The American Education System Overview
The American curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive education combining academic excellence with practical life skills, critical thinking, and personal development. Unlike many international systems, it prioritizes continuous assessment and student choice.
Grade Level Structure
- Elementary School (K-5): Foundation in reading, writing, mathematics
- Middle School (6-8): Subject specialization begins, electives introduced
- High School (9-12): Credit-based system, college preparation
Common Core State Standards
Mathematics Standards
- K-8: Number sense, operations, algebraic thinking, geometry
- High School: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics
- Focus: Problem-solving, reasoning, mathematical practices
English Language Arts (ELA) Standards
- Reading: Literature, informational texts, close reading
- Writing: Argumentative, informative, narrative modes
- Speaking & Listening: Presentations, discussions, collaboration
- Language: Grammar, vocabulary, conventions
High School Credit System
Typical Graduation Requirements
- English: 4 credits (4 years)
- Mathematics: 3-4 credits (through Algebra II minimum)
- Science: 3-4 credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies: 3-4 credits (US History, World History, Government)
- Foreign Language: 2-3 credits (college-bound students)
- Physical Education: 1-2 credits
- Electives: 4-8 credits (Arts, Technology, Business, etc.)
- Total: 20-24 credits for diploma
Advanced Placement (AP) Programme
Understanding AP Courses
AP courses offer college-level curriculum and examinations to high school students:
- 38 AP Courses: Covering arts, sciences, humanities
- AP Exams: Scored 1-5 (5 highest), taken in May
- College Credit: Score 3+ accepted by most universities
- Weighted GPA: AP courses often weighted higher (5.0 vs 4.0 scale)
Popular AP Courses by Subject Area
STEM AP Courses
- AP Calculus AB & BC
- AP Statistics
- AP Physics 1, 2, C: Mechanics, C: E&M
- AP Chemistry
- AP Biology
- AP Computer Science A & Principles
Humanities & Social Sciences AP Courses
- AP English Language & Composition
- AP English Literature & Composition
- AP US History (APUSH)
- AP World History: Modern
- AP European History
- AP US Government & Politics
- AP Psychology
- AP Economics (Micro & Macro)
Languages & Arts AP Courses
- AP Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese Language & Culture
- AP Art History
- AP Music Theory
- AP Studio Art (2D, 3D, Drawing)
Standardized Testing for College
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- Sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Mathematics
- Score Range: 400-1600 (200-800 per section)
- Format: Multiple choice with some grid-ins (Math)
- Duration: 3 hours (3 hours 50 minutes with essay)
ACT (American College Testing)
- Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, optional Writing
- Score Range: 1-36 (composite average of all sections)
- Format: Multiple choice (all sections)
- Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)
GPA and Class Rank
- Unweighted GPA: 0.0-4.0 scale
- Weighted GPA: Honors/AP courses weighted higher
- Class Rank: Percentile ranking within graduating class
- Transcripts: Complete record of all high school courses and grades
TutorTeachers American Curriculum Support
Our US-certified teachers provide:
- Common Core aligned instruction (Math & ELA)
- AP course content and exam preparation
- SAT/ACT test prep and strategy
- High school credit recovery
- College application essay assistance
- Transcript building and GPA improvement
Contact us for American curriculum support that prepares students for college success from elementary through high school.