US schools count in grades, from kindergarten to 12th grade. Children are usually placed by age, not by what they studied before.
Elementary school: kindergarten (about age 5) to grade 5.
Middle school (or junior high): grades 6 to 8.
High school: grades 9 to 12. The four years are called freshman, sophomore, junior and senior.
The exact split differs by district. A 9-year-old usually goes into grade 3 or 4.
Most schools start in August or early September and end in May or June.
There is a winter break (late December to early January), a spring break (one week, often March or April), and a long summer break of about 10 weeks.
There are many single days off for holidays and teacher workdays. Download the district calendar on day one.
The school day is often about 7.5 hours, for example 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Teachers grade with letters: A (excellent), B, C, D, and F (fail). Younger children may get numbers 1 to 4 instead.
A report card comes every quarter or semester. Many schools also use an online parent portal where you see grades, missing homework and attendance every day. Ask for your login.
Attendance matters. Too many absences can lead to letters from the school. Call or email the office each time your child is sick.
Parent-teacher conferences
Once or twice a year, the school sets a 15 to 20 minute meeting with each teacher. It is normal and friendly, not a sign of a problem.
Sign up for a time slot when the school sends the link.
Ask for an interpreter if you need one. It should be free.
Prepare two or three questions: "What is my child good at?", "Where does my child need help?", "What can I do at home?"
You can also email a teacher any time. Most reply within one or two school days.
PTA or PTO: the parents' group. Meetings are open to all parents, and many people make their first friends there. Joining is voluntary.
Volunteering: helping in class, at events or on field trips. Some schools need a background check first.
Permission slips: forms you sign for trips or activities. Watch the backpack and email for them.
Homework and teaching style
Teachers value questions, discussion and projects, not only memorizing. Children work in groups a lot.
Homework is often lighter in elementary school and heavier in high school.
Many teachers prefer that parents help but do not do the work. They want to see what the child can do.
Missing emails. Schools send most news by email, text and an app. Check every day.
Assuming a quiet child is fine. Ask the teacher how your child is doing in the first month.