The+American+School+System


 * The American School System **

From those days I found American education system is similar to Chinese education system. Education system in the US, there are four categories, Pre-school education, Elementary education, Secondary education and Higher education.
 * Pre-school education, one to four years old. Study in kindergarten starts at five years old. They don't pay tuition fee.In China, the children will stay at kindergarden three years, this stage they should pay tuition fee.
 * Elementary education, six years study in primary school. From six years old to twelve years old, 1st through the 6th grades. Students don't pay tuition fee.One class sizes 24 in the primary schools, unlike in China, 50 students per class.
 * Secondary education, three years study in middle school (junior school) and three years study in high school. From 12 years to 18 years old, grades from 7th to 12th. Students don't pay tuition fee. Students living in home. If students pass Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is one test that entrance exam to university for high school students, to go to college or university. Every semester here are more sports competitions at the same type and at the same level school, such as basketball, American football and so on. Therefore each school select members who will be good at a certain sport to join in basketball team or american football team. The coaches will be trainning them after school.
 * Higher education, four years study in most colleges or universities. America has three types of university—public ones; private, not-for-profit institutions; and private schools run for profit. The students live on the campus, and tuition is paid by the student or by scholarship. Bachelor degree is a four year program; Masters is two years; and PhD is two years.

Most American students have more freedom than Chinese students, they can choose their curriculum and teachers. When they finished class, they have enough time at themselves disposal. But in China, when students finished classes at school, they have to go to some trainning school to improve such as english, writing. And also they would join some classes such as dancing, or drawing. I know in American have public school and private school, if students study at private school, they must pay tuition fee. In American public secondary and primary school funds mainly come from the state and local governments. All American states are allowed private middle and primary school education, but held must be approved by the state permission, obtain school-running license, and accept the government's supervision.