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US CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENTS

In the United States (US), state and local governments are responsible for education. While there are different laws and initiatives, American schools generally follow the US curriculum. This is a curriculum based on American Common Core State Standards for English Language, Arts, Math, History, Geography and Next Generation Science. 
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EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES

School in the US prepares students for college and work, covering a range of subjects and assessments through different stages of learning. On this page, we cover the US curriculum in more detail, looking at grades, standards and testing, as well as other useful information for parents considering a US education for their child.

THE K-12 SYSTEM

The K-12 system refers to kindergarten through to 12th grade, which covers the different stages of learning children move through when following the US curriculum. The system itself is broken down into three stages: elementary school, middle school and high school. Below are the different grades in the US and their equivalent in England.


Grade in the US

 

Age

Stage of Learning

Year in England

Preschool

3-4

Elementary School

Nursery

Preschool

4-5

Elementary School

Reception

Kindergarten

5-6

Elementary School

Year 1

Grade 1

6-7

Elementary School

Year 2

Grade 2

7-8

Elementary School

Year 3

Grade 3

8-9

Elementary School

Year 4

Grade 4

9-10

Elementary School

Year 5

Grade 5

10-11

Elementary School

Year 6

Grade 6

11-12

Middle School

Year 7

 

Grade 7

12-13

Middle School

Year 8

 

Grade 8

13-14

Middle School

Year 9

 

Grade 9

14-15

High School

Year 10

 

Grade 10

15-16

High School

Year 11

 

Grade 11

16-17

High School

Year 12

 

Grade 12

17-18

High School

Year 13

 

Unlike some other countries’ end-of-school examination systems, such as A-levels in the UK, students in the US are tested continuously throughout school. This means they leave with a collection of assessments to prove their preparedness for college or employment.

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US CURRICULUM STANDARDS AND TESTING

The US curriculum sets standardised testing throughout the year to ensure each student is on track. Students are marked on every essay, exam and course they take in each subject through their education. The outcomes are used to calculate a Grade Point Average (GPA) in high school.

Marks given depend on a range of criteria, including a student’s performance in assessments, participation in class discussions, and completion of homework assignments. Students studying the US curriculum are also given report cards twice a year, which evidence their updated grades in each of their subjects.

High schools keep a transcript for each student, which summarises the courses studied, grades attained, and other data relevant to their education. If a student wants to go to college, a copy of their transcript is sent to the provider of their choice. Acceptance into college is influenced by the data on the transcript, along with personal recommendations, achievements outside of school and, in many cases, college aptitude tests. Aptitude tests are set by various independent institutions and are taken in the final two years of high school.
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US Curriculum and Assessments | Nord Anglia Education - Feature Cards Pattern

TESTING IN THE US CURRICULUM

There are several other tests included in the US curriculum, which students can sit during their time at school to improve their chances of securing a place at college.
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Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
Students can sit this test in their junior year to increase their chances of acceptance by the college of their choice. This is a multiple choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning.
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National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
This test is used to screen the top academic students in the nation for scholarship consideration. It is taken by students in 10th and 11th grade to measure their readiness for college, access to scholarships, and as practice for the SAT.
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ACT
Originally an abbreviation of American College Testing, the ACT is an achievement test that covers English, Mathematics, Reasoning and Scientific Reasoning. It also includes an optional writing test. This test is also accepted by many universities outside of the US. 
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SAT
Originally an abbreviation of Scholastic Aptitude Test, the SAT is a standardised test used for admissions into college. Students are scored from 400 to 1600, combining the results of two tests on Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing.

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Our schools in the US also offer the rigorous and widely respected International Baccalaureate (IB), which challenges students to demonstrate independent thought and a more global mindset. At Nord Anglia schools in the US, our personalised approach helps students to develop the values and confidence that will help them succeed anywhere, as well as enabling them to pursue their interests and overcome challenges.

Our practical, international outlook will encourage your child to collaborate, think more deeply and hone their leadership skills, so they can be confident anywhere that opportunity takes them. Graduating students who have completed the US curriculum and obtained the International Baccalaureate Diploma will be leading prospects for the country’s best colleges and universities.
MORE ABOUT THE IB
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AN INNOVATIVE LEARNING APPROACH

Our teachers ensure students receive a strong grounding in the core subjects, while also helping them to excel socially, physically and emotionally. On top of the US curriculum, our schools offer innovative learning programmes, such as the chance to explore STEAM subjects through our collaboration with MIT, as well as access to world-class performing arts tutors from The Juilliard School.

Nord Anglia Education’s innovative, broad US curricula are designed with individual students in mind and delivered by committed and inspiring teachers. This robust approach to learning is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional experiences outside the classroom.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
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A BRIGHT FUTURE AWAITS

Nord Anglia Education students are engaged and compassionate global thinkers with a passion for learning. Our focus on values as well as grades nurtures students that are sought after by top colleges in the United States and beyond. Many of our graduates go on to Ivy League schools or leading institutions elsewhere in the world.
OUR SCHOOLS IN THE US
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