How does the US school system work?

How Does America's School System Work?

• Just Out Of Interest, Someone said that if you live in a certain area you have to go to a certain school you can't choose, is this true. Also what is daily life like. When do you start and finish school day and what's it like is it fun. How long do you get off for summer. Do the Americans like the English, like when you move to America what do they think will you get friends.

• Answer:

  You'd have some adjustments to make if you attended school here in the US. While we claim to speak English in the States, its not exactly the same English that the English speak but we seem to get the gist of each others meaning anyway. For example, "public school" in the States is free and mandatory until the age of 16 though most of us stick it out the full four years of "high school" and graduate with a diploma at 18. If your family has the means and you have the requisite academic background you may choose to attend a private school instead. Then there's the peculiar differences in spelling, "humor/humour", etc. Colleges and universities expect that you will have a high school diploma to qualify for admission. Each State manages its own public schools through their respective state departments of primary (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) and secondary schools (9th through 12th Grades). They are funded through a system of state and local taxes. Each state divides their territories into "school districts" to be administered by local school boards of elected citizens. The day-to-day operation of the school districts and their individual schools are administered by professional education administrators. You are expected to attend the schools in your geographical district. In a few exceptions, you may be permitted to attend a school out of your district. Generally speaking, the school day begins at 8:00am and ends at about 3:30pm with a 30-minute lunch period in the middle. Lunch meals are free although you may bring your own if you like. Each class period usually lasts 50 to 55 minutes with a 5 or 10-minute space to get to the next class. In addition to the regular academic studies, schools also have a variety of extracurricular clubs, team or individual sports or social groups that fit an individual's interest such as the Science Club, History Club, Drama Club, etc. Public schools rarely if ever require uniforms but they do have "dress codes" to keep "casual attire" within certain bounds of good taste. The school year lasts about nine months with a break through the summer. This is a tradition that started in the 18th and 19th Centuries to allow for students to help their families with the harvest and planting. There are also brief holiday breaks through the school year for various religious celebrations and seasonal breaks. I had fun in school and developed good friendships that have lasted a half century. It helped that I liked learning but not every one does. I think most Americans enjoy meeting and knowing folks from "across the pond". Besides, its good to know someone who can translate Shakespeare. :o) You shouldn't have any difficulties making friends.