The system of education in the United States is quite different from other education systems, particularly those based on the British and French traditions. In fact, most people are surprised at how decentralized education is in the United States. The United States has public and private institutions at all educational levels. There is not a national curriculum or coordination of the system; public primary and secondary schools are generally run by local boards, while private schools, college and universities receive accreditation from Regional and/or national accrediting organizations.

Children begin their formal education at age 5 or 6, although many children attend preschool or nursery school from age 3 or 4. Primary or elementary education includes Kindergarten and grades one through eight. After completing eight grades a student will move to secondary education at the high school level, which includes grades 9 through 12. Everyone must attend school until age 16. Students generally finish their high school education at age 17 or 18, at the end of grade 12, at which time a high school diploma is received. Students across the United States may attend public schools for their primary and secondary education that are free and funded by tax moneys, or they may pay tuition to attend a parochial (Catholic) school, or private day or boarding school.

Unlike in many other countries, there is no specific "track" that an individual must follow in order to attend college or university; anyone with the motivation to do so may apply. However, many high schools do offer honors or college-prep classes, and individuals must take certain entrance exams, such as the SATs, to be eligible for admission. Institutions of higher education vary greatly in size, selectivity, and availability of financial aid and program offerings. Some examples are two-year community colleges, private four-year colleges and large state universities.

The term college and/or university are often used interchangeably, but generally, universities are larger institutions that offer all degree levels including the doctorate. A bachelor's degree (a BA or BS, for example) generally takes four or five years to complete and is called an undergraduate degree. Beyond the master's degree (after a BA or BS) is the doctorate (a Ph.D or Ed.D., for example). Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in a particular specialization, and many large research universities also offer postdoctoral work.

UNITED STATES EDUCATION SYSTEM