Education in America: The US Education System
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The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world's best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.
Whether you want to study at a top USA university, a top college, or at an ESL, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the Overview of the American education system section will help you develop that understanding. You can also search our list of top universities, colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and boys and girls boarding schools. It is no surprise that the United States hosts more international students than any other country in the world!
Find a school near you
You can learn more about specific areas of the American school system (high school, access to college, the unit system, school accreditation, liberal arts education, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's and PhD degrees) by clicking on the links on the left of this page. The American education system offers students the widest study options in the world!
What some people are saying about the American education system:
"The American education system offers international students the widest choice of study options.
Just think of all of the products, services, and processes invented in the USA! This innovation is the result of a system which allows a student to study so many different fields.
I am so glad I chose to study in the USA and obtain and American education."
-Diann Manjulika-
Former international student
"I chose to study in the United States after looking at different countries and different options. I truly believe that the American education system is the very best in the world since it offers so many choices, and the schools are the best in the world. If you want to gain an edge, I would definitely recommend enrolling in a top university, college, or school in the US."
-Andrew Lim-
Former international student
"While Australia and Europe have excellent schools, I strongly feel that the American education system still is the best."
-Lana Morias-
Former international student
"I am from Hong Kong and I always wanted to enroll in an American school. I am so glad I finally managed to get my education in the US. In Hong Kong, it really does help if you graduated from a good school in the USA."
-Susan Li-
International student
"Coming from Asia, I was shocked by the vast number of study options offered by the American school system."
-Peter Lim-
International student
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