How Old Are Kids in Each Grade? Age vs. Grade Guide
Find out what grade your child should be in at each age with our simple Pre K through 12th grade guide.
Author
Sam Morrissette
Published:
October 2025
Key takeaways
- • Most kids in the same grade are usually about a year apart in age, though exceptions like skipping or repeating a grade do happen.
- • Knowing the typical age for each grade helps parents plan for academics, social growth, and school transitions.
- • Every child learns at their own pace, so if you’re unsure about your child’s placement, their school can offer guidance and support.
If you’ve ever had to move your child to a new grade or switch school districts, you might have found yourself asking, “What grade should my child be in at this age?” Figuring out the right grade based on age can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with how schools work in the United States. While there are always exceptions, like when a child skips a grade, repeats a grade, or starts school late, most students in the same grade are usually about a year apart in age. To make things simple, we’ve put together a typical age versus grade guide from Pre K through 12th grade to help you understand what to expect at each stage of your child’s education.
Quick Age vs. Grade Reference
| Grade | Typical Age |
|---|---|
| Pre-K | 4–5 years old |
| Kindergarten | 5–6 years old |
| 1st Grade | 6–7 years old |
| 2nd Grade | 7–8 years old |
| 3rd Grade | 8–9 years old |
| 4th Grade | 9–10 years old |
| 5th Grade | 10–11 years old |
| 6th Grade | 11–12 years old |
| 7th Grade | 12–13 years old |
| 8th Grade | 13–14 years old |
| 9th Grade (Freshman) | 14–15 years old |
| 10th Grade (Sophomore) | 15–16 years old |
| 11th Grade (Junior) | 16–17 years old |
| 12th Grade (Senior) | 17–18 years old |
Typical Elementary School Ages: (Pre K - 5)
Elementary school is all about laying the foundation for future learning. Children learn reading, writing, and math, along with social skills, independence, and early problem-solving.
- Pre-K: 4–5 years old
- Kindergarten: 5–6 years old
- 1st Grade: 6–7 years old
- 2nd Grade: 7–8 years old
- 3rd Grade: 8–9 years old
- 4th Grade: 9–10 years old
- 5th Grade 10–11 years old
Typical Middle School Ages: Grades 6–8
Middle school is a bridge between childhood and adolescence. Students face more complex academic challenges while also navigating social growth.
- 6th Grade: 11–12 years old
- 7th Grade: 12–13 years old
- 8th Grade: 13–14 years old
Typical High School Ages: Grades 9–12
High school combines academics, extracurriculars, and planning for life after graduation.
- 9th Grade (Freshman): 14–15 years old
- 10th Grade (Sophomore): 15–16 years old
- 11th Grade (Junior): 16–17 years old
- 12th Grade (Senior): 17–18 years old
Exceptions and Cutoffs for Typical Ages for Each Grade Level
Not every child fits perfectly into this chart. Here are common situations:
- Birthday Cutoffs: Most school districts have cutoffs (usually August–October) for starting kindergarten, which can shift ages slightly.
- Skipping a Grade: Advanced learners might move ahead early, making them younger than their classmates.
- Repeating a Grade: Some children may repeat a grade to strengthen skills, making them older than their peers.
Every child learns at their own pace and there is no single right grade for everyone. If you’re wondering what grade your nine year old should be in or want to make sure they are in the right place for their learning, contact their school. Teachers and counselors can give guidance to help your child succeed.
