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The American high school curriculum is different from the French system in many ways. In the United States, students choose their subjects according to their desires. While some, such as English, history or mathematics, are compulsory, others are optional, such as theater or photography.
Unlike the French system, not all subjects necessarily follow you every year. You only need to have accumulated a certain number of credits in each subject before the end of high school. For example, if you have accumulated all the necessary credits for mathematics after 3 years, you no longer have to go to mathematics classes in the last year.
If the American system is appreciated because it is more fun and allows students to study what interests them, the French system is valued for its rigor and the learning of critical thinking.
Notes
In France, grades range from 0 to 20 but on the other side of the Atlantic, the grading system is a little different and is based on letters: A, B, C… A corresponds to the best grade and F at the worst. However, many French higher education schools have opted for this system, considered less stressful and fairer. For the record, in the United States, the letters of the alphabet are also used to define musical notes!
Sports
A very big difference between American and French high schools is the importance of sports. In France, we generally have PE classes 2 hours/week and we are offered the following sports: endurance, handball, basketball, football, badmington, rugby and gymnastics. Let’s be honest, with a coefficient of 2, being good at sport or not doesn’t change much…
In the United States, on the other hand, sport plays an important role because it is the gateway to university for many Americans. We all know how important it is for a large number of American high school students to practice football daily while maintaining decent grades in order to hope to land a college scholarship at the end of high school. Without even talking about scholarships, American high schools offer a large number of clubs that students can join to play a sport every afternoon. Most schools even have a mascot!
The lunch box
In France, we are lucky to have a canteen in every high school (obviously, some are better than others). In the United States, most students must prepare their lunch pack in advance . We can’t help but think of this mother who lovingly prepares her children’s meals and who reminds them, every morning, “Children, don’t forget your meal for lunch!”
No bachelor’s degree
In France, the baccalaureate is a passage filled with emotions for students. Many of them cry and shout with joy at the results because their entire course is based on an exam. In the United States, no baccalaureate but the “High School Diploma”, based on a system of continuous assessment over 4 years (instead of 3 in our country). At the end of these 4 years, American students are then entitled to their famous “graduation” where the valedictorian gives us a moving and hopeful speech on the importance of being yourself and on everything what the future has to offer us. Please note that students can, if they wish, take the IB (international baccalaureate).
School rhythm
American high school students finish classes around 3 p.m. (or earlier) and spend the afternoon playing a sport or extracurricular activities. In France, we will favor longer days to learn as much as possible. On the other hand, we are entitled to several weeks of vacation during the year to decompress and come back more motivated than ever.
High school spirit
In the United States, students are very involved in the life of their high school and do not hesitate to get involved in several clubs or to organize a large number of events such as the end of year ball.