| Education System in the United States |
In the United States of America education for children is compulsory and universally available, although this does not necessarily apply to pre-schools and the detail varies from state to state. Elementary school begins with kindergarten and extends through primary school which lasts for between 3 and 7 years. Curricula vary according to decisions at school district level too, although the emphasis remains on reading, writing, and mathematics.
A period of middle schooling follows that fills the years between primary school and secondary school. Again, the duration varies from state to state. Some subjects become elective around a core curriculum that remains academically focussed.
Senior school runs through to 12th grade. The subject spread remains wide with general emphasis. Most schools provide education in sciences (biology, chemistry and physics), mathematics (including algebra, geometry, pre-calculus and statistics), english language, social sciences and physical education.
Vocational education varies between states too, although the majority of post-secondary vocational and technical training takes place in private career schools. Approximately 30% is also provided by community colleges. These present 2-year programs, and courses transferable to 4-year university degree programs as well.
The United States has an impressive spread of universities and the debate rages on regarding which is the oldest and which is most revered. Core issues include the definition of university as it evolved in different states, and whether the widest spread of faculties is necessarily the best.
The oldest American tertiary institutions appear to be the University of Pennsylvania first named on November 27, 1779 and illustrated here, the College of William and Mary established a few days later on 4 December 1779, and Harvard University founded on March 2nd 1780.
