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If you are thinking about moving to the United States with your family, you are in the right place. At Félix, we support Latinos in the United States through every stage of their financial life.
That is why we will talk about the United States education system and take a closer look at high school and everything it entails.
High school in the United States: what is the system like?
The United States education system is one of the most popular in the world, thanks to its massive exposure in television and film productions. However, how much can we really know about that system from a TV show?
Today we are telling you more about high school in the United States: how it works, how many years it takes, and much more.
In general, compulsory education for all children and youth in the United States consists of ten to twelve years. Depending on the state, this can range from age 6 to 16 or up to 18, and includes elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Middle school is also known as junior high school, and high school is known as senior high school. The latter is what we know here as "Preparatoria" or secondary school.
How many years is high school in the United States?
In the United States, high school begins in 9th grade and ends in 12th grade. Students entering these years are usually 14 years old and finish at 18. Therefore, there are four years of high school in total.
These are the final years before college; it is the stage of preparation for higher education or the workforce.
What is the difference between high school in Mexico and in the United States?
In Mexico, the education system is designed so that children must complete a few years of upper secondary education, which includes various types of schooling.
These options include formal and non-formal high school, mixed-mode high school, or
Vocational training courses.
In general, the years of secondary education have a more academic focus, as they are the years of preparation for university education. On the other hand, in the United States, high school is more flexible regarding each student's choice of subjects.
Another major difference is that students in Mexico's high school system finish their school cycle with a diploma that allows them to enter universities. In the United States, however, students must take the famous "SAT" or "ACT" exams to get into a university.
How much does high school cost in the United States?
One of the major issues with the United States education system is the enormous cost that must be invested throughout all the years of school and university. The price of high school is around 13,000 dollars.
According to data revealed by the 2021 Annual Survey of School System Finances, published by the United States Census Bureau, the cost per student in public schools in that country was $14,347 dollars.
On the other hand, private schools require tuition payments, which represent a significant expense. Tuition costs range from $5,330 to $25,180 per year, depending on the grade level and religious affiliation.
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