American education system

Primary and Middle School

Primary/Elementary School: Grades K-5, ages 5-10:

• Usually begins with half-day kindergarten at age 5
• Students stay in one classroom with the same teacher most of the day except for classes

such as physical education, music and foreign language.

• Children often have ~30 minutes of “recess” per day where they go outside to play

 The Junior High (Middle) School: Grades 6-8, ages 11-13

• Classrooms pertain to certain subjects and students change

classroom and teacher each class period

• Aside from required subjects such as Math, English, History, Physical

Education and Science, there are also “elective” classes.

Examples of elective classes:

• Foreign Language: 3 most common?
• Choir
• Band
• Drama
• Technology
• Woodshop

High School

High School: Grades 9-12, ages 14-17:

• Students in grades 9-12 are given special names: (these names are also used for

the four years of college)
Freshman: Grade 9, or first year of college
Sophomore: Grade 10, second year of college
Junior: Grade 11, third year of college
Senior: Grade 12, fourth year of college.

• There is an even greater variety of subjects than before and students have more freedom in choosing their courses (although basics such as Math, English, and Science are always required)
• Upon completing Senior Year students graduate and receive a High School Diploma – there is no final examination

Schedule

• The school year =175-180 days.
• Early September-early June (nine months) and is divided

into 4 ‘quarters’ each 9 weeks (2 ‘semesters’ of 18 weeks each)

• ~8.30am to 3pm with an hour for lunch in primary school
• ~7.30 am to 3:30 in middle school and high school with an hour for lunch.
• In many schools one period is “study hall” where students study, read, or do homework quietly for the hour. If students have high grades they may be able to attend special study halls where they can relax, socialize, and play games for the hour.

LUNCH HOUR (~10am-12pm)

• In elementary and middle school children are not allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.
• 2 lunch options: Hot Lunch-students eat the food provided at the school cafeteria (usually 2 or 3 dollars a day) or Cold Lunch (students bring food from home)
• Some high schools do allow the students to leave during the lunch hour while others do not.