The Education system in the United States is a decentralized system that includes public, private, and homeschooling schools. Most of the funding for public education comes from the federal government, but education policy is made at the local level by state governments. Schools are organized into school districts, with superintendents reporting to a board of directors. These boards oversee the curriculum and employ an administration team, typically including a principal, guidance counselors, and teachers.
The education system in the United States differs from district to district, and the curricula offered can be highly varied. Some schools may offer religious classes while others are secular. There are also anti-Catholic Blaine Amendments that exist in some states, and some private schools are based on Christian principles. Despite the varying education systems, there are several common features of the US educational system. The admission requirements for US universities are usually age-based, and students should have a high school diploma. In addition to this, some institutions may also require an admission essay and letters of recommendation from teachers.
The age of compulsory education varies from state to state, but in most cases, it is between six and 18 years old. While the school year is generally four years long, a gifted student may skip one or two grades. The United States also follows a grade system. Children may begin with primary education in grade one, which lasts between four and seven years. They may then move on to middle school, which is generally three years long. Finally, secondary education occurs from grade seven to twelve, depending on state laws and school districts.
The education system in the United States is largely free, with public school education generally being free until the 12th grade. The government estimates that more than 50 million children enrolled in public schools during 2014 are eligible for free education. This number is known as the net enrollment ratio. In the same year, roughly ten percent of children went to private schools, mostly parochial and sectarian schools.
In the United States, there are over 4,000 postsecondary institutions that award degrees. Several of them are private and non-profit. Some are public research universities, while others are private liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and for-profit colleges. The system is extremely diverse, and is not standardized.
The Department of Education oversees the accreditation agencies. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is an organization representing more than 3,000 member institutions. The accreditation process ensures minimum standards for academic capability, administrative competence, and mutual recognition. There are six regional accreditation associations, which set minimum standards for institutions in their jurisdictions. Other agencies have specialized accreditation for certain types of institutions.
Despite increasing costs, enrollment in higher education in the United States has declined. It is projected to remain flat through 2027. Enrollment peaked at over 21 million in 2011 and decreased to under 20 million in 2016. The Digest of Education Statistics (DES) predicts that enrollment will stay around twenty million for at least a decade. There are a variety of reasons for the decline. Some are related to the decline in birth rates, increased employment rates, and rising tuition fees.
In nearly every state, teachers must undergo pre-professional undergraduate studies at an accredited institution. A bachelor’s degree may be enough to get initial certification, but many eventually earn master’s degrees to become licensed teachers. They may also pursue National Board Certification, which is provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. With this certification, teachers can advance in their careers and earn higher salaries. This certification may also help them transfer to another state.
The US education system follows the liberal arts model, with undergraduate education focusing on academic breadth. Students typically complete four years of study to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some schools also include summer sessions. In addition to traditional academic calendars, the education system in the United States allows students to switch majors. However, this can be expensive and time consuming. Some universities offer graduate degrees. However, a graduate degree is necessary for high-level positions.
Higher education institutions in the United States are divided into public and private institutions. Private institutions typically get their funding through private gifts from alumni or through investments. Government-supported state universities often have the name of the state they are located in.
