Education in the United States of America

Americans place a high value on education. In the United States, education is mainly the responsibility of the state and local governments. The amount of money spent on education differs from state to state. Each of the 50 states controls and directs its own school. The subjects studied also differ a little.

Children start going to school when they are five and continue studying until they are 16 or older. Compulsory education begins at the age of five when children go to primary school. Primary education lasts for 6 years. First, they attend the nursery school at the age 3 and 4, then infant school from 5 to 7. In infant schools, children do not have real classes. They just are acquainted with teachers, classrooms. They learn the alphabet, numbers and how to add them.

When the children are seven they go to junior school which they attend until eleven. They study there for four years. Then they go to high school. At high school, pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Art, Music, Foreign Languages and Physical Training .

About 90 percent of all children attend public school, which is free. The other 10 percent go to private schools, which often include religious education. They are similar to the public schools but parents must pay for their children at schools. Almost every elementary school curriculum includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art and physical education. Many

schools include classes teaching basic computer skills. After graduating from high schools a great number of Americans go to colleges and universities. The school year usually runs from September to June. At the high school level, there are some specialized schools. They include schools that emphasize vocational subjects such as business or auto mechanics. Most high schools are general schools. High school students are often involved in the non-academic activities that their school offers, for example, in drama clubs, sports teams, or the school newspaper.

American institutions of higher education include technical training schools, community colleges, and universities which contain one or more colleges and graduate schools offering masters or doctoral degree programmes.

Children in some schools wear a uniform. A boy’s uniform consists of a special suit, a school cap, a tie and a blazer. A girl’s uniform consists of a hat, a coat, a skirt and a blouse. As usual, their uniforms are dark but they may differ.

As you have just read American education has many different faces but one purpose. Its purpose is to develop pupil’s abilities and prepare them for life in the modern world.

15. Look at the chart and remember how long education lasts in different types of schools.

School Nursery Infant Junior High Higher Age 3-4 5-7 7-11 11-17 17

Answer the questions.

When do children start going to school in the USA?

When does compulsory education begin?

How long does primary education last?

What do children do in nursery schools?

When do children go to junior school?

How long do they study at junior school?

What do pupils study at high schools?

What are the types of high schools in the USA?

What are the “core” subjects?

Who goes to private schools?

Would you like to have school uniform?

 4. Complete the sentences on the basis of the text.

— Compulsory education in the US begins at the age of five when children go    school.education lasts for six years.

When children are seven they go to        

which they until eleven.

English, Maths, Science are called

A boy’s consists of a special suit, a school cap,

a tie and a blazer.

 5. True or False?

In the USA children start going to school when they are seven.

subjectsCompulsory education begins at the age of 11.

Primary education lasts for five years.

In infant schools children learn how to write and read, and do mathematics.

Boys and girls study at junior school for six years.

Children wear uniform, dark as a rule.

⇐ Предыдущая9101112131415161718Следующая ⇒

Поделиться: