What grade level is considered the final year of elementary school?

As a parent navigating the education system for the first time, I’ve noticed variations in how school districts structure their levels—some split elementary into K-5 while others use K-6. To help my child transition smoothly to middle school next year, I need clarity: In the American K-12 system, is the final grade universally considered 5th or 6th grade for elementary school, or does it vary by state/district? This impacts our planning for extracurriculars and curriculum adjustments.

The final year of elementary school varies by country and education system:

• United States: 5th grade. Students are typically 10-11 years old.
• United Kingdom: Year 6. Students are typically 10-11 years old.
• Canada: Grade 6 (in most provinces). Students are typically 11-12 years old.
• Australia: Year 6. Students are typically 11-12 years old.
• New Zealand: Year 8 (however, the structure differs; Year 8 is often the final year of intermediate school, considered primary education ending, or sometimes split between primary and intermediate).
• India: 5th standard (primary level is often considered up to Class 5 or 8, depending on the state/board).
• Philippines: Grade 6 (under the K-12 system, elementary covers Kindergarten to Grade 6). Students are typically 11-12 years old.
• Singapore: Primary 6 (P6). Students are typically 12 years old.
• France: CM2 (Cours Moyenne 2ème année). Students are typically 10-11 years old.
• Germany: 4th grade (Grundschule ends here). Students are typically 9-10 years old.
• Japan: 6th grade (小学校). Students are typically 11-12 years old.
• Brazil: 5th grade (5ª série). Students are typically 10-11 years old.

Key Considerations:

• Age Ranges: While the ages listed (e.g., 10-11, 11-12) are typical, they can vary slightly depending on the exact date of the child’s birth and the cut-off date for school entry in that jurisdiction (e.g., turning 5 by a certain date in kindergarten).
• System Variations: Some systems have different structures. For example, in parts of Canada and the US, elementary school might end at Grade 6 or even Grade 8. In the UK, England and Wales end primary at Year 6, Scotland ends at Primary 7 (similar age to Year 6), and Northern Ireland ends at P7 (Primary 7).
• Terminology: The exact name ("5th grade", "Year 6", "Grade 6", "CM2") corresponds to the local terminology.