Education in the USA
The American system of school education differs from the systems in other countries.
There are state public schools, private elementary schools and private secondary
schools. Public schools are free and private schools are fee-paying. Each state has its
own system of public schools.
Elementary education begins at the age of six or seven, when a child goes to the first
grade (form). At the age of sixteen schoolchildren leave the elementary school and may
continue their education at one of the secondary schools or high schools, as they call
them.
The program of studies in the school includes English, Arithmetic, Geography, History of
the USA, Natural Sciences and, besides, Physical Training, Singing, Drawing, Wood or
Metal Work, etc. Sometimes they learn a foreign language and general history. Beside
giving general education some high schools teach subjects useful to those who hope to
find jobs in industry and agriculture or who want to enter colleges or universities.
After graduating from secondary schools a growing number of Americans go on to
higher education. The students do not take the same courses. During the first two
years they follow a basic program. It means that every student must select at least one
course from each of the basic fields of study: English, Natural Sciences, Modern
Languages, History or Physical Training. After the first two years every student can
select subjects according to his professional interest.
The National Government gives no direct financial aid to the institutions of higher
education. Students must pay a tuition fee. This creates a financial hardship for some
people. Many students have to work to pay their expenses. The Americans place a high
value on education. That’s why Kennedy said, “Our progress as a nation can be no
swifter than our progress in education”.