How does American education work?

Question

How does it work? When do you start? How old are Seniors, Freshmen etc. What subjects are compulsory? What subjects are optional? What time do you start / finish? How many lessons do you have a day?

What are your big exams? Like the ones you get qualifications for; England has GCSE's at 16 then A-levels at 17/18, then you go do your degree.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

If you are talking about High School, which I'm guessing you are then here is what I can tell you:

Freshmen usually start at age 14 but that age can be +/- a year depending on state  (certain states have cut off dates that cause students to sometimes be the youngest or oldest in their class). Seniors are typically 18 years old when they graduate but many are also 17. The typical school year begins anywhere from the end of august to beginning of september and runs through the beginning or mid june. Some schools, like the one I attended, start in late July and end in May, but there are few of these

The subjects that are mandatory to take in High School are (or at least at my High School): English( 4 courses), US History, Civics and Economics,World History, 4 math courses (Including Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II and one of your choice), 3 Science Courses (Including Biology and Physical Science/Physics), Two semesters of the same language, And four electives. Optional classes include Band, Art, Theater, Computer courses and so forth.

My High school began at 7:45 each day but some begin earlier and sometimes a little later. The day usually ends around 3:00 but I've known of some schools that end as early as 2:15. In my state, there are 4 lessons a day (each 90 minutes long). The big exams that students prepare for (in order to enter college) are the SAT and the ACT. These are taken either their Junior or Senior year and are not required for graduation, but only for admittance to college, (though some universities have started to admit students without the SAT)

I hope I was able to answer your questions!