Elementary School (K-5):
* Reading/Language Arts: Phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, writing (narrative, descriptive, expository), spelling.
* Mathematics: Number sense, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), geometry, measurement, data analysis.
* Science: Life science (plants, animals, human body), physical science (matter, energy), earth science (weather, rocks, landforms).
* Social Studies: History (often starting with local history and expanding to state and national history), geography, civics (basic government concepts).
* Art: Drawing, painting, sculpting, art history (introductory).
* Music: Singing, playing instruments (sometimes), music theory (basic).
* Physical Education: Basic movement skills, team sports, individual activities.
Middle School (6-8):
The subjects largely continue from elementary school, but become more complex and specialized:
* Reading/Language Arts: More advanced reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing different genres (essays, research papers), grammar and mechanics.
* Mathematics: Pre-algebra, algebra (often starting in 7th or 8th grade), geometry (often starting in 8th grade), data analysis and probability.
* Science: More in-depth study of life, physical, and earth science, often including separate courses in biology, chemistry, and physics (introductory).
* Social Studies: More detailed study of US and world history, geography, civics, and government. Sometimes includes economics.
* Foreign Language: Spanish, French, German, or other languages are often offered as electives or required courses.
* Art & Music: Continue from elementary school, potentially with more specialization.
* Physical Education: More advanced skills and sports.
High School (9-12):
High school offers a wider range of subjects and often requires students to choose electives based on their interests and college plans:
* English: Literature analysis, composition, rhetoric. AP courses (Advanced Placement) are often offered for college credit.
* Mathematics: Algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus (various levels), statistics. AP courses are common.
* Science: Biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, environmental science, possibly specialized sciences like anatomy & physiology. AP courses are common and often required for college applications.
* Social Studies: US history, world history, government, economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology. AP courses are common.
* Foreign Language: Continued study of a foreign language. AP courses are often available.
* Electives: A wide variety of electives are available, including art, music, drama, technology, vocational training (e.g., carpentry, auto mechanics), and more.
* Physical Education/Health: Often a requirement for graduation.
This is a general overview. Specific course offerings and requirements vary significantly depending on the school, district, and state. Many schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and other enrichment programs.