The us educational system

Americans believe that all citizens should be given the opportunity to study and learn in order to develop their talents and abilities. The aim of education is also to teach young citizens how to contribute to society through good citizenship.

Most Americans spend many years earning an education. There are several levels in the US system of education. Schools range from nursery schools for young children to universities for adult higher education. Many children attend nursery school, or preschool. Nursery school usually accepts children three and four years old. Many public school systems start with kindergarten classes for five- and six-year-old children. Many children enter the first grade of elementary school at the age of six. In elementary school students learn the building blocks of education - reading, writing, and arithmetic. The curriculum also includes subjects such as history, science, health, art, music and physical education. Children attend elementary school for five to nine years, depending on how the school system is arranged.

Grades 7, 8, 9 usually make up junior high school. Many school systems have replaced junior high schools with middle or intermediate schools. Middle schools usually include grades 5 or 6 through 8. Some middle schools include only grades 7 and 8.

Students who have completed the first eight or nine grades enter high school. There are generally three kinds of high schools. Academic high schools prepare students for college. Technical and vocational high schools enable students to learn a trade or occupation. Comprehensive high schools offer college preparatory work as well as technical or vocational courses.