American schools.

No this isn't a public v. private discussion. Its just a thing that has bothered me for a while. All over the world, viewers are fed stereotyped and vitrilolic descriptions of American high schools. It is difficult to read any genuine, first-hand experiences, but if its anything like it is described, it's not surprising America's youth is drinking themselves to death.
Now, as a Swede, these iterations fascinate me. Perhaps this is just my lame, impressionable americophile talking, but why not talk about your high school experiences. Was it anything like "Popular" or "Veronica Mars", or are all these exaggerated too far to be representative? Indulge me, please.

>>4 Were to start with the questions... I'll apoloize in advance if I sound insane/horrifyingly dumb.
Social Cliques, what about those? Ok I realize there isn't a clean cut between anime fans/goths/thugs/nerds etc. but what are the general divisions? Are there any?
So, bullying then. Any experience is good, and some stats would be even better. Any particular difference that is extra targetted?
Is it common with racial division inside of schools? I.e. people sticking to their color and stuff?
The most common staple ingredient of any high school movie is a girl being branded a whore due to some sick rumor. Has this ever happened, and if so, are girls commonly separated into frigid bitches/sluts?
Are jocks anything like the gayhating, popular, macho, misogynist shitheads portrayed on TV?
Has there ever been a situation where a teacher has to call out the "assignments for tomorrow" because the bell rings before he finishes? Ever? This happens all the time in cultural portrayal of high school life.

Answer what you can, share what you want to share and just go nuts. Everything is interesting, some stuff more than others. BTW, I'm going to bed now considering I'm ahead of you, so I'll read it when I am rested and happy.