The USA Educational System

Each state in the USA has its own system of schools but there are some common features in the organization of school education in the country. Schools can be divided into state or public schools and private schools. State schools are free and private are fee-paying. Four of five private schools are run by churches, synagogues and other religious groups.

Most schools start at nursery level at the age of three. Elementary education starts at the age of six and continues till eleven years. Secondary education is provided from the age of twelve. It is divided into junior (from twelve to fourteen) and high school (from fifteen to eighteen). High schools may be classified in three major categories: comprehensive, general, and vocational. Comprehensive offers a broad program of academic education. General offers a limited program. Vocational is for those who want to get a general education plus some training.

There are also specialized schools for children who are interested in a particular area of study and ho are artistically or musically gifted.

Out of more than three million students who graduate from high school each year, about one million go on for higher education. A college might receive applications from the school graduates and then decide who enters and who doesn’t. They chose on the basis of their high school records and recommendations from high school teachers. The system of higher education in the USA comprises three categories of institutions:

1. The university that may contain several colleges – the students get bachelor (four years of education) or master or doctorial (five to seven years) degrees;

2. The technical training institutions – the students take courses ranging from six month to four years in duration and get technical skills,

3. The two-year college – the students get the basis of any profession and may transfer to four-year College.

The most selective are Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Cornel and other universities.

Vocabulary

common features – общие черты

to be divided – различаться

elementary – начальный

comprehensive – общеобразовательный

general - общий

vocational – профессиональный

to receive – получать

application – заявление

to transfer – переводиться

selective - выбираемый

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