There are many similarities and differences between the French and American school systems. I will explain from early education to college. One major difference between the schooling in America and France is that all of France's schools are run by the state or government. Unlike France, some schools in America are ran by the state (University of Minnesota, Owatonna Public School District), while some schools are ran privately (St. Olaf College, St. Mary's School).
Early education through kindergarten are extremely different in France then it is at home. In America we have day care, pre-school, and kindergarten. In France they have "pré-élémentaire". This is schooling for "les enfants" (children) age 2-6. This is much different because in America kids don't start actual "school" tell at least age 4, but in France it can start as early as 2. Another difference between us and France is that all their education is free, while childcare in the states is extremely expensive. This weighs out because of France's high taxes.
After "Pré-élémentaire" students go to "l'enseignement élémentaire" (elementary education). This is very similar to our elementary schools. Same age group, same subjects being taught. One major difference to be aware of is that the French students are figuring out what kind of high school track they will pick, and by the end of "Collège" (junior high) they have to decide on a career. In America we all go to the same type of high school, and it's not tell college that we have a personal track. In France however its different, during high school they chose a type of degree path to work for, and during their senior year (terminale) they have to pass the "BAC" test. This is a very difficult test that each kid has to pass in order to receive their degree. If you don't pass the "BAC" you have to retake your terminale year. There are different "BAC's" that you take dependent on what career path you are going towards.
During the senior year of high school American students apply and get accepted to a college of choice. This could be close to home or across the world. In France you generally go to the school closest to home. One of the biggest differences in secondary education is in France, there are schools called "Grandes Écoles". If you don't want to go to trade, community, or technical school you will most likely need to get into a "Grandes Écoles". This is still a public school ran by France, but it is extremely competitive and hard to get into. These hard universities are for "Les Personnes" (people) going into medicine, sciences, education etc.
A major theme about education and academics are very different in the two societies. In America, our schools are not only academic, but social and athletic as well. In France it is strictly academic. Education is more serious in France, and by the end of junior high they are excepted to pick a career. But in America we are more concerned about general knowledge, and all around skill, and not expected to pick a major till college or later.
Comparing things like school is very interesting to me. Stuff like this, normal things that every person has to go through, and figuring out whats different, and what's similar. It's important to understand different societies way of life, because that way we can be respectful and understand them better. This world and culture is becoming so universal and international, that we need to learn from each other and grow as a world.
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