K-12 Education

K–12 education in the United States spans kindergarten through twelfth grade, serving children ages five to eighteen. This compulsory system offers free public schools funded by state and local taxes, with private and homeschooling options available. State and local governments hold primary responsibility, while the Federal Department of Education supports standards and funding.

Curriculum and Standards

State decisions shape K-12 curricula, leading to variations nationwide. Learn how curricula differ across states, who decides what kids learn, and key topics like civil rights history, citizenship education, and civics vs. patriotic education.

Policy and Operations

All 50 states approach policy differently, including phone bans in over 30 states and safety drills. See how school districts differ from municipal governments.

Rights and Special Education

FERPA protects records, covering directory information and sharing exceptions. IDEA supports disabilities via IEP evaluations and least restrictive environments. Student rights shift to college as explained here.

Teachers and Funding

Teacher unions influence labor, amid shortages and funding battles. Parents can engage by contacting districts.