What grade do children start elementary school?

As a parent preparing for my child’s transition, I’m trying to understand the typical entry point into the formal schooling system in many regions. Could you clarify the grade level children usually enter elementary school? Specifically, is it kindergarten, then first grade, or do they sometimes start directly in first grade around age 5 or 6? I’m aware entry age and grade requirements can vary by location, so I’m looking for the most common progression point to help with our planning.

Children typically start elementary school at kindergarten, which is generally considered the first grade of formal schooling. This usually occurs around age 5 or 6, depending on the child’s birth date and state/province/country regulations.

Here are further details:

1. Standard Starting Grade: Kindergarten (often abbreviated as "K" or "KG").
2. Typical Age Range:
   • Children must usually be 5 years old by a specific date before school begins (e.g., August 31st, September 1st, or December 1st in the US/Canada). This date varies significantly by jurisdiction.
   • Most children start between 5 and 6 years old.
3. Elementary School Structure: Elementary school (primary school, grammar school) in most English-speaking countries includes:
   • Kindergarten (Grade K): Typically ages 5-6 (first year of elementary school).
   • Grade 1: Typically ages 6-7.
   • Grade 2: Typically ages 7-8.
   • Grade 3: Typically ages 8-9.
   • Grade 4: Typically ages 9-10.
   • Grade 5: Typically ages 10-11.
   • Grade 6: Typically ages 11-12 (though some systems end elementary school at Grade 5 or start middle school at Grade 6).
4. Mandatory Nature: While preschool/pre-K programs are increasingly common, kindergarten is the first mandatory year of formal schooling in most jurisdictions where structured elementary education begins. Attending kindergarten is required before children can progress to first grade in public school systems.
5. Variations:
   • Age Cutoff Dates: The exact date a child must be 5 (or 6 in some systems for Grade 1) by varies widely by state, province, or country. A child with a late summer birthday might start at nearly 6, while a child with an early fall birthday might start just before turning 5.
   • Optional vs. Mandatory: While almost universal today, kindergarten was historically optional in some places; it is now required in most public school systems prior to Grade 1.
   • Alternative Terminology: In some regions or systems (like parts of the UK or Australia), the first year of formal schooling might be called "Reception" (UK) or "Preparatory Year" (AU), functioning similarly to kindergarten but possibly with different age entry points (often starting at age 4).
   • Early Entrance: Some children may start kindergarten early if they meet specific academic and social readiness criteria and have birthdays just before the cutoff date, though this is less common.
   • Delayed Start: In rare cases, children may be held back a year and start kindergarten at age 6, often due to developmental or readiness concerns determined by parents or educators.

In summary, children start their elementary school journey in Kindergarten, beginning around age 5 or 6, contingent on meeting the minimum age requirement set by their local educational authority.