Visit schools anywhere in the world, and one will notice a number of similarities and differences. There are students, teachers, books, blackboards, and exams everywhere. However, a school system in one country is not identical to the system in any other country. It cannot be exactly the same because each culture is different. The educational system is a mirror that reflects the culture and the society. By looking at the school system of the United States, Japan, and Britain, the social structure and the values of a society’s cultural identity are revealed. Education in the United States is available to everyone, but not all schools are equal. Public primary and secondary schools are free for everyone. There is no tuition. Almost 80 percent of all Americans are high school graduates. Students themselves decide if they want college-preparatory or vocational classes in high school; no national exam determines this. Higher education is not free, but it is available to almost anyone, and about 60 percent of all high school graduates attend college or university. Older people have the opportunity to attend college, too, because Americans believe that “you’re never too old to learn.” On the other hand, there are problems with lack of discipline and with both drugs and crime. In addition, public schools receive their money from local taxes, so schools in poor areas receive less money. As a result, they don’t have enough effective teachers or laboratory equipment, and the buildings are often not in the best condition. Clearly, U.S. public and private education reflects both the best and the worst of the society. The Japanese value education highly in their society and culture. One statistic reflects this: the Japanese place such importance on education that 88 percent of all students complete not only primary school but also high school. Public schools are