschooling is legal in all states, however, it is regulated at the state level, which means that laws and requirements vary from state to state.
If a family wishes to homeschool in the U.S., they should contact their local or state education authorities to obtain information about requirements specific to the state in which they reside.
In any case, it is essential to check the most recent information and consult professionals to advise you in this process.
How to choose a good school in the USA? Count on the advice of D4U Immigration
Choosing a school in the USA for your children is a very important decision, so having expert guidance makes all the difference.
At D4U Immigration, the best immigration agency in the US and Latin America, we offer a variety of services related to immigration and adaptation in the United States, including school consultancy.
Operating in the Orlando, Miami and Broward regions, D4U Immigration aims to help families on their immigration and education journey in the USA.
In addition to school consultancy, our team can also help you with other services, such as:
- University planning: for families with older students, D4U Immigration helps with planning for US university admissions, including college selection and entrance exam preparation;
- Language: consultancy can assist in the search for English, Spanish and Portuguese courses, facilitating linguistic adaptation for children and adults;
- Properties: D4U Immigration also offers real estate advice, helping families find accommodation close to their chosen schools;
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D4U Immigration has a successful track record and is proud to have a multidisciplinary and experienced team to meet the diverse needs of immigrants.
Contact D4U Immigration today and start planning your family’s future in the USA!
