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48 million students were enrolled in public K-12 schools across the United States (the U.S.) in the 2021-2022 academic year, according to the “Report on the Condition of Education 2024”. 4.7 million students were enrolled in private K-12 schools during the same period.
The K-12 education system in the United States is the main educational system in the country. K-12 schools work by federal and state guidelines by the U.S. Department of Education and state departments of education.
What Does K-12 Mean?
K-12 means the U.S. educational system from kindergarten through 12th grade. Kindergarten begins at age five. Following stages are elementary, middle, and high school. The “K” means kindergarten and “12” is the last year before college or vocational training.
Public, private, and charter schools provide K-12 education. Each type of school offers a different way of learning, but all follow educational guidelines. The U.S. Department of Education runs general policies and guidelines.
Public schools serve the most of K-12 students without tuition fees. Private and charter schools provide educational benefits, such as personalization and extended teacher support.
Online K-12 education is a popular option, allowing students to learn from home. Each state created its own K-12 policies in standards and assessments under federal law. Parents should take a look at state requirements before choosing a school format for their child.
Interesting Numbers
87% is Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) for public high school students in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This is 7% higher than a decade earlier. These statistics show the growth of K-12 educational system effectiveness and inclusion in the U.S.
Asian/Pacific Islander students had the highest ACGR (94%), followed by White (90%), Hispanic (83%), Black (81%), and American Indian/Alaska Native (74%) students.
Structure of K-12 Education
The K-12 education system has three stages: elementary, middle, and high school. Let’s take a look at every stage.
Elementary School (K-5)
Elementary school grades range from kindergarten to 5. Elementary school’s goal is to prepare students for the academic challenges of middle school.
Kindergarten
Young learners explore many basic academic areas, social skills, and classroom expectations. Students’ activities in kindergarten include practicing simple skills such as letter recognition, numbers, shapes, and colors.
1st Grade
First grade expands on the basic skills from kindergarten, putting extra focus on reading and writing. Students learn words, understand sentence structure, and compose short stories or essays. Math allows children to know about addition and subtraction. Science and social studies introduce students to concepts about plants, animals, and society.
2nd Grade
Second grade allows students to study core subjects depper. Mathematics works with multi-digit addition and subtraction. Math classes introduce basic geometry. Science involves simple experiments and observations. Social studies include topics related to the local history, geography, and diverse cultural traditions. This grade helps to build confidence in learning.
3rd Grade
Third grade is the path to more complex academics. This grade focuses on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis. Math incorporates multiplication, division, and fractions. Students learn ecosystems, life cycles, and conduct simple experiments. State history, basic government structure, and map skills are introduced to students in social studies. The third grade shows students standardized testing.
4th Grade
Fourth grade focuses on basic skills for complex learning. Students learn long division, decimals, and basic algebra. Reading involves the analysis of fiction and nonfiction books. Science studies climate and introduces class projects. Social studies start exploration of the history of the United States.
5th Grade
The academics in the fifth grade set the ground for middle school. Mathematics brings concepts like basic geometry and adds some algebraic concepts. Science lessons focus on the human body and physical laws. Social studies cover American history and world cultures.
Middle School (6-8)
Middle school follows elementary school in academic and personal development for students aged 11-14. Middle school includes grades from 6 to 8.
6th Grade
Sixth grade gives students a school system when different teachers teach different subjects. Math includes topics like ratios, percentages, and basic algebra. Scientific method, Earth sciences, and beginning physics make up the science classes. Social studies explore ancient civilizations, including their cultures, economies, and governments. Students continue developing organizational and time management skills to navigate their new schedules. Sixth graders start to choose electives like art, music, and technology. Physical education focuses on personal fitness.
7th Grade
Seventh grade works with academic knowledge. Language Arts classes teach analysis of literature and writing essays. Math includes more advanced topics, such as proportional relationships, equations, and geometry. Science focuses on biology, such as ecosystems, genetics, and cell structure. Social studies starts with world history. Electives give students options of lessons in robotics, drama, and foreign languages. Extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, provide a starting point for personal development.
8th Grade
Eighth grade is the final year of middle school. This year prepares students for high school. Students develop advanced skills in learning. Language Arts instruction focuses on advanced essay writing and the analysis of literary themes. Pre-algebra or algebra is often provided in Math. Science focuses on chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Social studies include American history. Teachers and counselors often help with preparation for high school.
High School (9-12)
High schools include grades 9 to 12 and prepare students for their future lives.
9th Grade
Ninth grade, or freshman year, introduces students to independent learning. Core classes include English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Math classes are often Algebra I or Geometry. Science classes are usually Biology. This grade offers a variety of electives from arts to robotics. Guidance counselors initiate the process of setting academic and career goals. Standardized testing includes state assessments.
10th Grade
Tenth grade, called sophomore year, gives students more knowledge in foundational skills from the previous year. Students have more advanced courses, including Chemistry in science and Algebra II or Geometry in mathematics. Social studies are often U.S. history or civics, providing students with an understanding of government and societal structures. Students begin to explore career options with elective courses or career and technical education courses. This is a very important year for grade point averages (GPAs) in future graduation. Students take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to prepare for the future standardized tests for graduation.
11th Grade
The eleventh grade, also called junior year, is an important period in high school. Students begin college and career preparation. Core subjects include English III, advanced Math classes such as Pre-Calculus, and other classes like Physics or Environmental Science. History is often taken in courses focused on modern U.S. history or global studies. Many students take Advanced Placement (AP) or dual-enrollment classes for college credit. Other important students’ activities involve preparation and taking standardized tests. Electives and extracurricular activities allow students to explore a possible college studies or career.
12th Grade
Twelfth grade, or senior year of high school, finishes the high school experience and leads to graduation. Core classes usually include English IV, advanced math classes such as Calculus, and other science options like Anatomy or Astronomy. Students develop skills in writing and research in preparation for college classes. Students work on college applications during their senior year, including personal statements and applications for financial aid. Many students take AP exams or dual-enrollment classes to get college credits. Students participate in internships or vocational training. Graduation requirements include specific credit completion.
Grading Scale
The grading scale in K-12 education uses letter grades (A to F) to measure student performance. Letter grades are transferred to GPAs. GPAs are important for college and future career. Here is a table with possible grades and their value in GRA.
| LETTER GRADE | NUMERICAL GRADE | GPA SCALE (4.0) | DESCRIPTION |
| A+ | 97–100 | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 | Very Good |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 | Very Good |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 | Good |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 | Good |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 | Average |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 | Average |
| C- | 70–72 | 1.7 | Poor |
| D+ | 67–69 | 1.3 | Poor |
| D | 65–66 | 1.0 | Poor |
| F | Below 65 | 0.0 | Failing |
Grading scales have a little variation by district or state. Grading scales provide a standard to check and compare academic performance. Teachers use assessments like tests, projects, and homework to determine grades. Teachers have a clear indicator of every student’s progress. Weighted GPAs are usually used for honors or AP classes with higher GPA points (A = 5.0 instead of 4.0).
Standardized Testing
Standardized testing plays an important role in measuring student achievement within the K-12 system. These tests check proficiency in subjects like math, reading, and science. Tests are the key values for state and national educational standards. Exams like the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and state-specific assessments help find parts in the curriculum to improve. Tests are used for student’s graduation and college admissions.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities allow students to figure out their interests. Sports, music, arts, and volunteer programs teach students collaboration and leadership skills. Participation in these activities creates social connections. This usually has a good impact on academic performance, providing students with structure and motivation. These activities build confidence in students.
Compulsory Education Laws
Compulsory education laws require children in the U.S. attend school until a specific age, typically 16 to 18, depending on the state. Compulsory education laws focus on the importance of learning for all students. These laws improve school attendance and educational success. You can learn the minimal and maximum age of required attendance by state here. You can find out more about the laws of each state at resources like Justia.com.
Additional Support Needs
The K-12 system has support for students with different learning needs. Programs for special education are created for students with disabilities. These programs include individualized education plans (IEPs) and special teachers’ services. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs help students with other native languages. Schools offer mental health services to help students with emotional and social challenges.
Legacy Online School As a Top School in the K-12 Education System of the USA
“We envision a future where innovation, collaboration, and global awareness shape the path of our students”
Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) online K-12 school. Legacy Online School offers a curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school. Legacy Online School’s curriculum covers core subjects. These subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students choose electives like Spanish and Art. This curriculum includes live teaching in small groups for personalized attention. Legacy Online School’s curriculum won “The Best Homeschool Curriculum, Products & Resources!” award.
Legacy Online School has certified, skilled teachers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Legacy Online School provides STEM Diploma Endorsement and support from an Advisory Council. This support allows students to succeed in their college preparation.
Enroll with us and improve the quality of education for your child!
