How long do students attend elementary school?

I’m researching the structure of education systems globally and noticed that the duration of elementary school varies significantly between countries. For example, in the United States, it typically spans from kindergarten to fifth or sixth grade (around 5–6 years), while in places like England, it covers primary school (Years 1–6, also about 6 years), and in Finland, the primary level (grades 1–6) lasts 6 years as well. How many years do students generally attend elementary school in most countries, and what factors influence this duration, such as regional standards or educational philosophies? Additionally, how does this length compare to the total formal schooling a student completes before higher education?

In most countries, students attend elementary school for a duration of 5 to 7 years, though this varies significantly by national and local education systems. Here are the typical durations in several major systems:

• United States: Elementary school typically covers Kindergarten (age 5) + Grades 1-5 (ages 6-11), totaling 6 years. However, some districts structure it as Grades 1-6 (ages 6-12), totaling 6 years, or Grades K-6 (ages 5-12), totaling 7 years.
• United Kingdom (Primary School): Covers Reception (age 4-5) + Years 1-6 (ages 5-11), totaling 7 years.
• Canada: Varies by province but commonly Grades 1-6 (ages 6-12) or Grades K-6 (ages 5-12), totaling 6 or 7 years.
• Australia: Generally Kindergarten (age 4-5) + Years 1-6 (ages 5-12), totaling 7 years (though Kinder is sometimes optional or part of preschool).
• France: Covers CP (Course Primaire, age 6) + CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2 (ages 7-11), totaling 5 years (though preschool prior to CP is common).
• Germany: Grundschule (Primary School) covers Grades 1-4 (ages 6-10), totaling 4 years, after which students transition to secondary school.
• Japan: Shōgakkō (Elementary School) covers Grades 1-6 (ages 6-12), totaling 6 years.
• India: Primary School typically covers Grades 1-5 (ages 6-11), totaling 5 years, though sometimes includes Grade 6.
• Brazil: Ensino Fundamental – Anos Iniciais covers Grades 1-5 (ages 6-11), totaling 5 years.
• China: Xiaoxue (Elementary School) covers Grades 1-6 (ages 6-12), totaling 6 years.
• South Korea: Chodeung Hakgyo (Elementary School) covers Grades 1-6 (ages 7-13), totaling 6 years.
• Russia: Начальная школа (Primary School) covers Grades 1-4 (ages 7-11), totaling 4 years.

Key factors influencing duration include:

1. Age of Entry: Starting at age 5 (K/Reception) vs. age 6 (Grade 1).
2. Age of Transition: Moving to middle/junior high school at age 10-12 vs. age 11-12.
3. Structure: Whether pre-primary grades (Kindergarten, Reception) are included in the elementary/primary designation or are separate.
4. National Curriculum Standards: Varying government definitions of "elementary" or "primary" schooling.

The most common durations observed internationally are 5 years (e.g., France, India, Brazil), 6 years (e.g., US typical, Japan, China, South Korea, Germany pre-reform), and 7 years (e.g., UK, Australia, some US districts).