Within the American curriculum there aren't specific examination as found in the British system. Student grades spend on the individual's discipline and skills. Usually, schools outside America that follow the American curriculum, maintain a higher standard than their US public sector counterparts. These overseas schools mud the accredited by a national agency, such as WASC. An essential component of the American curriculum is to develop critical thinking: a vital skill for truly international students.
As there is no national syllabus in the US, each state is responsible for education delivered through school board at the district level. However, all core subjects must be taught in every school. Core subjects include maths, arts, sciences, social studies, information technology and physical education. Schools have to offer selective courses to cater for individual preference, such as performing arts, music, sports and modern languages.
Students take annual aptitude test in order to follow courses, which are generally prescribed on the basis of these results. Alongside the core subjects, students are able to choose from a wide range of options. Popular areas of interest tend to be music and drama; advanced academic courses, including maths, science and technology and foreign languages.
The American school system enrolls children at the age of five. The first year is kindergarten and then children progress to the first year of primary school, known as first grade. Primary school usually offers five years of education, from first through to fifth grade. After finishing fifth grade, children will attend secondary school. The secondary school system encompasses seven years (sixth through twelfth grade). Th ninth through to the twelfth grades are more commonly referred to as high school. Upon completion of the twelfth grade, students are awarded a high school diploma certificate. Students who obtain a high school diploma certificate are then eligible to pursue higher education by applying to colleges and universities, either at home or abroad.
