текст на английском языке american school

Education is not mentioned in the Constitution nor any Federal Ministry of education, so the matter is left to individual States. Education is free and compulsory in all States, however, ranging in age from 6 to 16 or 18. So, most American children attend public schools. In the USA they are called public schools. There are also some private schools that are usually maintained by religious organizations. At age 6 children begin the first year of primary school is called "Grade 1" or "first class" (the second year is "grade 2", etc.). In elementary school the emphasis is on basic skills — speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic, though the General principle of the American school system is that prohibited children must be assisted and encouraged to develop their own special interests. Children move to middle school in seventh grade, where they continue until the twelfth grade. There are two main types of secondary school: one with a more academic curriculum, preparing students for admission to College, and the other offering primarily vocational education (training in a skill or trade). Local school Board decides which courses are compulsory. There is a huge freedom of choice, however, and an important figure in high school is a consultant who advises students on what courses to take based on their career choice.