In the US, children usually start kindergarten at age 5 and 1st grade at age 6, then move up one grade a year until they graduate from 12th grade at 17 or 18. The chart below shows the usual age at the start of each grade, along with the birth years for the 2026–27 school year.
Grade by age chart
| Grade | Age at start of year | Typical birth dates for 2026–27* | School level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-K | 4 | Sep 2021 – Aug 2022 | Preschool |
| Kindergarten | 5 | Sep 2020 – Aug 2021 | Elementary |
| 1st grade | 6 | Sep 2019 – Aug 2020 | Elementary |
| 2nd grade | 7 | Sep 2018 – Aug 2019 | Elementary |
| 3rd grade | 8 | Sep 2017 – Aug 2018 | Elementary |
| 4th grade | 9 | Sep 2016 – Aug 2017 | Elementary |
| 5th grade | 10 | Sep 2015 – Aug 2016 | Elementary |
| 6th grade | 11 | Sep 2014 – Aug 2015 | Middle school |
| 7th grade | 12 | Sep 2013 – Aug 2014 | Middle school |
| 8th grade | 13 | Sep 2012 – Aug 2013 | Middle school |
| 9th grade (freshman) | 14 | Sep 2011 – Aug 2012 | High school |
| 10th grade (sophomore) | 15 | Sep 2010 – Aug 2011 | High school |
| 11th grade (junior) | 16 | Sep 2009 – Aug 2010 | High school |
| 12th grade (senior) | 17 | Sep 2008 – Aug 2009 | High school |
*Assumes a September 1 cutoff, the most common rule. A child's age rises by one during the school year, so a kindergartner is usually 5 at the start and 6 by the end. Check an exact age with the age calculator.
Cutoff dates: why classmates differ in age
Each state (and sometimes each district) sets a kindergarten cutoff date: a child must turn 5 on or before that date to start kindergarten that year. September 1 is the most common cutoff, but others are used:
- Some states use dates in August, such as August 1 or August 31.
- Some use later dates in September, October or even December.
- A few leave the decision to local districts.
With a September 1 cutoff, a child born on August 31 is among the youngest in the class, while one born on September 2 is among the oldest, almost a year apart. Some parents choose to delay kindergarten by a year, often called "redshirting", particularly for children with summer birthdays. Your local school district can confirm the rule that applies to you.
School levels
- Elementary school: usually kindergarten to 5th grade (sometimes K–4 or K–6).
- Middle school: usually 6th to 8th grade. Some districts have a "junior high" with 7th–8th or 7th–9th grade.
- High school: 9th to 12th grade, with students called freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Some districts use K–8 schools that combine elementary and middle school. Compulsory school ages are set by each state and generally start between 5 and 8 and end between 16 and 18.
US grades vs other countries
| Age at start of year | United States | England | Canada (most provinces) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Pre-K | Reception | Junior kindergarten (Ontario) |
| 5 | Kindergarten | Year 1 | Kindergarten |
| 6 | 1st grade | Year 2 | Grade 1 |
| 10 | 5th grade | Year 6 | Grade 5 |
| 14 | 9th grade | Year 10 | Grade 9 |
| 17 | 12th grade | Year 13 | Grade 12 |
England's year groups run one number ahead of US grades because children there start formal school earlier, with a September 1 cutoff for the school year.
Graduation year by grade
For the 2026–27 school year, the graduating "class of" years are:
- 12th grade: class of 2027
- 11th grade: class of 2028
- 10th grade: class of 2029
- 9th grade: class of 2030
- Kindergarten: class of 2039
Count down to a big milestone with days until the last day of school, and see how many days are in a school year.
Which generation are they in? Today's K–12 students, born 2008–2021, are a mix of late Gen Z and Gen Alpha. See the generation years chart.
Frequently asked questions
What grade is a 7-year-old in?
Usually 1st or 2nd grade, depending on their birthday and the cutoff date. A child who is 7 at the start of the school year is typically in 2nd grade.
What grade is a 10-year-old in?
Usually 4th or 5th grade; 5th grade if they're 10 when the year starts.
How old are you in 12th grade?
Usually 17 at the start of the year and 18 by graduation.
How old are you in kindergarten?
Usually 5, turning 6 during the year.