Grade Levels
Formal education in the US is generally mandatory from age 5/6 to 16, varying slightly by state. School-level education is divided into "grades". US grades K (Kindergarten) - 12 in the US correspond to Years 1 - 13 in the UK, as summarised in the chart below. Schooling usually begins with elementary/primary school (Kindergarten - US grade 5), followed by middle/junior high school (US grades 6 - 8) and finishing with high school (US grades 9 to 12). Some US children begin their education at privately-run pre-schools.
Age Level of Study US Grade UK Year
3 - 4 Pre-school N/A Nursery School
5 - 10 Elementary / Primary School Kindergarten - 5th Years 1 - 6
11 - 13 Middle School 6th - 8th Years 7 - 9
14 - 18 High School 9th - 12th (Freshman - Senior) Years 10 - 13
Kindergarten is the first year of primary/elementary school and is the equivalent to Year 1 in the UK. Elementary schools provide instruction in the fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as history, geography, civics, crafts, music, science, health and physical education. Foreign languages are often introduced in middle school. Under the "No Child Left Behind’" policy, students also complete state exams in reading/language arts, maths and science in Grades 3 – 8 and once at the high school level.
As students advance to middle/junior high school, the curriculum will likely become a bit more flexible, including both required and elective classes. In required subjects such as maths, English and science, students may be grouped in class sections based upon achievement. They may also begin having a bit more flexibility in selecting elective classes in subjects, such as foreign languages, band, home economics, chorus and art.
Although there is no national curriculum, the general content of the high school curriculum across the country has many consistencies. The state will likely set a list of basic required courses for high school graduation. These may include English, mathematics, foreign language, physical education, art and/or music, general science, and social studies (a subject that combines history, government and geography). However, students continue to have flexibility in choosing the level of their classes and elective subjects with the assistance of their parents and a school guidance counsellor. Many high schools will also have "tracks" for students wishing to attend a four-year university, pursue a vocational or technical degree at a two-year college or enter the workforce following high school.
Upon satisfactory completion of 12th grade and the state graduation requirements, the student receives a "high school diploma".
Types of Schools
Formal education in the US is generally mandatory from age 5/6 to 16, varying slightly by state. School-level education is divided into "grades". US grades K (Kindergarten) - 12 in the US correspond to Years 1 - 13 in the UK, as summarised in the chart below. Schooling usually begins with elementary/primary school (Kindergarten - US grade 5), followed by middle/junior high school (US grades 6 - 8) and finishing with high school (US grades 9 to 12). Some US children begin their education at privately-run pre-schools.
Age Level of Study US Grade UK Year
3 - 4 Pre-school N/A Nursery School
5 - 10 Elementary / Primary School Kindergarten - 5th Years 1 - 6
11 - 13 Middle School 6th - 8th Years 7 - 9
14 - 18 High School 9th - 12th (Freshman - Senior) Years 10 - 13
Kindergarten is the first year of primary/elementary school and is the equivalent to Year 1 in the UK. Elementary schools provide instruction in the fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as history, geography, civics, crafts, music, science, health and physical education. Foreign languages are often introduced in middle school. Under the "No Child Left Behind’" policy, students also complete state exams in reading/language arts, maths and science in Grades 3 – 8 and once at the high school level.
As students advance to middle/junior high school, the curriculum will likely become a bit more flexible, including both required and elective classes. In required subjects such as maths, English and science, students may be grouped in class sections based upon achievement. They may also begin having a bit more flexibility in selecting elective classes in subjects, such as foreign languages, band, home economics, chorus and art.
Although there is no national curriculum, the general content of the high school curriculum across the country has many consistencies. The state will likely set a list of basic required courses for high school graduation. These may include English, mathematics, foreign language, physical education, art and/or music, general science, and social studies (a subject that combines history, government and geography). However, students continue to have flexibility in choosing the level of their classes and elective subjects with the assistance of their parents and a school guidance counsellor. Many high schools will also have "tracks" for students wishing to attend a four-year university, pursue a vocational or technical degree at a two-year college or enter the workforce following high school.
Upon satisfactory completion of 12th grade and the state graduation requirements, the student receives a "high school diploma".
Types of Schools
