Analysis of characteristics of Combined schools in the United States

Objectives Declining school-age population has led to the rise of combined schools. It is time to spread combined schools in Korea. Therefore, we analyzed the case of the United States, where combined schools are popularized, to draw implications. Methods Academic articles, school websites, and statistics related to combined schools in the United States were referenced. Results K-8 schools in the U.S. are replacing middle schools due to their educational effectiveness. In addition, the autonomy of the state and schools in curriculum, teacher qualifications, and school management is guaranteed, so combined schools are operating smoothly. While K-8 schools in the U.S. have been shown to have a positive impact on academic achievement, emotional and behavioral outcomes, they have also been criticized for faculty conflicts and financial burdens. Conclusions In order to successfully scale up, the emphasis should be on both economic efficiency and educational effectiveness. In addition, efforts at the school, district, national, and global levels are needed to ensure the smooth operation of combined schools.