grade school

[Ju]

What does grade school stand for i n Western education system?

Ju

[5jj]

Ju, it would be quicker and easier for all if you consulted an online dictionary. You can always come and ask us if the definitions there give you problems, but normally they will give you an instant answer.

[Ouisch]

In the US, "grade school" is the same as "elementary school." It usually refers to the grades ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade. Sixth, seventh and eighty grades are now generally called "middle school" (back when I was a kid elementary school extended up through sixth grade, and seventh and eighth grades were considered to be "junior high school.") Ninth through twelfth grades are considered to be "high school."

[5jj]

Ouisch's helpful answer would be meaningless to most British people. I have loosely translated it into BrE:

In the UK, "primary school" would be the approximate equivalent of "grade school" This term covers the school years ranging from post- kindergarten, Year One, to the sixth year, Year Six. In most parts of England and Wales, children attend "secondary schools" from the age of 11 to 16/18, Year Seven to Year Eleven/Thirteen.

[5jj]

Ouisch's helpful answer would be meaningless to most British people. I have loosely translated it into BrE:.

After I wrote that, an American friend called me to say that she was surprised, and a little shocked, that I could be so sarcastically dismissive of Ouisch's post.

I would like to explain, to those who have similar feelings, that I was being neither sarcastic nor dismissive when I referred to Ouisch's answer as 'helpful...but'. It was helpful to those who know what 'grades' means to Americans I was simply attempting to point out that we use different terminology in BrE, and many of us do not understand what Americans mean by 'grade'.

[SoothingDave]

That's OK, I think most Americans, like me, have no idea what Brits are talking about when they say how many O levels or A levels or whatever they have.

[Barb_D]

Yeah, but I understand OWLS and NEWTS. Doesn't that count?