US School Grade Levels by Age: A Comprehensive Guide & Chart
Navigating the United States education system can be confusing, especially when trying to understand the relationship between a child’s age and their grade level. This comprehensive guide provides a clear chart and detailed explanations for each stage of schooling, from elementary to high school.
The easiest way to find a specific child’s grade is to use our School Age Calculator on the homepage. For a broader understanding of the entire system, this guide is your perfect resource.
US School Grade and Age Chart
This chart outlines the typical progression for a student in the US public school system. Remember that a student’s age can vary based on their birthday relative to the state’s kindergarten cut-off date.
| Grade Level | Common Name | Typical Age Range | School Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Pre-K | N/A | 3-5 years old | Early Childhood |
| Kindergarten | Kindergartener | 5-6 years old | Elementary School |
| 1st Grade | First Grader | 6-7 years old | Elementary School |
| 2nd Grade | Second Grader | 7-8 years old | Elementary School |
| 3rd Grade | Third Grader | 8-9 years old | Elementary School |
| 4th Grade | Fourth Grader | 9-10 years old | Elementary School |
| 5th Grade | Fifth Grader | 10-11 years old | Elementary School |
| 6th Grade | Sixth Grader | 11-12 years old | Middle School |
| 7th Grade | Seventh Grader | 12-13 years old | Middle School |
| 8th Grade | Eighth Grader | 13-14 years old | Middle School |
| 9th Grade | Freshman | 14-15 years old | High School |
| 10th Grade | Sophomore | 15-16 years old | High School |
| 11th Grade | Junior | 16-17 years old | High School |
| 12th Grade | Senior | 17-18 years old | High School |
The Stages of US Education
1. Elementary School (Typically Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
Elementary school builds the fundamental skills for a child’s academic future. The focus is on core subjects like reading, writing, and basic math. The structure can vary, with some districts ending elementary at 5th grade and others at 6th. For a detailed look, see our Guide to Elementary School.
2. Middle School or Junior High (Typically 6th – 8th Grade)
Middle school serves as a transition between the self-contained classrooms of elementary school and the subject-specific structure of high school. Students begin changing classes for different subjects and are given more independence. The grade configuration can vary (e.g., 6-8, 7-8, or 7-9). Learn more in our Guide to Middle School.
3. High School (Grades 9 – 12)
High school is the final stage of compulsory K-12 education. Students take a wide range of courses to earn credits toward graduation. These four years are often defined by specific names: Freshman (9th), Sophomore (10th), Junior (11th), and Senior (12th). We explain these terms in detail in our guide to high school and college years. Success in high school is critical for college applications and future career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you calculate a child’s school grade from their date of birth?
The calculation hinges on the kindergarten start year. You must determine the year a child turns 5 relative to the state’s enrollment cut-off date. Once you know their kindergarten year, you can add one grade for each subsequent academic year. Our step-by-step guide explains this process in more detail.
How does the US system compare to the UK system?
The US and UK systems have different naming conventions and age alignments. For example, US “Kindergarten” is equivalent to “Reception” or “Year 1” in the UK, depending on the child’s age. For a direct comparison, see our UK vs. US Grade Comparison Chart.
What is post-secondary education?
Post-secondary education refers to any education pursued after high school graduation. This includes earning a certificate at a trade school, an associate’s degree at a community college, or a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at a university.
Last Updated: April 2025