Many French-speaking children educated in the United States no longer want to return to France, and yet many American parents criticize their school system. Even if you decipher certain things through American films or series, it is not easy to understand how the American school works when you come from another country.
In this dossier we decode the American school system by explaining the journey of a student in the United States , from his first steps in preschool to the years of high school and the famous graduation . We share the testimonies of French-speaking families living in the USA in which children and parents talk about their experience as students and parents of students . As a bonus, you will learn all the American school terms to finally understand what we are talking about at school.
The American school system: what you need to know
A decentralized system
The school system in the United States is very decentralized, which is why you will find that there can be many differences from one state to another at all levels: content of programs, ages from entry to school, vacation dates, etc. In this dossier we will make generalities which could at any time be contradicted by local specificities!
Public school or private school?
In the United States as elsewhere, the debate of public or private school arises. Many American families are attached to the idea of a neighborhood school and consider that the education of children is the responsibility of parents , the latter should have full freedom of choice in this area and have a right to oversee what. that their children learn in school. “ Inequality is not denounced; it is accepted as a social datum which compensates, in a mythical way, the freedom left to each one to take hold of an equality in principle that it is up to him to promote. » Underline Colette Crémieux and Hélène Roujansky in their Educational Booklet no. 392« Teaching in the USA ».
Registration details
For public schools, you will be sectorized , just like in France and the school map that applies. To find the school where you live, search for "School zone + city" on the internet. For private schools , you can live as near or as far from the school as you like.
Know that entering a private school is often difficult. Admittedly, a first sorting takes place by the money but that is not all. You will have to present your file (newsletters, letters of recommendation, etc.) and support your candidacy as a family . Often children applying for kindergarten will be assessed during a collective playdate at school. Parents will support their application during a private interview with the Admissions Director or his team.
To learn more about how to register for a private school, you can read our article How to integrate a bilingual school in the USA because for private schools the admission process is similar for bilingual or monolingual schools. For young and old alike, discover the content of the lessons , the rhythm of the days, and become real Americans by knowing everything about the school bus , the lunch box , the uniform , the clubs and much more!
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