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Schools differ from country to country, and there are some pretty interesting school systems in the world. In The Netherlands, for example, kids start school on their 4th birthday, no matter when the school year starts. Kids in China, in turn, learn on the principle of memorization.

And then there's the US. What most of us know about American schools probably comes from movies and TV. But what are schools in the US really like? Well, here we have a list of pics from many primary sources, the students themselves. They capture the true experience of the American school.

#1

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School’s "Library" Now

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School’s "Library" Now

Florida passed a law that said no books can be displayed in a school, until they've been reviewed and approved by an appointed team. If a teacher shows a book that has not been approved, they could be charged with a felony.

missmyrajv Report

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    #2

    My School Blocked A Website Because It Was Labeled As Educational

    My School Blocked A Website Because It Was Labeled As Educational

    reddit.com Report

    #3

    During The Summer, My School Installed Metal Gates Over The Bathrooms To Keep Us From Going Between Classes

    During The Summer, My School Installed Metal Gates Over The Bathrooms To Keep Us From Going Between Classes

    Lord-Zippy Report

    Currently, American schools lag a bit behind other countries in the world in terms of their students' academic achievements. When they tested 15-year-olds in their math and science literacy, American teenagers ranked only 38th out of 71 countries. Among other 37 OECD countries in 2022, Americans ranked 38th in math and 12th in science.

    Younger students, however, are doing surprisingly more well. In 2015, American fourth-grade students placed 11th out of 48 in math and 8th in science. Eighth-graders scored 8th both in math and science among 37 other countries. 

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    #4

    This Survey At My School

    This Survey At My School

    lucky_dog21 Report

    #5

    My School Doesn't Have Stall Doors

    My School Doesn't Have Stall Doors

    There are also huge mirrors directly facing them.

    Gazers22 Report

    #6

    My School Wants Us To Allow This On Our Personal Devices, Just To Use Google Classroom

    My School Wants Us To Allow This On Our Personal Devices, Just To Use Google Classroom

    reddit.com Report

    Interestingly, Americans don't think that the quality of education in the U.S. is above average. In fact, 32% of adults believe that when it comes to K-12 STEM education, America ranks below average compared to other wealthy nations. But are statistics of academic achievement all that matter when we talk about schools?

    The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, also surveys children about how they feel at school. Data shows that younger students report feeling happy "all or most of the time" more than older students. 49% of fourth-graders say they're happy at school, while only 27% of eighth-graders say the same.

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    #7

    This Is The Inside Of My Child's Homework Folder Provided By The School. At What Point Has Consumerism Gone Too Far?

    This Is The Inside Of My Child's Homework Folder Provided By The School. At What Point Has Consumerism Gone Too Far?

    xtinaxtina18 Report

    #8

    Creepy Surveillance Into The Boys' Bathroom At My High School

    Creepy Surveillance Into The Boys' Bathroom At My High School

    There is a window in the boys' bathroom that has a perfect line of sight with the security office that doubles as a panopticon of the entire commons area. If this was the girls' bathroom, heads would roll and there would have been a riot outside years ago. I hate it here.

    Alligatorgamer9 Report

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "So, why do you want the job as school security guard?" " I like to watch boys pee. " "Perfect! You are hired!"

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's still perverted and as a parent I would be raising hell and pulling my kid out of that school.

    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was in Jr High there was a window like that in the girls gym teacher's office to the locker room. I always went to either a bathroom stall or shower stall to change.

    Luisa Vega
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although this is totally wrong, I understand why they didn't feel the need to monitor the girls bathroom. In my son's school, the boys bathroom is constantly being vandalized while nothing ever happens in the girls..not yet anyways.

    bernie bulk
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    im guessing its a boys only catholic school.....the devils playground

    Cybele Spanjaard
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why? Boys are not the only ones who fight in the school washrooms

    廖亚芳
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this to prevent school bullying? At least it won't happen in the school toilet. As for what happens to students after they leave school, it has nothing to do with the school.

    Rebecca Donaldson
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The panels hid all the important business. What is everyone doing trying to see anyway?

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    #9

    They Start The Indoctrination Early At My Florida High School

    They Start The Indoctrination Early At My Florida High School

    DelCidKidv Report

    American parents say they're mostly satisfied with their children's education but don't think K-12 education in America overall is of good quality. They also think that teachers are doing a good job. 36% of parents think their children's teachers are "excellent" and 37% believe their kids' teacher is "good."

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    #10

    The School Lunch System Is Disgraceful

    The School Lunch System Is Disgraceful

    From my years in high school I compiled some pictures of the horrible things that got served that no one questioned. It really is ironic given how adamant they all are about eating healthy by including every food group.

    oaz_zam246 Report

    #11

    My Friend Got In Trouble For "PDA"

    My Friend Got In Trouble For "PDA"

    After-Employer5610 Report

    #12

    What A Sad Country We Live In For My 12-Year-Old To Text Me This

    What A Sad Country We Live In For My 12-Year-Old To Text Me This

    loserwaste Report

    Those who are not from America might look at this list and think how strange and different American schools are. But the truth is that each country has something different about its education system and schools that might surprise people. Finland, for example, which is often thought to have one of the best education systems in the world might seem strange too.

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    #13

    Our School Spent 1.3 Million On New Turf For A Loosing Team, But I Get To Deal With This Every Time It Rains Because They Can’t Afford To Fix The Roof

    Our School Spent 1.3 Million On New Turf For A Loosing Team, But I Get To Deal With This Every Time It Rains Because They Can’t Afford To Fix The Roof

    OShtTheC0PS Report

    #14

    The Absolutely Terrible Design Of My School. This Is The Place Where Every Hallway Intersects

    The Absolutely Terrible Design Of My School. This Is The Place Where Every Hallway Intersects

    LuigiSaysKachow Report

    #15

    Our High School Covers Expiration Dates With A Sharpie

    Our High School Covers Expiration Dates With A Sharpie

    TheBigWedgeOfCheese Report

    The country began its education reform about 40 years ago and prioritized hiring educators in decision-making positions both at the local and national levels. Teachers in Finland must have a Masters degree in Education, and the system prioritizes the underprivileged. "Children from wealthy families with lots of education can be taught by stupid teachers," veteran teacher Kari Louhivuori said.

    #16

    I Guess My Daughter's School Administrator Is Trying To Reprimand Me?

    I Guess My Daughter's School Administrator Is Trying To Reprimand Me?

    I was late a lot through high school, but I'd never been sent home with anything like this. My mother would get a call from the school every now and then, that's about it. For reference, my daughter's in 1st grade.

    Substantial_Tart9571 Report

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    #17

    My School Blocked Google

    My School Blocked Google

    NormalBluJay Report

    #18

    My School's Bag Check Line

    My School's Bag Check Line

    JL-Nobody568 Report

    Singaporean schools are often at the top of international ranking tables as well. What American students might find strange in a Singaporean classroom is that teachers are usually the ones who talk the most during lessons and discussions by the students aren't that widely encouraged. Pupils use digital devices in the learning process, as teachers incorporate technology into classrooms.

    #19

    My Children's School Folders Are Starting To Look Like Internet Pop-Ups

    My Children's School Folders Are Starting To Look Like Internet Pop-Ups

    This is in my wife's hometown, which is small, so she doesn't share my anger. She said it was to raise money for the fall festival. Told my buddy from back home about it and he was just as angry as I was, even calling it child labor.

    Kami_Ouija Report

    #20

    Bathroom Pass In An American School. I Mean, I Get It, Kids Take Advantage, But This Is Too Much

    Bathroom Pass In An American School. I Mean, I Get It, Kids Take Advantage, But This Is Too Much

    LikeSnowOnTheBeach Report

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    #21

    This Is What They Gave Us For Lunch Today. I’m A 6'5" 160 Lbs Track Athlete, With Practice And Weight Training After School. This Did Little To Nothing To My Hunger Level

    This Is What They Gave Us For Lunch Today. I’m A 6'5" 160 Lbs Track Athlete, With Practice And Weight Training After School. This Did Little To Nothing To My Hunger Level

    Toastedtoastyyy Report

    The South Korean education system is often lauded as well. Students in Korea spend more time at school than American students. An average American student spends 180 days a year at school, while a Korean student – about 220. Together with Finland, students in South Korea also get the least amount of homework per week.

    #22

    Honestly, I’d Rather Just Ask For Cash

    Honestly, I’d Rather Just Ask For Cash

    So we have to buy a $60 box of chocolate bars (which I noticed are now only 0.8 oz when they used to be 1.5 oz), sell the whole box, and only $22 of that goes towards an end of year trip? Just no. I’d rather donate cash and save myself and my kid the headache. Or even do a lemonade stand, or sell bracelets. Seems like the least efficient way to do a fundraiser.

    aLittleKrunchy Report

    #23

    School Board Policy For Lunch In North Carolina

    School Board Policy For Lunch In North Carolina

    neko2314 Report

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    #24

    My School Banned The Dinosaur Game

    My School Banned The Dinosaur Game

    real-Dantepersons Report

    If you've ever been to Spain, you know that the siesta is sacred to people there. The same is true at some Spanish schools: students get a two-hour lunch break to go home and eat and possibly take a nap. The usual school hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, others from 8 am to 3 pm.

    #25

    My School Is Fining Students That Take Too Long In The Bathroom

    My School Is Fining Students That Take Too Long In The Bathroom

    miketerk21 Report

    #26

    School Has A "Minimum Donation" For A Fundraiser

    School Has A "Minimum Donation" For A Fundraiser

    My friend's kid's school is having a fundraiser. I was like, yeah sure I'll donate 5 bucks. Nope. Well now they're getting no money because 15 is a little too much for me.

    ThatGothGamerChick Report

    #27

    Sign On The Nurse's Door At My School

    Sign On The Nurse's Door At My School

    Butchah Report

    Here's another fun fact for you: students in Australia and New Zealand sometimes go to school barefoot. Kiwis and Australians going to the local supermarket barefoot isn't so unusual generally, so why should schools be different? Inglewood Primary School in Perth, Australia, has officially adopted a no-shoe policy. "We believe that children need opportunities to explore indoor and outdoor environments without shoes," they stated in a newsletter.

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    #28

    My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

    My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

    zixxty Report

    #29

    About Half Of This 50-Gallon Trash Can Is Full Of Perfectly Good Cartons Of Milk, Expiration Date Is In 2 Weeks. Schools Waste A Lot Of Food

    About Half Of This 50-Gallon Trash Can Is Full Of Perfectly Good Cartons Of Milk, Expiration Date Is In 2 Weeks. Schools Waste A Lot Of Food

    spider_manectric Report

    #30

    There Was A Typo In The First Sentence Of My School's Guide To Careful Writing

    There Was A Typo In The First Sentence Of My School's Guide To Careful Writing

    RumHam12 Report

    I believe we have many Pandas from different countries here. So, don't hesitate to share what distinguishes the schools in your homeland from the rest of the world. Is it the curriculum? Is it the classroom environment? And, if you've ever been on both sides, how did an American school compare to the ones in your country? Let us know in the comments! 

    #31

    Toilet Paper Provided At My School

    Toilet Paper Provided At My School

    MentalBuddy Report

    #32

    This Map Is In My School's Elementary Library. Because All Of Eastern Asia And The Pacific Islands Are Apparently China

    This Map Is In My School's Elementary Library. Because All Of Eastern Asia And The Pacific Islands Are Apparently China

    joecosmos Report

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    #33

    I Don't Think That's Even Legal

    I Don't Think That's Even Legal

    Bob_Kat8k Report

    #34

    When Your School Bans Wikipedia, Only To Copy Directly From Wikipedia In Their Own Lesson Resources

    When Your School Bans Wikipedia, Only To Copy Directly From Wikipedia In Their Own Lesson Resources

    Kisuzume Report

    #35

    High School Bathrooms Are Really Wild

    High School Bathrooms Are Really Wild

    willyone225 Report

    #36

    Bathroom "Stalls" At James Rumsey High School

    Bathroom "Stalls" At James Rumsey High School

    LeastSuspiciousTowel Report

    #37

    Just Got Handed This In The Middle Of Class. I’m In High School

    Just Got Handed This In The Middle Of Class. I’m In High School

    thehighguy9 Report

    #38

    The Shower Rooms In My School Dorms Have Mushrooms Growing In Them

    The Shower Rooms In My School Dorms Have Mushrooms Growing In Them

    thorodinson1021 Report

    #39

    Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass, We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

    Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass, We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

    Cheese_is_good1 Report

    #40

    This Milk At My School

    This Milk At My School

    Drizzyhenry13 Report

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    #41

    When The School Gives A Big Box To Hide The Size Of The Pizza

    When The School Gives A Big Box To Hide The Size Of The Pizza

    zukofire48 Report

    #42

    When You Get One Formula Wrong In Our Weekly Tests At My School, They Make You Write It Out 150 Times. I Have 4 More Of These To Do

    When You Get One Formula Wrong In Our Weekly Tests At My School, They Make You Write It Out 150 Times. I Have 4 More Of These To Do

    h4y14y6 Report

    #43

    My Little Brother’s Middle School Schedule. He’s Having Such A Hard Time Remembering When Periods Start And End. Why Are The Times This Specific?

    My Little Brother’s Middle School Schedule. He’s Having Such A Hard Time Remembering When Periods Start And End. Why Are The Times This Specific?

    mad_cherry Report

    #44

    This Sign On A High School Classroom Door

    This Sign On A High School Classroom Door

    cmonfiend Report

    #45

    "Gift" From The School My Girlfriend Works At For Teacher’s Appreciation Week

    "Gift" From The School My Girlfriend Works At For Teacher’s Appreciation Week

    BillyJoelArmstrong Report

    #46

    I'm A Night Custodian At A High School. This Is What The First Day Of School Looks Like

    I'm A Night Custodian At A High School. This Is What The First Day Of School Looks Like

    unwanted-tomatoes Report

    #47

    My School Could Afford $6,000,000 Worth Of Renovations, But They Can’t Afford Toilet Paper That I Can’t See Through

    My School Could Afford $6,000,000 Worth Of Renovations, But They Can’t Afford Toilet Paper That I Can’t See Through

    Qweezychicken Report

    #48

    My School's Renovated Toilet

    My School's Renovated Toilet

    The_real_Hive_Knight Report

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    #49

    You Can’t Convince Me That "Syrup" Isn’t Just Motor Oil

    You Can’t Convince Me That "Syrup" Isn’t Just Motor Oil

    destiny_thememe Report

    #50

    High School Throwing Away Perfectly Good Books

    High School Throwing Away Perfectly Good Books

    Starmanof1 Report

    Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.