What is the highest grade in elementary school?

In the United States educational system, which typically starts with kindergarten and progresses through elementary, middle, and high school, what is the highest grade level generally included in “elementary school,” considering variations such as the split between elementary and junior high/middle school in different districts? For example, in some regions elementary school ends at fifth grade (K-5), while in others it extends to sixth grade (K-6). If you’re asking specifically about the highest final grade completed before advancing to the next educational stage (like middle or intermediate school), what is that grade level, and how does it differ across common U.S. school structures?

The highest grade in elementary school varies by educational system and location, but the most common configurations and their highest grades are:

1. K-5 System (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade): The highest grade is Fifth Grade (5th Grade).
2. K-6 System (Kindergarten through Sixth Grade): The highest grade is Sixth Grade (6th Grade).
3. 1-5 System (First Grade through Fifth Grade, no Kindergarten): The highest grade is Fifth Grade (5th Grade).
4. 1-6 System (First Grade through Sixth Grade, no Kindergarten): The highest grade is Sixth Grade (6th Grade).

Key Details:

• Kindergarten Inclusion: Whether Kindergarten (K) is part of elementary school significantly impacts the highest grade.
• Grade Span Terminology: Terms like "Elementary School," "Primary School," "Grammar School," or "Lower School" can sometimes be used interchangeably or have slightly different meanings regionally, but generally encompass these early grades.
• Typical Ranges: The most prevalent ranges in the United States are K-5 and K-6. Therefore, Fifth Grade (5th Grade) and Sixth Grade (6th Grade) are the most frequently highest grades for elementary school.
• Transition to Middle School: After elementary school, students typically transition to either Middle School (grades 6-8 or 7-8) or Junior High School (grades 7-9). This transition grade (6th, 7th, or sometimes 8th) often determines the boundary.
• Variations: Specific districts or states may have unique structures, such as ending elementary school at Fourth Grade (4th Grade), transitioning students to an intermediate or middle school earlier. However, this is less common.
• International Context: While "elementary school" is primarily a North American term, similar structures exist globally (e.g., "primary school" in the UK often ends at Year 6, equivalent to 6th grade). The exact highest grade depends entirely on the national, regional, or local system.

In summary: Based on the most common structures:

• The highest grade in elementary school is most commonly Fifth Grade (5th Grade) or Sixth Grade (6th Grade).