Why does classes in the US start on September?

Answer

The answer is quite simple, the American educational system is similar to our own here in the UK

That means the term dates are similar to, to answer your question, the schools summer breaks usually run from July to September, during the nineteenth century, this enabled children to help their families harvest the crops, during those months, ready for storage for the winter

This harvesting usually took two months to complete , after which the children were available to resume school

Hope this answers your question

Answer

Great answer above!! I might also add, that while US schools have a general start date, start dates for programs of study within the particular institution may be quite different. In other words, some programs of study at the college or university level may start in September, while others may start in January, and still others - although to a much lesser degree - may start at the beginning of the summer. As just one example, The University of Medicine and Dentistry starts it's Respiratory Care program in the latter part of May or in very early June. At the elementary or secondary level, it is much less confusing as the above contributor indicated.

Viper1

First answer by Russell123. Last edit by Viper1usmc. Contributor trust: 1332 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 11 [recommend question]