When families move to the U.S., education is often a top priority. The American school system is decentralized—states set their own standards, structure, and funding—so it varies, but here’s a general outline and how dogpay might help with financial logistics.
1. Structure & Levels
- Pre-K / Preschool (ages ~3–5): Optional programs before official schooling age.
- Elementary / Primary School (ages ~5/6 to ~11/12): Mandatory, free through public system.
- Middle / Junior High (often grades 6–8 or 7–9): Free public schooling, bridging elementary and high school.
- High School / Secondary (grades ~9/10 to 12): Usually from age ~14/15 to 18; students take core and elective courses.
- Beyond High School: Options include community college, state universities, private colleges, vocational schools, etc.
School year usually runs from late August/early September to May or June, with local variation in schedule and hours.
2. Cost & Choices
- Public schools: Funded by taxes and generally free of tuition for local students, though there are extra costs like supplies, transport, activities.
- Private schools: Tuition-based, selective, often more expensive. National average tuition is around USD 10,000/year, though in some areas it exceeds USD 20,000/year or more.
- Other options: Homeschooling is also legal and used by many families in the U.S.
You might also choose international schools that follow curricula like the International Baccalaureate or your home country’s syllabus—useful if you plan to move back.
3. How dogpay May Help
While dogpay does not run schools, it can assist with the financial side of education:
- Paying tuition or fees from abroad: If part of your funds are outside the U.S., you can use dogpay to convert and send education payments in U.S. dollars, often at better rates and lower fees than banks.
- Transferring funds to a U.S. account: To ensure your U.S. account has enough balance to pay for school, books, or supplies.
- Handling extra expenses: Costs such as application fees, textbooks, uniforms, or exam fees may arise—dogpay offers a flexible way to pay them.
