American lessons are not teacher monologues with occasional student responses, but discussions and lectures. Classes are aimed at the formation of skills of teamwork, at the development of logic, the ability to express their thoughts, to defend and argue a point of view. Pupils come to certain conclusions on their own and build logical chains.

Much attention is paid to work in groups: students create various projects together and work on a common task.

Physical education is an important component of the school system. Pupils participate in a sport of their choice four times a week. A different sport may be chosen at the beginning of each term.

How grades are assessed
Grades in an American school are letter grades, given on a five-point scale. Mostly assessed are written work: independent, homework. These can be handed in electronically.

Pupils get marks for joint big projects, presentations. Oral exams are rarely given at school.

In middle school children take their first examinations; in high school they take them at the end of each semester.

Public and private schools in the USA
There are two types of schools in America:

Public school – public schools, free of charge, only for U.S. citizens or those with a residency permit;
Private schools – private schools, tuition is charged, and foreign citizens can enter such institutions.

Private schools may be day schools (students live with their parents or guardians) or boarding schools (students live on campus during the semester). There are institutions with separate or mixed education.

Peculiarities of private schools:

are usually boarding schools;
They provide a high level of security for students;
such schools have well-developed infrastructure, all conditions for research work, versatile development of students.