<human>:  Provide an overview of the American education system.
<bot>: The American education system is made up of public and private schools, from pre-K through university level, that provide educational opportunities for students in the United States. Public schools are funded through taxation and overseen by local, state and federal education departments. Private schools are independently funded and may be religious or non-religious. Primary and secondary school typically lasts for twelve years and is divided into elementary, intermediate and high school. Elementary and intermediate schools are typically organized into grades one through eight, while high school is usually grades nine through twelve. At the university level, post-secondary educational opportunities are offered at community colleges, junior colleges, colleges, or universities. These institutions offer a variety of degree-granting programs, including undergraduate degrees, graduate and professional degrees, and vocational certificates. In addition to the formal educational opportunities, many American students engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and student organizations. These activities offer students the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.