Sweden

Introduction

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote by Nelson Mandela could not be truer. Education, especially higher education, is not only important and beneficial for the individual but also society as a whole. Higher education gives individuals more options and improves quality of life. As times goes on, the relationship between a college education and success will become more significant in our information-driven world economy.

Education is essential to economic development and a proper education system is essential for students to learn. It also is essential for countries, such as the United States and Sweden, to stay competitive. Education systems in the United States and Sweden, although they have any similarities, are very different.

General Statistics

In 2010, there were over 3 million teachers and over 55 million students in the United States. Both public and private schools are available. In 2014, 87% of children attended public school and 10% attended private school. Parents also have the option to home school. In 2014, about 3% of children are educated in this way.

The United States has over 4 thousand higher education institutions and has over 23 million students enroll in undergraduate programs as of 2014. Sweden has 51 higher education institutions and over 300 thousand students enrolled.

As of 2014, the United States ranked 14th best in the world on the Pearson Education Index. Sweden ranked 24th. According to US News and World Report, of the top 10 colleges in the world, 8 are in the United States. Both United and Sweden are some of the top countries that spend more per student on education than other countries in the world.

K–12 education

In the United States, schooling is required. However the age range at which it is required varies from state to state. Public education from kindergarten to 12th grade is free. Most states require that the academic calendar year lasts 180...