The American education system offers international students the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless! 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.

American children start school at the age of five years.

1. The first year at school is called kindergarten. It is required of all American children enrolled in the American education system.

2. The second year at school is considered the first year of primary school and is referred to as first grade. Upon completion of the last year of primary school,

1. Secondary school most commonly consists of a total of seven years, referred to as sixth through twelfth grades.

2. The ninth through twelfth grades are most commonly referred to as high school.

3. Students who have completed high school and would like to attend college or university must attend an undergraduate school. These are schools that offer either a two-year degree called an associate degree or a four-year degree called a bachelor's degree in a specific course of study.

4. Students who have obtained a bachelor's degree can continue their education by pursuing one of two types of degrees.
   
   

   1. The first is a master's degree and the other is PhD. The master's degree is usually a two-year program and

   2. PhD. can take between 3 to 6 years to complete. Certain courses of study are only available at the graduate school level in America.

The most notable of these are law, dentistry, and medicine. Students who want to pursue a degree in one of these fields must first obtain a bachelor's degree.

 Level and Age of Children (From Kindergarten to College/University)

  Elementary School/Kindergarten: 5-6
   1st Grade: 6-7
   2nd Grade: 7-8
   3rd Grade: 8-9
   4th Grade: 9-10
   5th Grade: 10-11

  Middle school or junior high school
   6th Grade: 11-12
   7th Grade: 12-13
   8th Grade: 13-14

  High school
   9th Grade (freshman year): 14-15
   10th Grade (sophomore year): 15-16
   11th Grade (junior year): 16-17
   12th Grade (senior year): 17-18

  College or University
   Freshman: 18-19
   Sophomore: 19-20
   Junior: 20-21
   Senior: 21-22

Education beyond high school can give you choices that may not otherwise be possible, open doors to better paying positions, and give you the opportunity to do the things you enjoy most. By advancing your education, you can expand your possibilities and increase your career choices.