As a person who transferred from California to Virginia, I can say that the education system is vastly different between the two states on opposite coasts. Determining which system is better is subjective, but the educational system in Virginia plays more to my strengths than the one in the west did.
First off, the classes you take in Virginia are different from the ones in California. One major distinction is the math classes. In California, various math subjects and units were compiled into one class like Math I, II, III, etc. In Virginia, these options are not offered and you must take certain classes like Geometry, Algebra, and Calculus, each with their own levels. Another notable difference I observed was the history classes. In Virginia, you are required to take World History I or II. In California, the class of World History was optional like the other history classes. This prevents students from taking another class their freshman year, as other history options like AP European History, AP Human Geography, and AP U.S. History only emerge in the later years. Virginia also requires students to take SOLs, or Standards of Learning tests, in some classes. This year, I took the History SOL in my first semester and will take the Science and Math SOL in the coming month.
The school and class schedule also functions differently. School starts at 8:55 A.M. in order to have 5 minutes for morning announcements. Students enroll in 8 classes before the year starts but only attend 4 of those classes one semester and complete the other 4 the second semester. This is known as the 4-Block Schedule. Seniors have the option of a 3-Block Schedule where they enroll in 6 classes instead of 8 since many seniors have already obtained the credits necessary to graduate. The classes are 90 minutes long and the school day ends at 3:53 P.M. The lunch schedule has 4 separate lunch times. The 3rd block classes are assigned which lunch time they are allowed to go to. This means that you may go to lunch before, during, or after your 3rd block class.
Education is a major part of our growth and development. No matter how different the systems of education are around the world, they are all aimed at teaching young generations and ensuring their futures. I managed to adapt to this new system and make the most out of it. I hope you all have a great summer.
- Antonin Ducroux - USA (East Coast)