SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (SDSU) DEGREE PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA georgia.sdsu.edu INTERNATIONAL
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY Leadership Starts Here 1
GREETINGS FROM SAN DIEGO SDSU is a research university with faculty who teach and personally mentor students. We prepare bachelor s degree graduates for enrollment in challenging master s or doctoral programs and for high-demand professional careers. Our strategic plan, Building on Excellence, identifies our three top priorities at SDSU: n Fostering student success, n Advancing research and creative endeavors, and n Expanding our role as a center of community life and engagement. Leadership Starts Here San Diego State University is committed to leading education innovation in local, regional, national, and international arenas. This commitment helped contribute to our number 14 ranking on the U.S. News and World Report list of Up-and-Coming Schools for making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life. n SDSU also ranked No. 81 in the top 100 public universities, out of 4000+ universities in the United States. n SDSU s graduation rates are among the nation s best, and we have been applauded by the Education Trust (a U.S. organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels) as a model for improving graduation rates, especially among students of color and low-income students. Throughout our 117-year history, SDSU has been known for continually innovating and evolving with the times. Today, continuing to successfully execute our educational, research, and service missions requires us to develop strong international collaborations between SDSU students, faculty, researchers, and colleagues from around the world. This perspective, in turn, will benefit our region, state, and nation, as well as other countries and individuals around the world. Our partnership with three top universities in Georgia Georgian Technical University, Ilia State University, and Tbilisi State University will continue the SDSU tradition of excellence in preparing students with high quality educational experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These programs will build on diverse expertise, lead to new discoveries that improve the world, promote economic development, and significantly increase students opportunities for advanced careers in academia, government, business, and the communities they serve. As a member of the SDSU-Georgia community, you will be an integral part of a unique and special cohort of individuals who will earn regionally and nationally accredited and internationally recognized, high quality STEM bachelor s degrees. Additionally, you ll be exposed to academic benefits afforded to students at San Diego State University, including state-of-the-art technology and laboratories. The San Diego State Aztecs alumni family includes over 300,000 national and international leaders. We hope you will join us to pursue your academic, professional and personal goals. I look forward to one day meeting each and every one of our SDSU-Georgia graduates. Sincerely, Elliot Hirshman President, SDSU 2
ABOUT SDSU Building on Excellence 3
SDSU RANKINGS n n n n n n n Hispanic Network magazine ranked SDSU among the best of the best colleges and universities while Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine recognized SDSU as a leading provider of bachelor s degrees to all under-represented students. SDSU is among the top 25 public universities in the number of students who study abroad, according to the Institute for International Education. Students participate in nearly 400 international education programs in 52 countries. SDSU researchers received nearly $108 million in research grants and contracts for 2013-2014. In newest-technology facilities like the privately funded Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State researchers are developing unique treatments for healing hearts with stem cells and studying the role of inflammation in heart disease. Research areas of excellence bring together faculty and students from different fields to solve some of the most important problems facing the world. For example, the Viromics Center is developing unique approaches to improve human health by changing the microbes that play critical roles in our bodies. SDSU s Engineering Research Center, funded by the National Science Foundation, is partnering with MIT and the University of Washington in an $18.5-million project to create brain-controlled robotic devices that interact with the human body to improve muscle function and movement. San Diego State University s commitment to entrepreneurship has been recognized by FORBES on its list of America s Most Entrepreneurial Universities. Coming in at No. 18, SDSU is ranked among top universities, including Stanford, Yale, Dartmouth, and Princeton. STEM Education Holds the Key for Jobs of the Future Your STEM Future Begins in Tbilisi, Georgia Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have revolutionized our world and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Understandably, therefore, knowledge and skills in STEM will continue to play a critical role in the ongoing global evolution of the 21st century economy. On behalf of San Diego State University, it is my pleasure to bring you an exciting new educational opportunity to earn a regionally, nationally, and professionally accredited internationally recognized U.S. Bachelor of Science degree in STEM in the heart of the Caucasus; specifically in Tbilisi, Georgia. STEM education leads to technological innovation. Technological innovation improves the competitive position of industries, drives export growth, and supports high quality jobs. Improving access to quality STEM education will strengthen the caliber of the regional, national, and international workforce, drive economic development, and promote competitiveness. SDSU, with its world-class faculty, accredited curricula, research capacity, Centers for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and its affiliations with local and global high-tech industries is in a unique position to support and enable your STEM development, and to help you achieve your academic, professional, and personal goals. Building on Excellence, SDSU s strategic plan, establishes the clear direction and priorities of the university for the next several years, underscored by a strategy to secure financial resources through private funds, investment, and revenue-generating programs. Join us at SDSU-Georgia to obtain a world-class education and become a problem-solver, innovator, inventor, and a self-reliant, design-minded, technologically literate and capable university graduate. We look forward to having you as one of our growing number of students as we work collaboratively with others to advance the educational future of your region and the world. Chukuka S. Enwemeka Provost and Senior Vice President, SDSU 4
YOUR STEM FUTURE BEGINS IN TBILISI, GEORGIA 5
SDSU-GEORGIA TBILISI San Diego State University (SDSU), along with three top Georgian universities: Georgian Technical University (GTU), Ilia State University (ISU), and Tbilisi State University (TSU) is offering courses leading to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) bachelor s degrees from SDSU-Georgia. Complete your entire degree by enrolling in SDSU classes at one or more of our partner institutions, or complete two years in Georgia, enroll in and pay required tuition and fees for one or two semesters of your third year at SDSU in San Diego, and complete your final year in Georgia. These American-style programs include a well-rounded liberal arts education and feature: n Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation (pending), and n ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or ACS (American Chemical Society) accreditation (depending on the course). As a graduate, you will have a broad base of knowledge and the critical thinking skills you need to succeed in a STEM career: locally, regionally, or internationally. Bachelor of Science Degree Programs Beginning in September 2015 n Chemistry/Biochemistry n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering Beginning in September 2016/2017 n Civil Engineering n Computer Science n Construction Engineering Earn a San Diego State University U.S. Bachelor s Degree in Tbilisi, Georgia As founding dean of SDSU-Georgia, I am very honored and pleased to oversee the SDSU-Georgia program offering students in Tbilisi, Georgia the opportunity to earn a nationally and professionally accredited, and internationally recognized high quality U.S. bachelor s degree in the heart of the Caucasus. In collaboration with GTU, ISU, and TSU, we are offering programs that provide an American-style college education to those who qualify. Our programs are designed to prepare students to excel in these fields, secure jobs offering a competitive wage, and build, expand, and enhance regional and worldwide competitiveness. Our classrooms, engineering and science laboratories, and computer workstations have been designed to meet the same criteria and provide the same technologies that are used at SDSU in the United States. Courses will be taught by SDSU faculty as well as Georgian and international faculty who meet SDSU s standards for academic excellence and the standards of U.S. professional accreditors. Students admitted to an SDSU-Georgia program are SDSU students in the same way as SDSU students in San Diego. SDSU-Georgia students may take advantage (subject to payment of supplemental fees) of opportunities to travel to San Diego to enroll in and complete a semester or two in California. We look forward to working with you to help create a high quality, competitive 21st century workforce and economy. Welcome to SDSU-Georgia! Ken Walsh Dean, SDSU-Georgia 6
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES CHOOSE YOUR PATH All degree programs offer a balance of theory and practice that prepares students for the broadest range of employment opportunities as well as graduate studies. All students participate in a final course that emphasizes teamwork, oral and written communication, and creative thinking. Chemistry and Biochemistry Chemistry is the study of matter. Some chemists study the composition, properties, and structure of compounds, and others investigate the reactions that create new substances. Understanding the changes in structure and energy during these reactions, and what factors affect the rate of reactions, help chemists develop theories and techniques to meet the new challenges of our time. Chemists usually specialize in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Biochemistry. The SDSU undergraduate program covers the fundamentals of each area, with an emphasis in laboratory study and practical applications of chemistry. Chemistry is a great career choice because it is fascinating, it contributes to society, and offers many employment opportunities. There are exciting and rewarding chemical careers in evaluating environmental problems, developing new pharmaceuticals, finding alternative energy sources, creating new processes and products, studying the nature of matter, identifying and characterizing natural products, and in discovering the processes in living cells. Chemistry is called the central science because it overlaps with other sciences, such as astronomy, biology, geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Every level of industry and government has a high demand for chemists. Many chemists also start their own businesses. 7
SDSU-GEORGIA DEGREES Computer Engineering Students who are interested in solving problems and discovering how things work should consider a career in computer engineering. Computer engineers design and build computers and digital systems of all sizes: n Large systems that predict the weather, recreate physical systems and environments (virtual reality), and handle banking and airline reservations, n Tiny computers that are inside automobiles, appliances, CD players, and cellular phones, and n Personal computers used in offices and homes everywhere. Computer engineers also design and develop the programs that control these computers. The College of Sciences produces scientifically educated graduates who possess both a fundamental understanding of their fields and the essential professional skills needed by local and regional industries. The College also contributes to the training of future mathematics and science teachers, and provides general education courses to ensure the scientific literacy of all SDSU graduates. Stanley Maloy Dean, SDSU College of Sciences The computer engineering program provides a balance between theory and practice that prepares graduates for both immediate employment and continued study. Engineering design is the focus emphasized throughout the curriculum. Major design projects during the senior year focus on creativity, consideration of economic and social factors, and applying systematic design procedures. Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering students will find this program interesting and challenging. First-year courses include calculus, physics, and chemistry. During the second and third years at SDSU, students take specific courses in the major. Upper-division classes allow students to put theory into practice with courses such as analog and digital circuit design, electronic materials, power systems, and electromagnetics. Each student will select from technical electives such as VLSI design (designing microchips), biomedical instrumentation, microwave transmission, communication systems, digital signal processing, microprocessors, multi-media programming, power systems design and analysis, optical electronics, and computer networks. Among the four engineering departments, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the most flexibility with regard to elective courses. For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/degrees The College of Engineering at SDSU prides itself on teaching effectiveness and on attracting experienced faculty from all over the world. Recognized nationally as an outstanding research university, SDSU understands the importance of combining classroom education with practical research. Through ever-expanding research facilities and collaborations with the region s foremost high-tech and construction industries, engineering programs at SDSU provide students with the experience necessary to put theories into practice and to work successfully in a team environment. Monte Mehrabadi Dean, SDSU College of Engineering 8
STEM SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS ARE YOUR KEYS TO THE FUTURE 9
SDSU-GEORGIA DEGREES Beginning in September 2016/2017 Computer Science Your first year of courses in this major teaches you the fundamentals of programming. In the second year, you will begin to take more specialized courses, learning about how computers function, as well as advanced and efficient ways of organizing information. As you move into the upper division courses, you will learn several different computer languages, as well as elements of circuit design and how operating systems such as Windows and UNIX function. You will also have the opportunity to take courses in elective areas such as software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Civil Engineering Civil and environmental engineering students face a program that is challenging, exciting, flexible and diversified. Because the engineer s work is predominantly intellectual and varied and not of a routine mental or physical character, the SDSU program places emphasis upon the mastery of a strong core of subject matter in the physical sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences. Woven through the pattern is a continuing study of the social sciences and humanities, because engineering graduates must expect to find their best expression as leaders, conscious of the social and economic implications of their decisions. San Diego State University College of Extended Studies The College of Extended Studies offers certificate and degree programs, international education and training, lifelong learning classes, workforce development, English language instruction and more. Serving 26,000 students from more than 50 countries a year, CES helps meet the needs of individuals and organizations in such areas as management, leadership, quality improvement, career advancement, human resources, health care, process improvement, and self-enrichment courses that range from accounting to web design. The College of Extended Studies is many things to many people a community, an educational institution, a social hub, a place to network but above all, the College is a catalyst, the ingredient that s added to create change in your life and to implement our motto: Never Stop Learning. Joe Shapiro Dean, SDSU College of Extended Studies Construction Engineering Construction engineering as a discipline could be accurately described as the application of scientific principals and project management tools to the construction enterprise. It is fundamentally a problem-solving profession, in which the construction professional must obtain the skills and breadth of understanding to puzzle out how to bring the dream of a design into the reality of a finished facility. Construction professionals must have an understanding of the society and its basic function in order to successfully complete the built works which enable that society. They must have an excellent grounding in the foundational skills of the profession, but they must couple these with the ability to relate to widely divergent interests. For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/degrees 10
SDSU PARTNER UNIVERSITIES IN GEORGIA 11
SDSU-GEORGIA PARTNERS SDSU-Georgia, in close collaboration with our three Georgian partner universities, focuses on providing a high quality STEM undergraduate education to train an advanced workforce that will help meet the growing needs of an expanding regional and international economy. Georgian Technical University Georgian Technical University (GTU) was founded in 1922 as a polytechnic faculty of TSU. Transformed in 1928 into an independent Georgian Polytechnical Institute, it achieved university status by 1990. GTU has provided over 60 percent of Georgia s engineering, chemistry and scientific industry specialists in the last 80 years, and its scientific library is one of the largest in Georgia, comprised of more than 1,254,000 books, many of which are unique and rare. Degree Programs Offered Through SDSU-Georgia: n Chemistry n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering: Power Engineering Focus Ilia State University Ilia State University (ISU) in Tbilisi was established in 2006 as a merger of six different educational and research institutions. It was the first university in Georgia to introduce principles of liberal education. In 2012 a new standard for teaching RESULT (Research and Education Systems United as Learning Tools) was created in which students and professors carry out research together, so that students learn by doing. The university operates 25 research institutes, centers, and laboratories throughout the country. Degree Programs Offered Through SDSU-Georgia: n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering: Microelectronics Focus Tbilisi State University The oldest university in the entire Caucasus region, Tbilisi State University (TSU) was established in 1918 in Tbilisi, Georgia. TSU has eight branches in different regions of Georgia, with approximately 60 scientific-research laboratories and centers, a scientific library, several museums, and a publishing house. An essential objective of the University is to support the development of a democratic society, culture and science, and continued growth of the national level of civilization. Degree Programs Offered Through SDSU-Georgia: n Chemistry with a Biochemistry Focus n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering 7 Reasons to Earn a San Diego State University STEM Bachelor s Degree in Tbilisi, Georgia n Earn a well-established, internationally recognized American degree in the heart of the Caucasus. n Complete a high quality, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized degree that prepares graduates for the careers of the future in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). n Complete an approved degree that meets standards for accreditation by such entities as WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) (pending), ABET (formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), and ACS (American Chemical Society). n Experience using the kind of state-of-the-art computer and laboratory equipment and facilities found in 21st century business and industry. n Develop a broad-based breadth of knowledge, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and creative skills necessary for success in the university and corporate worlds through courses that provide a substantive general education foundation. n Leverage financial resources by living, studying, and learning in Tbilisi, Georgia. n Make an essential positive contribution to the local, regional, and international workforce. 12
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMY ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS 13
SDSU-GEORGIA LANGUAGE To help prepare students for admission, the San Diego State University (SDSU)-Georgia English Language Academy (ELA) in collaboration with the Center for International Education (CIE) offers preparatory English courses in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and other Georgian cities. The ELA is designed to help prepare potential SDSU-Georgia students who have a solid background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with the appropriate English language skills necessary to successfully meet the SDSU TOEFL requirements for admission. A TOEFL IBT score of 70 or PBT score of 523, an IELTS score of 6.0, or the equivalent is required for admission to SDSU-Georgia. As instruction in all SDSU programs will be in English, university-level skills in English are required to read scientific literature, exchange ideas with international scientists and engineers, and participate in international scientific and engineering meetings. All students must demonstrate a high level of English-language skills for admission to any SDSU-Georgia program. For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/ela General Education A core part of SDSU bachelor degree programs is General Education (GE). GE provides the breadth of knowledge necessary for meaningful work, lifelong learning, socially responsible citizenship, and intellectual development. The GE program prepares graduates to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Our graduates will live and work in the context of globalization, scientific and technological innovation, cross-cultural encounters, and environmental challenges. For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/generaleducation The Specific Goals of the English Language Program are: n Assess student proficiency in English. n Identify the specific language coursework necessary to prepare students for success with their SDSU studies. n Place students in English courses at the appropriate proficiency level. n Monitor progress and advance students on an as-needed basis to courses focusing on higher levels of English language proficiency as they achieve mastery of current coursework. n Offer additional English language support in the form of face-to-face and online tutoring to help students succeed in their classes. 14
STUDENT LIFE ENHANCE YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE 15
SDSU-GEORGIA STUDENT LIFE Your SDSU-Georgia university experience will begin with taking SDSU courses in classrooms located at one or more of our three partner institutions. Living near campus or being able to get to campus easily via public or private transportation will not only enable you to have easy access to your classes, but will also provide you with the opportunity to join campus activities, clubs, entertainment, and social events. Across the partner universities you will find a wide range of student life activities that can enhance your overall university experience in many different ways. If you are looking for cultural activities, you might be interested in folk dancing, theater, choir, instrumental ensembles, or other local options. You might also be interested in building leadership skills and participating in self-government. If you are more athletically inclined, you can join a recreational football, basketball, volleyball, or rugby team. SDSU actively promotes and supports student involvement in these kinds of extracurricular activities as part of the learning experience. Reach out to colleagues and friends to try the kinds of activities mentioned above or to pursue your hobby or create a new student academic or social club. For more information about student life please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/studentlife Study Abroad as an International Student at SDSU in San Diego, California for a Semester or Year SDSU-Georgia students may study at SDSU in San Diego by paying the appropriate fees for study on campus for the fall and/ or spring semesters of their junior year. Students choosing this option will have many opportunities to experience academic, social, and cultural student life in the United States, such as: n Engaging in research projects with other SDSU students and/or SDSU faculty. n Joining and participating in academic and social student clubs and organizations. n Participating in the Student Research Symposium. n Learning with and from SDSU s diverse student population including international students from more than 50 countries around the world. n Attending cross-cultural activities on or near the SDSU campus. n Attending sporting events and musical/theater performances. n Joining the SDSU state-of-the-art Aztec Recreation Center that includes two large outdoor solar-heated swimming pools and tennis courts. n Living on campus, or in one of many approved off-campus apartments and housing facilities, or with an approved homestay family in their private home. 16
HOW TO APPLY TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO EARNING YOUR BACHELOR S DEGREE 17
SDSU-GEORGIA ADMISSION Fall 2015 Application & Admission International High School Graduates During the 2014/2015 academic year (September 2014 through May 2015), SDSU-Georgia will accept applications only from students who wish to be admitted as first-time freshmen in Fall 2015. You may apply to SDSU as a first-time freshman if you have: n Not yet graduated high school, or n Completed high school but have not taken any college courses since high school graduation. Admission Requirements All applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) High School Diploma Complete high school graduation requirements or the equivalent. Prior to enrollment, provide SDSU-Georgia a certified copy of certificate of high school graduation or a high school diploma or the equivalent. 2) Grade Point Average A minimum U.S. equivalent grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (grade of B, 80% or higher, or 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) is required. 3) English Language Proficiency n Applicants who have attended a high school where English was the primary language of instruction need to provide documentation that they attended a high school where courses were taught in English. n Applicants who have not attended a high school where English was the primary language of instruction must meet university-level competence in English through one of the following: 2015 SDSU-Georgia Programs The following programs are scheduled to start in September 2015: Georgian Technical University n Chemistry n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering: Power Engineering Focus Ilia State University n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering: Microelectronics Focus Tbilisi State University n Chemistry and Biochemistry Focus n Computer Engineering n Electrical Engineering Beginning September 2016/2017 n Civil Engineering n Computer Science n Construction Engineering n TOEFL a score of at least 70 (ibt) or 523 (paper) n IELTS a score of at least 6.0. n ACT English section: score of 22 or higher n SAT Critical Reading section: score of 500 or higher n A recognized equivalent competency 4) SAT/ACT Tests - International high school applicants attending a U.S. high school or an international U.S. accredited high school are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores. 18
HOW TO APPLY YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS BEGINS HERE 19
SDSU-GEORGIA HOW TO APPLY Application Materials and Deadlines a) Applications for admission will be accepted beginning mid-february 2015. b) Complete the Application for Admission form that will be available online georgia.sdsu.edu/internationaladmissions when the application period opens. c) Include your application fee of US$55 via check or money or payable to San Diego State University. d) Achieve the required TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent score. SDSU-Georgia strongly recommends that applicants who are unable to meet the above English proficiency requirements consider changing their admission priorities to the same type of degree program at their SDSU-Georgia partner university. e) Complete items b, c, and d and submit these materials to: San Diego State University-Georgia Office of Admissions Ivan Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 1 Ilia Chavachavadze Avenue Building 2, Room 101 Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Formal decisions Formal decisions for admission to SDSU-Georgia will be announced beginning in late March 2015. For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/internationaladmission Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is advancing American values and interests by addressing global challenges through economic growth. The MCC model fulfills this mission by focusing on policy reforms, economic growth opportunities that deliver tangible results, and shared learning on what is, and is not working. This approach makes development assistance more effective, improves the lives of the world s poor and creates the markets of the future, with whom companies can do business and trade. The cooperative program between SDSU and Georgia Universities is an exciting entrance into advancing our mission through education. Magda Magradze, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Account Georgia 20
FINANCES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP COVER THE COST OF YOUR EDUCATION 21
SDSU-GEORGIA FINANCES We understand that it is very important for you and your family to know what your costs will be to prepare for and take the next step in your education. With advanced planning and some creativity, you can further enhance the value of this investment for you and your family. Tuition & Fees Textbooks The costs of textbooks vary with each individual course. SDSU-Georgia in collaboration with our partner universities will strive to keep textbook costs as affordable as possible by using digital textbooks, providing textbooks on reserve in the library, and using other online sources. We will examine each course individually and provide access to detailed information about the books, how to obtain them, and what the costs will be. Housing The costs for housing depend on many factors including, but not limited to: 1) Do you currently live close enough to one of our three partner institutions so you can commute to your classes from home? Financial Assistance 2015 Waivers International students admitted to an SDSU-Georgia program in collaboration with one of our three partner universities in Tbilisi will be eligible to apply for tuition waivers through SDSU-Georgia that range from 25% to 45%. 2) If you want or need to live near campus, do you want to live alone or have one or more roommates? 3) Is there transportation available that would enable you to live a bit further from campus? For additional information, please visit our website at: georgia.sdsu.edu/finances 22
EMAIL MAIL Georgiainfo@mail.sdsu.edu San Diego State University-Georgia Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 1 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, Building 2, Room 101, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia PHONE +995-32-229-08-20 WEB georgia.sdsu.edu *Pending approval by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States