American Education System
美国的教育体系
The education system in the United States is controlled by state and local governments. But education laws are similar in each state.
美国教育系统由州政府和当地政府管理,但是每个州的教育法相差不大。
For example, in all 50 states and 6 territories, all children must attend school from the age of 6 or 7 to the age of 16.
例如,在全部50个州和6个地区中,所有的孩子从6,7岁至16岁必须上学,
Public schools are free of charge for grades 1 through 12.
公立学校从1年级至12年级免费。
Private schools also operate in all states and territories.
所有的州和地区都开办私立学校。
Some private schools are operated by churches and religious groups.
有些私立学校由教堂和宗教团体经营,
Other private schools are not linked to any religious organization.
有些私立学校则跟宗教团体毫无瓜葛。
Private schools must be approved by the state in which they operate.
私立学校必须通过其所在地的州政府的批准才可开办。
Most private schools do not receive government money.
大部分私立学校不接受政府拨款,
The parents of private school students pay the school.
而是由学生家长负担学费。
The school year usually begins in September and continues until June.
学年通常9月份开始,持续到第二年6月。
Most states require a school year of 180 days.
大部分州要求每学年为期180天。
Some schools have changed this schedule and require students to attend school throughout the year.
一些学校已经改变了这个安排,要求学生全年上学。