Arriving in a new place means learning entirely new systems, and few are as important — or make as big of an impact — as the education system. Whether it’s your children, your young adults or even yourself and other friends and family, getting a good education is the key to making yourself at home in a new place, providing more opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships and make money.
Here is an overview of the education system in the United States. For more information, connect with a counselor or administrator at the appropriate school, who can often give a more personalized view of your education options.
Overview
The US education system consists of multiple levels:
Early childhood (birth to age)
Because early childhood education is essential to growth, the US government offers a free early childhood education program called Head Start. Head Start serves low-income families from birth to age 5. Early childhood education ensures that when kids enroll in kindergarten at age 5, that they’re at the right development level. Head Start also offers important support and resources to parents as well as kids.
K-12 (this includes elementary school and high school)
Often, K-12 is broken up into two schools:
Elementary (kindergarten or 5 years old through 8th grade, or 13 years old)*
High school (9th grade, or 14 years old through 12th grade, or 18 years old)
In the US, there are three different school options: public, private and charter schools. Public schools are funded by local taxes and offer free education to residents, regardless of immigration status. Private schools cost tuition and can sometimes be expensive, but may offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or religious-based education. A third option, charter schools, are publicly funded but operate independently of a city’s public-based education.
*Note that some school districts divide elementary school into two sections: Kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade (12 years old) and middle school or junior high (6th or 7th grade through 8th or 9th grade). Some schools, especially many private schools, cover the entire education timeline, serving kindergarten through 12th grade.
Higher education (includes colleges, universities or vocational schools)
After graduating from high school — or sometimes if you’ve completed education in a different country — students can pursue additional schooling, or higher education. While a college or university offers a broader educational experience, a vocational school provides a specialized education in a particular trade or skill set — and typically costs far less money. Overall, be sure to familiarize yourself with admission requirements, application processes and deadlines. (Note that international students may need to obtain a student visa, or F-1 visa, to study in the US.)
While secondary education can be expensive, there are many financial aid options available to students and potential students, and scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition, fees and living expenses. Some scholarships are specifically available to immigrant students and undocumented students, and many colleges, universities and vocational schools offer need-based and merit-based financial aid packages. Plus, there are often career counselors available to help find jobs after you complete your courses.
Legal requirements
In the US, the law is on your side regarding education: most individuals have legal rights and protections, including the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. Schools are also prohibited from discriminating against students based on race, ethnicity or national origin.
Language
While English is the primary language of instruction in US schools, many schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to support non-native English speakers. To gain admission to higher education or post-secondary schools, some non-native English-speaking students may need to demonstrate English language knowledge through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS for admission to higher education institutions.
Cultural adjustment
Learning math, science or a trade is the primary function of pursuing education. However, adjusting to cultural differences and challenges are an entirely different, but also important, form of education. Fortunately, schools often provide support services, such as counseling and academic advising, to help students navigate these transitions.
Community resources
Most schools, school districts and community organizations have connections to resources for immigrant advocacy organizations, community centers and religious institutions, which can offer support with education-related issues, cultural concerns and other issues related to becoming comfortable in a new place.
Above all else, stay informed about changes to immigration laws and programs that may impact your education. When you know how to navigate the US education system, you have the best chance of getting as much as possible out of it.
DISCLAIMER – This content is for informational purposes only, it may become outdated, and we make no representations or warranties as to its reliability, accuracy, or applicability. Enova International Inc. and its subsidiaries, which includes Pangea and its affiliates, do not provide legal, tax, financial, or accounting advice. You are encouraged to contact your financial professional or tax advisor for more information.
