In the United States public education system, elementary school is also known as primary education, while both middle and high school are collectively categorized as secondary education.
The American education system is structured into a progression of distinct levels designed to guide students through various stages of learning and development. These levels are broadly divided into three main categories: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education.
Understanding the School Levels and Their Designations
Each stage of compulsory education in the U.S. has a common name and a broader educational term that encompasses its scope:
| School Level | Common Name | Broader Educational Category | Typical Grade Levels (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Education | Elementary School | Primary Education | Kindergarten – 5th or 6th Grade |
| Intermediate Education | Middle School | Secondary Education | 6th or 7th Grade – 8th Grade |
| Advanced Secondary Education | High School | Secondary Education | 9th Grade – 12th Grade |
- Elementary School (Primary Education): This level typically serves students from kindergarten up to the 5th or 6th grade. It focuses on foundational learning, including basic literacy, numeracy, social skills, and general knowledge. It is referred to as primary education.
- Middle School (Secondary Education): Following elementary school, students transition to middle school, which usually covers grades 6th through 8th (though sometimes starting at 7th). This period bridges the gap between elementary and high school, introducing more specialized subjects and fostering greater independence.
- High School (Secondary Education): The final stage of compulsory K-12 education is high school, typically encompassing grades 9th through 12th. High school prepares students for higher education or entry into the workforce, offering a wider range of academic courses, extracurricular activities, and vocational training options. Both middle school and high school fall under the umbrella of secondary education within the United States.
For more detailed information on the structure of the U.S. education system, you can refer to resources from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S.
