This guide provides detailed information about grade levels and corresponding age groups in the American education system, helping international students and their families understand the basic framework of U.S. education.

Preschool Education

Preschool education includes pre-kindergarten programs, which are not mandatory. However, statistics show that approximately 69% of 4-year-olds participate in such programs. The preschool stage covers children aged 3 to 5, with flexible curricula that incorporate music, art, play, science, reading, mathematics, and social activities.

K-12 Education System

The K-12 education system in the United States divides schooling into elementary and secondary education. In most regions, secondary education is further divided into middle school and high school. Below is a detailed breakdown of grade levels and corresponding student ages in U.S. schools.

Age and Grade Level Comparison

Age Grade Level
18 months+ Pre-Nursery
2 years Nursery
3 years Pre-Kindergarten
4-5 years Kindergarten 1 (KG1)
5-6 years Kindergarten 2 (KG2)
6-7 years Grade 1
7-8 years Grade 2
8-9 years Grade 3
9-10 years Grade 4
10-11 years Grade 5
11-12 years Grade 6
12-13 years Grade 7
13-14 years Grade 8
14-15 years Grade 9
15-16 years Grade 10
16-17 years Grade 11
17-18 years Grade 12

The above information provides a comprehensive reference for understanding grade levels and corresponding ages in the U.S. education system, which can be particularly helpful for those applying to or adapting to American schools.