Education is compulsory and free for every child in the United
States. Most children start school by the age of six. They attend eight years
of (36) schools and four years of high school or
(37) school. The money for free public schools comes from taxes,
and each state is (38) for its own educational system. State
legislatures set the educational requirements but leave the (39)
of the schools in the hands of the (40)
communities. Most states require their children to go to school until
a certain age. This age (41) from 10 to 18 years according to
the laws of the (42) states. The Federal government
(43) funds to the states for additional school and school
services. (44) . One may go to a twoyear
college, a four year college, a university, or a specialized professional
school—either public or private. Most colleges admit students on the basis of
their high school records. (45) . Many students receive
scholarships from the schools, governments, or private foundations and
organizations. (46) . Only 2 percent of the population of the
country cannot read and write.