Education in America, study and office furniture

The education system in the United States of America is well regarded on a world wide scale.  Education is provided mainly by the state, although there are a number of private schools which may or may not receive some government funding.  The federal, state and local levels of American government all contribute to this funding, which effects the three distinct levels of education in America - primary or elementary, secondary or high school and tertiary, incorporating college and university.  Education is generally well funded in America, with schools and tertiary institutions having access to needed infrastructure such as classrooms, office furniture (Büromöbel) and sporting equipment.  On a whole, the education system in America has a lot of similarities with the systems in other western nations - including Europe, however, there are also some notable differences.

It is not until the ages of 5 or 6 that a child is first put behind a desk in the American education system.  This differs from in England, where formal schooling begins from the age of 4.  Other European nations have differing levels of introduction to the schooling system, however, it normally between 4 and 6 that children are expected to become students.  Some furniture manufacturers produce chairs and desks especially for young children to use, many of which have been ergonomically designed and tested for use by kids.  With a few small modifications to a desk or chair, a lot of improvement can be made to a piece of furniture in terms of comfort and stability  

Elementary schooling in America continues until either the age of 10 or 11 when some children enter into middle school, or the age of 13 or 14, when high school begins.  High school consists of four grades, with most students graduating when they are 18.  This differs slightly from some European nations, where secondary schooling is five grades long.  The tertiary system in America is somewhat unique from Europe, with a system of colleges and four year courses in most subjects.  The four undergraduate grades in college or university are commonly known as the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.  This is a unique classification to the American system. 

With children spending so much of their time behind a desk (Schreibtisch), much recent awareness has been brought to the issues surrounding good furniture design in schools.  Some European countries such as Germany, Austria and Sweden are world renowned for their furniture making, however, many others including America are starting to produce many wonderful products as well.  The American education system is very good overall, although there is more of a status ladder than in most European nations.  The differences in quality can be striking between some schools and colleges in America, whereas many European nations could perhaps claim that more of an equality exists between their different institutions.