American educational system
| Budget | $1 trillion (public and private, all levels) |
|---|---|
| Primary languages | English |
| System type | State, private |
| Male | 100% |
| Female | 100% |
| Total | 81.5 million |
| Primary | 37.9 million1 |
| Secondary | 26.1 million (2006–2007) |
| Post secondary | 20.5 million 2 |
| Secondary diploma | 81% |
| Post-secondary diploma | 30% |
Education in the United States is provided by public, private and home schools.
State governments set overall educational standards, often mandate standardized tests for K–12 public school systems and supervise, usually through a board of regents, state colleges and universities. Funding comes from the state, local, and federal government. Private schools are generally free to determine their own curriculum and staffing policies, with voluntary accreditation available through independent regional accreditation authorities, although some state regulation can apply.
In 2013, about 87% of school-age children (those below higher education) attended state funded public schools, about 10% attended tuition and foundation funded private schools and roughly 3% were home-schooled.
By state law, education is compulsory over an age range starting between five and eight and ending somewhere between ages sixteen and eighteen, depending on the state. This requirement can be satisfied in public schools, state-certified private schools, or an approved home school program. In most schools, compulsory education is divided into three levels: elementary school, middle or junior high school, and high school. Children are usually divided by age groups into grades, ranging from kindergarten (5-6 year olds) and first grade for the youngest children, up to twelfth grade (17-18 years olds) as the final year of high school.
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