Primary Schools Around the World

Primary School Overview

• Primary schools exist in virtually every country, as they are a foundational part of national education systems.
• Countries with established primary education systems include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many nations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Age of Attendance

• Children typically attend primary school from ages 5 to 7, although the starting age can vary by country.
• In some countries, primary education may begin as early as age 4 or as late as age 8, depending on local education policies.

Subjects Taught

• Core subjects in primary schools often include literacy (reading and writing), mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Arts (music and visual arts), physical education, and sometimes a foreign language are also commonly included in the curriculum.

International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)

• Primary education corresponds to ISCED Level 1, which covers the initial stage of formal education.
• This level aims to provide basic literacy, numeracy skills, and an introduction to the broader world.

Age System in English-Speaking Countries

• The commonly used age system in English-speaking countries is chronological age, which counts the actual years since birth.
• This age system is important for school enrollment, grade placement, and educational assessments.