Beefy,

From what I've been reading the Japanese are actually very progressive when it comes to teaching. I guess I'll take your word for experience though, but it is a bit paradoxical.

I live in the same city SFTS did for highschool and attend a public highschool as well. He brings up a good point about (American)football, girls, and alcohol and for a large portion of American kids in public school (in or out of Texas) that is the case. At least in the south it is. Northerners can just insert other sports in the place of (American) football.

From a different perspective I'll give my outlook. I have a few drinks blah blah, but I'm not into that whole highschool lifestyle. I play football, which here is fun, but relatively nothing in terms of "fame" it may get you. People just don't care as much. Lifestyle is laid back for me and schooling is a mix of a lot of things.

The first three years of highschool are very similar to what you say. You have core classes you have to complete (there are levels of each. The most advanced get into Pre-AP/AP, then comes Enriched, then comes regular, and a few others). Most people study for hours in search of that number grade to get them into University instead of actually learning.

The last year is usually when a lot of people begin to slack off. They send in University applications early and take blow off classes so they have nothing to do for the last year (granted this is not everyone, just some that I see.....that are usually that football stereotype SFTS hints at )

There are those that choose to take a lot of elective classes (you have the ability to take a lot more elective classes in subjects you want to follow in University). For example I am taking AP Psychology, and AP European History. Both electives that include a lot more work to my workload, but the last is the best for learning. Grades matter, but not SO much, so you don't have to worry about the number, but what sticks in your head.

That's what I've seen my past four years. Perhaps I'll remember and add some more.