A Comparative Study of the Educational Systems in the United States and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. both provide education for their citizens; however, there are significant differences between the two countries? systems through which they provide it. This study compares and contrasts the two systems at the secondary level. It provides a brief history of each system and their theoretical approaches to education, then compares the two based on history of education, curriculum, religion in schools, teacher preparation and advancement, structure of high schools, technology, special education, financial support, extracurricular activities, testing, and the classroom learning environment. The study was conducted using the Historical-Comparative Methodology due to the differences in societal and cultural norms. This method not only provided a comparison between the two educational systems, but it also provided information as to how and why the two systems changed over time, as well as how those differences and similarities impact goals and outcomes. Data was collected and analyzed from over thirty articles, databases and books that highlight studies, historical references, and current statistics in each category of education service in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia schools. The results showed that both systems are governed by a higher office, which creates the guidelines and regulations for education. Both also have a curriculum focus at the secondary level that is intended to provide students with rich and rigorous preparation for college or vocation. The two nations both foster technology, a high level of professional teacher training, and parental involvement in their systems. Differences include gender separation in Saudi schools, and the integration of culture and religion into its curriculum. Saudi Arabia has not adopted the Common Core Standards, and does not promote extracurricular activities. Differences in technology and teacher education also distinguish the two systems. The results also are used to identify the best practices that emerge from the study of the two systems.