The US education system is something settling parents need to understand to prepare for their children. The structure of grade levels differs from Vietnam, which can be confusing at first. This article explains the US education system from kindergarten to college in an easy-to-understand way.
The US education system: K-12 levels
K-12 education in the US is usually divided into levels: kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school. In total, this spans about twelve years before college.
Public K-12 education is free and compulsory within the required age range. Children, including children of newly settled families, have the right to attend the public school in their area of residence.
Public schools by district
An important feature is that children usually attend public school based on the school district of their residence. Your home address determines which school your child belongs to. This is why school quality is a factor when choosing where to live.
Besides public schools, there are also private schools (which charge tuition) and some other options. Most newly settled families start with public schools because they are free and convenient.
Beyond high school
After high school, students can go on to a four-year college, community college, or vocational programs. Community college is usually lower-cost and a popular option for the first step.
You should refer to education information and contact the school district where you live to understand the specific structure, as details may vary between states.
Summary
The US education system includes kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels (about twelve years), followed by college or community college. Public schools are free, based on the school district of residence. You should research school quality when choosing where to live and contact the school district for details.
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References
- U.S. Department of Education — Structure of U.S. Education: https://www.ed.gov/
- USA.gov — Education: https://www.usa.gov/education
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