How is the US education system structured (e.g., elementary, middle, high school)?

I’m trying to understand the typical progression and organization of schooling in the United States for my child who we’re planning to enroll in the US system next year. Can someone explain the standard educational structure, such as how many years students typically spend in elementary school, when middle school starts and ends, and the duration of high school? Also, are there variations across states, and how does the early childhood education stage (like pre-K or kindergarten) fit into this sequence? I’m looking for a clear breakdown of the general framework without delving too deep into specifics about curriculum or funding.

The US education system is decentralized, varying significantly by state and school district, but generally follows a structure divided into several key stages:

1. Early Childhood Education (Optional/Varied):

   • Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K): Ages 3-4. Not universally funded or required, increasingly common. Focuses on socialization, play-based learning, school readiness.
   • Kindergarten (K): Age 5. Typically the first year of compulsory schooling in most states. Focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, social skills, and play. May be full-day or half-day.

2. Elementary School (Primary Education):

   • Grades: Kindergarten (K) through Grade 5 (sometimes Grade 6).
   • Typical Age Range: 5-11 years old.
   • Structure: Students usually have one primary teacher for most subjects (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) with specialists for Music, Art, Physical Education (PE), and sometimes Library/Technology.
   • Focus: Foundational academic skills (reading, writing, basic math), social development, exploration, and establishing learning habits.

3. Middle School / Junior High School:

   • Grades: Typically Grades 6 through 8 (sometimes Grades 7-8 or Grades 5-8).
   • Typical Age Range: 11-14 years old.
   • Structure: Students rotate between multiple specialized teachers for different subjects (Math, English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Electives). Increased focus on organization, transitioning subjects, and subject-specific depth. May involve lockers, changing classes, and more independence.
   • Variation:
     • Middle School: More common model (Grades 6-8). Often emphasizes collaborative learning, teaming, and adolescent development.
     • Junior High School: Less common model (often Grades 7-8 or sometimes 7-9). May feel more like a transition into a high school structure.

4. High School (Secondary Education):

   • Grades: Typically Grades 9 through 12.
   • Typical Age Range: 14-18 years old.
   • Structure: Students follow a schedule with multiple classes per day, taught by specialized teachers in departmentalized settings (e.g., Math Wing, Science Labs). Curricula become more diverse and specialized.
   • Focus: Completion of graduation requirements, preparation for post-secondary education (college/university) or career pathways. Increased academic rigor and elective choices.
   • Key Features:
     • Graduation Requirements: State and district-mandated credits in core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE), Electives, and sometimes a Culminating Project or specific tests.
     • Tracks/Pathways: Students may choose college-prep (Advanced Placement – AP, International Baccalaureate – IB, Honors), career/technical education (CTE), or general tracks.
     • Standardized Testing: Often include state-mandated exams for graduation and college entrance (e.g., SAT, ACT).
5. Post-Secondary Education (Higher Education – Optional):
   • Grades: Typically beyond Grade 12 (Years 13+).
   • Types: Community Colleges (Associate’s degrees, certificates, transfer), Public Universities, Private Universities, Vocational/Trade Schools.
   • Focus: Pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, professional degrees (medicine, law), or career-specific certifications.

Important Variations:

• Grade Span Structures: The transition points (e.g., elementary ending at 5th or 6th grade, middle/junior high starting at 5th, 6th, or 7th and ending at 8th or 9th, high school starting at 9th or 10th) can differ significantly between districts.
• Curriculum: While broad national goals exist, specific content, textbooks, and teaching methods are determined at the state and district level.
• Funding: Primarily funded through local property taxes, state governments, and federal grants, leading to disparities between wealthy and under-resourced districts.
• Governance: Local School Districts have significant autonomy overseen by elected School Boards and State Departments of Education, with federal guidelines through laws like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).