Elementary School in the USA: What Grades and Ages Are Included?
Quick Answer: Elementary school in the United States typically includes Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children in elementary school are generally between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. Some districts may include 6th grade in their elementary schools.
Elementary school is the first formal stage of the K-12 education system and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. It’s where children develop foundational skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. This guide will walk you through the typical grades, ages, and structure of elementary school in the U.S.
Typical Grade and Age Breakdown for Elementary School
The journey through elementary school spans about six years. Below is the standard progression. To see how this fits into the larger picture, view our complete US school grade levels chart.
| Grade | Typical Starting Age | Typical Age During Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 5 years old | 5-6 years old |
| 1st Grade | 6 years old | 6-7 years old |
| 2nd Grade | 7 years old | 7-8 years old |
| 3rd Grade | 8 years old | 8-9 years old |
| 4th Grade | 9 years old | 9-10 years old |
| 5th Grade | 10 years old | 10-11 years old |
The Elementary School Curriculum
The elementary curriculum is designed to build a strong academic foundation. In the early years (K-2), the focus is heavily on “learning to read” and developing basic number sense. In the later years (3-5), the focus shifts to “reading to learn,” where students use their reading skills to acquire knowledge in other subjects.
- Language Arts: Phonics, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and writing.
- Mathematics: Counting, addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, fractions, and basic geometry.
- Science: Introduction to life science, earth science, and physical science through observation and simple experiments.
- Social Studies: Community, geography, history, and civics.
- Specials: Most elementary schools also offer “specials” or “enrichment” classes like Art, Music, Physical Education (P.E.), and Library.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between elementary school and primary school?
In the United States, the terms are often used interchangeably. However, “elementary school” is the more common and official term. “Primary school” sometimes refers specifically to the earliest grades (K-2 or K-3), but this is not a universal distinction.
What comes after elementary school?
After completing elementary school, students transition to middle school (or junior high school). This typically begins in 6th or 7th grade.
Do all elementary schools go up to 5th grade?
No. While K-5 is the most common configuration, some school districts have K-6 elementary schools. In these districts, middle school starts in 7th grade. Other less common configurations like K-4 or K-8 also exist. You should always check with your local school district for its specific structure.
Last Updated: April 2025