Learning, Studying and Education in America

The education system in the United States of America is mainly provided by the government, with differing levels of funding coming from the three tiers of national, state and local government.  There are also privately run education facilities, which may or may not receive separate government funding.  School attendance is mandatory at the first two levels of education - known as primary or elementary, and secondary or high school.  Tertiary education, known as college or university, is under a different organisational structure, normally consisting of four year levels - freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior years.  The education system in America is considered to be very good by global standards, although there can be a degree of difference in learning between schools in different areas and communities.

Children begin their first year of compulsory education when they are five or six years of age, starting in first grade and continuing until twelfth grade.  These grades are sometimes split up into preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school.  After grade twelve, people can enter into the tertiary, vocational, graduate or adult education systems.  The elementary studying curriculum is concerned with teaching kids basic arithmetic and mathematics, english and grammar, as well as an introduction to many other disciplines like science, art, social studies and physical education.  The curricular structure at the high school level is a lot more broad, with less emphasis on the basics and a greater study of the other subjects introduced at the elementary level of learning.

Many high schools also offer students the opportunity to study elective subjects, although this differs widely depending on the individual school.  Some of the many subject offered as electives are the visual arts, technology related learning, foreign languages, journalism and the performing arts.  Many high schools also offer advanced courses to get students ready for the rigors of college.  Home schooling is fairly popular in the United States, with about three percent of children learning at home.  There is a variety of reasons why parents choose to go down this path, but often it is due to religious or philosophical concerns with an aspect of the state system.

The education system in America is well regarded, with many people born in other countries even choosing to come to America to carry out their studying in a college or university.  The learning levels among youth are high in most areas of America, and the education system is well structured and comprehensive for all ages.