Elementary school (United States)

An elementary school is the main point of delivery of primary education in the United States, for children between the ages of 4–14 and coming between pre-kindergarten and secondary education.

In 2001, there were 92,858 elementary schools (68,173 public, 24,685 private) in the United States, a figure which includes all schools that teach students from grade one through grade eight. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the fall of 2009 almost 3.5 million students attended public primary schools. It is usually from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Primary education tends to focus on basic academic learning and socialization skills, introducing children to the broad range of knowledge, skill and behavioral adjustment they need to succeed in life – and, particularly, in secondary school. In general, a student learns basic arithmetic and sometimes rudimentary algebra in mathematics, English proficiency (such as basic grammar, spelling, and vocabulary), and fundamentals of other subjects. Learning standards are identified for all areas of a curriculum by individual states, including those for mathematics, social studies, science, physical development, the fine arts, and reading. While the concept of state learning standards has been around for some time, the No Child Left Behind Act has mandated that standards exist at the state level.

Basic subjects are taught in elementary school, and students often remain in one classroom throughout the school day {until 3rd grade}, except for physical education, library, music, and art classes.

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