USA Education System
American students attend primary and secondary school for a combined total of 12 years. These years are referred to as the first through twelfth grades. The US system is typically divided into three levels or schools: elementary (Grades K–5), middle (Grades 6–8) and high (Grades 9–12).
​
The US system places less emphasis on examinations, and students remain generalists all the way through to the end of secondary school, when they graduate with a high-school diploma at the end of Grade 12, the equivalent of Year 13 in the UK. The students are assessed at the end of each grade as they move to the next, but the examinations used for these assessments are not national. There are no exams comparable to GCSEs or A Levels.
If you are a parent who does not like to burden your child with exam pressures, then the US education system is right for your child.
​
At the end of high school, US students apply to college or university (both can be four-year programmes) based on their grades of all four years of high school averaged into a GPA (Grade Point Average), teacher recommendations, and a transcript of personal achievements and activities. US institutions of higher learning have traditionally looked for students who are academically accomplished but have something additional to add to their community.
​
In the US, the school calendar begins in August or September and continues through to May or June. The majority of students begin school in autumn. The academic year is composed of three terms also known as semesters. The first semester is from September to December followed by a short holiday break between semesters. The second semester is from January to May. The last semester is a summer holiday break. Post-secondary students can be on summer break from June to August.
​
What is High School Diploma in the USA?
A high school diploma is a North American academic school leaving qualification awarded upon high school graduation. The high school diploma is typically obtained after a course of study lasting four years from grade 9 to grade 12. Students must work hard all year to pass their year and earn a credit. A credit is given for a class which is successfully completed over the school year. On successful completion of this program, graduates are awarded a US High School Diploma accredited by the State Department of Education in the US.
​
This American high school qualification opens the doors to universities anywhere in North America and is widely recognized by international universities worldwide.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Reasons why earning an American High School Diploma is right for you:
1. The US High School Diploma is an excellent high school qualification that provides students with a well-rounded and solid knowledge base in a wide range of subjects.
2. You are looking to challenge yourself academically and get ahead.
3. You have already earned some high school credits at your local school and want to earn both an American diploma as well as one from your school.
4. You want flexibility in choosing your courses and want a high school program that you can adapt to cater to your academic interests.
5. You are looking to improve your English language proficiency.
6. You are looking for an American High School Diploma but are unable to travel to the US.
7. You are looking to apply to an American college or university.
​
​
