Education in the USA 2024

Education received in the United States has always been considered very prestigious. The multilevel system of education in the US, the presence of a large number of specialised institutions with a variety of educational programs and other advantages make American education one of the best. It is considered that this country is an ideal option for master’s and doctoral studies.

Most education institutions in the United States are provided by the government. Educational institutions are funded and controlled at three levels: federal, state, and local. Each state in the United States has its own laws regarding academic programs about which you can learn more on smapse.com.

Elementary School

Before entering elementary school, prospective students take an admissions test. It is a written test that shows a child’s development and intelligence and helps to determine his or her abilities. Based on the test results, students are divided into grades.

Non-citizens may be admitted to an elementary school if the child lives in the United States.

The duration of education at this stage is five or six years, it depends on the state. Classes are free form, children sit at desks closer to the end of junior school.

The main subjects:

• math,
• reading,
• English,
• science
• literature.

In addition, children study art, creative arts, and sports. These classes are taught by other teachers.

Middle School

This stage is divided into two: junior and senior high school. There is a common educational program from sixth grade to eighth grade. For upper secondary school, each school develops it independently.

From the eighth grade, students can choose the subjects they want to study. In addition, they are required to study mathematics, social and natural sciences, history, English, and art. They may also study additional foreign languages.

American students not only attend classes, but also participate in school sports, participate in clubs, hobby groups, and do community service. It is a mandatory component of secondary education, which gives children the necessary socialisation skills, ensures the harmonious development of personality.

At this stage talented students can choose programs of increased complexity in individual subjects. Much attention is paid to independent study of individual topics.

Another feature of the American high school is a system of credits. Students receive credits, which later count toward university admission.

High School

Students in grades 9-12 must study mathematics, sciences, social sciences, English, sports, and the arts. Education is not only theoretical, but also includes laboratory work and practical assignments.

In addition to the compulsory high school curriculum, students take additional courses that they may need when applying to college for their chosen major.

At the end of High School an American schoolboy has to take an exam or the ACT. Their results are taken into account when applying to universities and colleges.

Bachelor’s Degree

This is the initial stage of higher education. Students study for 4 years and can choose their own program. Study conditions are flexible, and there are examinations after graduation. According to their results graduates receive a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s degree

This is the next stage, aimed at gaining deeper theoretical knowledge or improving practical skills. After graduation, students earn a master’s degree. For this, they write and defend a dissertation.

Doctoral studies

In order to teach in higher education, build a career as a researcher or scientist, students need to earn a doctoral degree. Doctoral studies last about three to four years, during which time students engage in research and work on their doctoral dissertation.

Pros and cons of education in the United States

Diplomas of American universities are recognized in all countries of the world. The advantages of studying in the USA are obvious:

⦁ Huge choice of universities – more than 2000 thousand, many educational programs, including modern ones, which are available only here.
⦁ Quality of education. American universities are taught by doctors of sciences, many of whom have had a successful practice in large companies, including banks and solid government agencies in the past.
⦁ Strong ties between colleges and employers: Students have the opportunity to build networks, gain valuable experience, and exchange useful contacts while studying. Students who have managed to prove themselves well already after the fourth year have an opportunity to get a job in their specialty.
⦁ The workload is evenly distributed. The principle “students live merrily from session to session” does not work in the USA, students have to study during the whole academic period, and this is a great advantage, a high level of knowledge is guaranteed.
⦁ Communication with native English speakers – the knowledge gained in this way will last a lifetime.
⦁ The prospect of staying in the USA and securing a prestigious job.

Each student has a personal page in the system with statistics on attendance, grades, and information on assignments completed. In addition, students’ leisure time is very well organized – everyone has the opportunity to do what he or she likes: choreography, sports, vocal performance, painting. Universities publish their own newspapers, have TV and radio studios.

Getting into a U.S. school

Application deadlines vary from school to school. Normally, international students have until January 31 to submit the following documents:

⦁ A letter of motivation;
⦁ School transcripts with current grades;
⦁ Recommendations from teachers;
⦁ TOEFL test scores;
⦁ Diplomas, certificates.

Tuition fee

Tuition fees for private schools in the United States depend on many factors, such as

• Location of the school
• Prestige of the school
• Length of the program
• Private boarding school tuition ranges from about $15,000 to $30,000 a year
• College tuition ranges from about $35,000 to $60,000 a year.

The price of higher education in America depends on the university chosen. At public universities, you have to pay between $15,000 and $35,000 for a year. Training at private universities is more expensive – from $35,000 to $75,000. The exact cost is calculated by the number of subjects the student studies.