Education system
The education system in the US follows the same basic system as in most other countries. Education is compulsory for all children from the age of 5 (to 8) through to age 14 to 18 with the ages varying depending on the state. Children generally begin school at the age of 5 and complete their first year known as kindergarten. Primary (elementary) and middle school then cover grades 1 through 5.
Students then follow on to secondary school to complete grades 6 through 12, with education pertaining to grades 9 through 12 generally referred to as high school in the US. At the end of twelfth grade students are awarded a high school diploma which is required for entry into higher education.
The higher education sector in the US consists of a range of colleges and universities offering non-degree programs that lead to certificates and diplomas as well as degree programs at the following levels: associate, bachelor, first professional, master, advanced intermediate, and research doctorate. Postdoctoral research programs are also offered at most higher education institutions. According to the US Department of Education there are over 7000 higher education institutions in the US with over 15 million students enrolled.
