Education System

Elementary and junior high school

• Six years
• At five, children enter ""kindergarten"" and typically finish elementary school at fifth or sixth grade
• Years are called "Grades"

• Two or three years, depending on the school system
• Also known as "Middle School"

Children usually attend a year of kindergarten at age five and then spend Grades 1 to 6 at elementary school. Grades 7 through 9 are often spent at a separate school known as junior high school or middle school. The curriculum focuses on subjects such as English, maths and science.

High school [Ages 14 to 17]

• Four years
• American students study and take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), required for most university admissions
• Earn a nationally-recognised high school diploma

From the ages of 14 to 17, students attend four years of high school, during which they gain a deeper understanding of their core subjects. At this point, students are often able to choose electives in different subject areas. University bound American students must pass a nationwide entrance examination known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). However, international students need only to demonstrate their English language proficiency with a TOEFL score.

Community colleges [Ages 18+]

• Two years
• Years are divided into two terms or ""semesters""
• An Associates degree is awarded upon completion
• Can transfer almost credits to a four year programme, leaving only two or three years remaining for a Bachelors degree

Community Colleges provide college courses for recent high school graduates. These schools generally have fewer admissions requirements than four year institutions and courses typically cost less than comparable courses at four year schools. Community Colleges offer students a two year Associates degree and credits are transferable to university if a student wishes to continue on and receive their Bachelors degree. Some students choose to study at these schools as a springboard to a four year college or university.

University/College [Ages 18+]

• Two to four years
• Years are divided in semesters, trimesters and quarters
• An Associates or Bachelors degree is awarded upon completion
• Students take general education subjects, as well as specialised courses towards their major

Bachelors degrees at universities
At the undergraduate level, students in the USA generally pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programme for four years. University entrance requirements for international students usually include demonstrated English proficiency with an English level entrance requirement normally of at least TOEFL 525 PBT. International students can attend EF International Academy's IB or A-Level programme in order to achieve the necessary academic level to progress directly to university.

Graduate degrees
Graduate degree programmes are offered in the US for traditional Masters degrees in the Arts (MA), Sciences (MSc) or Busienes Administration (MBA) and Doctoral degrees (PhD). Masters programmes generally last from one year (coursework program) to two years (research programme). Doctorates typically require additional advanced study. MBA degrees generally require one to two years and candidates will need at least two years of managerial level work experience and a Bachelors degree to be considered for entrance to most programmes.International students can attend EF International Academy's IB Programme in order to achieve the necessary academic level to progress directly to university.