Navigating the American School System
For expats relocating with families to the US, navigating a new school system can be tricky. What can you do to make the transition easier for your children and your family? What can you expect from the public schools? How can you get the most out of the system for your child?
Overview
Public education in America is free from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school year is from September to June. Students attend school Monday to Friday, about 6 hours a day. American students attend 183 school days a year, and have 2 months off in the summer. This custom began when America was an agrarian society, and children were needed to help with the harvest.
All children must be immunized before starting school. Evidence of polio, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) inoculations, including dates, is required when you apply to a school.
How are schools organized?
Schools are usually divided by age group as follows:
Elementary school- Kindergarten through 5th grade
Middle School/Junior High School - grades 6, 7, 8
High School - grades 9 (freshman), 10 (sophomore), 11 (junior) and 12 (senior)
What happens in the classroom?
The classroom is often more informal than many expats are used to in their home country. Students often work in groups and classroom conversation is normal. Students are encouraged to ask questions, express individual opinions, and think creatively. Children do not get homework every night, and at the elementary level, they rarely get homework over the weekend. Students' grades are based on tests, homework and class participation.
What if I'm unhappy with my child's school or teacher?
Speak up! This is America, after all. You can request a meeting with the teacher to discuss the problems. Come prepared with specific issues to discuss and the changes/results you would like to see. If your spouse takes care of these meetings and has limited English, the school can often provide a translator, given enough notice. Never depend on your child to be the translator.
Many Expats Are Surprised To Find:
· That parents are expected to be involved in their child’s school.
· That school funding and curriculum design are decided on the state and local levels (not federal). Because of this, there are wide variations in subjects, courses, and requirements for advancement.
· That students are not tracked (vocational or academic), and are not expected to specialization until college, sometimes not until graduate school.
· That the values American teachers are trying to teach may be different from their own.
Get Involved!
Getting involved in your child's school is a great way to prevent isolation, meet other parents, and learn about your child's classroom activities. There are many ways to get to know your school better. You can:
Join the PTA. The Parent/Teacher Association. This organization is active in promoting parent involvement programs, school fundraising, working collaboratively, child advocacy and much more.
Attend parent /teacher conferences. These are held a few times a year and are usually 15-30 minutes long. They are an opportunity for you to meet the teacher and learn more about how your child is doing in school, both academically and socially. You are expected to ask any questions you have, whether about your child, the class work, or daily routines and activities.
Volunteer. Parents are often welcome volunteers, especially at the elementary school level. Field trips, class projects, and other activities often require the help of a second adult. Ask your child's teacher what you can do to help.
Read why one expat decided to remove his child from the American schools on our blog and share your experience!
