France's education system is divided into four parts that go in descending order, while America's is divided into three or four parts that go in ascending order. In France, children start kindergarten at age 6, while in America they can start at age 5 or 6. SATs/ACTs are taken after completing formal schooling in France but as early as 6th grade in America. France spends just under $83 billion on education with an 80% high school graduation rate, while America spends $69.4 billion with a 70% graduation rate.