Primary and secondary education in the United States from Kindergarten through 12th grade

TERESA GARAY – INF4COLLEGE

If you are thinking of moving to the United States, it is essential to know all the elementary and secondary school options offered in this country. There are many possibilities when selecting a school for your children. Among others, there are public and private schools and homeschooling as-well.

Public schools: these are schools offered to all students without charge. Registering a child in an American public school is a straightforward process. The essential requirement is that the student and his representative live in the same district where the school is located. Depending on the area where you live, a public school will be assigned to your child. Each school district sets its own rules and limits for each of its schools. These schools are partially or fully funded by taxes. Most of the funds come from the state. They often require standardized tests from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Private schools: these are schools that do not receive funds from the state. They are generally free to determine their curriculum and establish their admission criteria. They usually do not depend on the national or local government to finance themselves. Instead of relying on taxes,

private schools are fully or partially funded by charging their students tuition. Private schools may have a religious affiliation, which is not the case with public ones.

Charter schools: technically, they are independent public schools, but in many ways, they work similarly to private schools. They operate under a written contract with a state, district, or other entity. This contract details how the school will be organized and administered. They receive funds from the government but operate independently from the state school system. They can admit students from outside their school district and have more freedom in terms of administrative management and teaching methods. Your child can attend any charter school in his district, or outside his district, as long as he meets the requirements requested and there is space available.

Homeschooling: homeschooling is usually done by a parent, guardian, or online teacher; rather than sending students to a public or private school. Each state has different laws governing homeschooling. With the help of a curriculum, parents can act as teachers or hire private tutors for a specific subject.

FOTO: Getty images school

Magnet Schools: they generally have a particular focus, such as art or technology, or follow a different organizational structure from traditional schools.

The American education system offers a variety of options for international students. Understanding the system will help you limit your options and develop your educational plan.