The United States educational system varies by state but typically includes elementary school (grades K-5/6), middle school or junior high school (grades 6-8/9), and high school (grades 9-12). Students can earn a high school diploma, Regents diploma, or Honors Regents diploma. After high school, students can pursue further education at a college or university, where they can earn associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctorate degrees.

1. EDUCATION IN THE U.S.A.AN OVERVIEW OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

2. The United States Educational System varies throughout the 50 states. Each state has a mandatory age for children to be enrolled in school. In New York State it is mandatory to attend school by 6 yrs old. In New York this is typically first grade depending upon your birthday.

3. 0-3 yrs old= nursery school, preschool, day care (private school)If the child is mentally or physically disabled there is usually govt assistance

4. Elementary school( also known as grammar school) 3-4= prekindergarten (not all schools offer this program it is first come first serve) 5-6 first grade 6-7 second grade 7-8 third grade 8-9 4th grade 9-10 5th grade some elementary schools finish after grade 5 or grade 6 depends on the school

5. Middle school/ Junior High school 10-11 6th grade 11-12 7th grade 12-13 8th grade 13-15 9th grade Some junior highs give you the option to graduate after 8th or 9th grade to enter high school

6. High School 15-16 10th grade 16-17 11th grade 17-18 12 th grade Graduation is typically after grade 12.

7. In NYS 3 types of H.S. diplomas are availableHigh School diploma= this is offered throughout all 50 states and is accepted at all universities and colleges High School Regents Diploma= NYS is the only state that has strict state high school exams on a state level. All students must complete several exams in different content areas in order to earn this diploma.High School Honors Regents Diploma =Students must earn high scores on these exams and have high grades in class throughout the 3 yrs in HS GED= high school equivalency diploma (students who drop out of school or are expelled can earn this diploma through work study programs)

8. University= College in the USA The word University is an umbrella term for the higher level of education, however we use the 2 words interchangeably. A University consists of many colleges. You can attend a university or a college an earn a degree. To enter into a University or college you must take college placement exams: SAT= scholastic aptitude test (national level of standardized testing) SAT II- scholastic aptitude test for specific subject areas ACT= American College Testing (national level of standardized testing)

9. If you are not attending an American HS in grade 11 or have not graduated from one and you would like to apply for a University or College students from abroad must take the TOEFL= Test of English as a Foreign Laguage

10. Undergraduate College Degrees are offered at the completion of 2 or 4 yr programs .There are 3 types of undergraduate degrees:Associates Degree= 2 yr program (must be completed before attending a 4 yr program, typically attended by students who have a GED or who have performed poorly on the SAT or ACT) Bachelors of Arts (BA) (communication, education, literature, history) Bachelors of Science (BS)(biology, mathematics, physics, engineering) = 4 yr program Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) (visual or performing arts) 4 yrsA business degree as well. A nursing degree is achieved through a special program at nursing school, as are other trades.

11. Graduate School DegreesMasters Degree=MA= 3 yrs typically MBA= Masters of Business Administration. (typically 5 yrs combined undergraduate and graduate courses) Advanced Academic Degree (Phd)= Doctorate Degree ( time frame varies depending upon field of study)

12. additional vocabulary: A very thorough glossary of educational terms can be found in the following website: