Schooling in the USA 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’ll explore how schools work in the United States, covering the main models and aspects of this diverse educational system.
Read on to find out how to find the right 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, which results in a wide variety of educational approaches across the country.
Compulsory education in the USA generally begins at the age of six and lasts until the age of 18:
- elementary school, which covers kindergarten to fifth or sixth grade;
- and secondary school, which covers the sixth or seventh grade up to the twelfth grade.
The curriculum varies from state to state, but there are several common subjects, such as math, science, English, social studies and physical education.
In addition, schools offer a variety of elective subjects, such as art, music, foreign languages and technology.
The structure of the school year varies, but it generally follows a nine-month calendar, with summer, fall, winter and spring breaks, and the typical school day starts in the morning and ends in the early afternoon.
Public schools are mainly funded by local and state taxes, which can lead to disparities in the quality of education between different districts.
To get around this problem, there are also private schools and charter schools which offer alternatives to public education, often with an emphasis on specific pedagogical approaches.
Division of school years in the USA
The structure of the education system in the United States is divided into several stages, each with its own importance in the development of children and adolescents.
Here are the main steps in this process
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is attended by children aged around five.
At this stage, the focus is on social and emotional development, as well as basic reading, writing and math skills.
It’s an environment where children learn to interact, share and adapt to a classroom environment.
Elementary School
The next stage in a student’s education in the United States is Elementary School, which comprises grades 1 through 5.
During these years, children continue to develop their academic skills and are introduced to a variety of subjects, such as mathematics, English language, science and social studies.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities, such as sports and school clubs, which enrich their educational experience.
Elementary School II: Middle School
After Elementary School, students move on to Primary School II, which covers the years from 6th to 8th grade.
At this stage, the emphasis is on preparing students for high school, the equivalent of secondary school in Brazil.
Students continue to improve their academic skills and are introduced to a wider range of elective subjects.
In addition, students begin to explore their personal interests and get involved in extracurricular activities and educational projects that help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their future potential.
Secondary School: High School
Finally, we have secondary school, or “High School”, which is the period between the ninth and twelfth grades.
During secondary 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 take part in extracurricular activities, clubs and sports, enriching their educational experience and developing leadership skills.
Types of school in the USA
As in Brazil, the United States has a variety of education options, allowing parents and students to choose the type of educational environment that best suits their needs, i.e. 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 for students who live within the school district boundaries.
They are obliged to follow state and federal regulations and are committed to offering a quality education to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Public schools vary greatly in quality and resources based on geographical location and the availability of funding.
However, they have the advantage of offering a diversity of extracurricular programs, student support services and a wide range of opportunities for social interaction, since they generally cater for a large student population.
Private schools
Private schools, on the other hand, are independent educational institutions that operate with private funding, often in the form of tuition fees paid by parents or guardians.
They have the freedom to establish their own curricula and teaching standards, which generates 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 the parents or guardians of children choose to educate them at home instead of 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 the laws and requirements vary from state to state.
If a family wishes to practice homeschooling in the USA, they should contact their local or state education authorities for information on the specific requirements of the state in which they reside.
In any case, it is essential to check the latest information and consult professionals to advise you in this process.
How to choose a good school in the USA? Get advice from D4U Immigration
Choosing a school in the USA for your children is a very important decision, so having expert advice makes all the difference.
At D4U Immigration, the best immigration agency in the USA and Latin America, we offer a variety of services related to immigration and adaptation in the United States, including school counseling.
Operating in the Orlando, Miami and Broward areas, D4U Immigration aims to help families on their immigration and education journey in the USA.
In addition to school counseling, our team can also help you with other services, such as:
- University planning: For families with older students, D4U Immigration helps with planning for admission to universities in the USA, including selecting colleges and preparing for entrance exams;
- Language: the consultancy can help with the search for English, Spanish and Portuguese courses, facilitating the linguistic adaptation of children and adults;
- Real estate: 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 prides itself on having 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!