elementary school

You use this phrase when talking about young children's education. You can say my daughter is in elementary school. You can also use it to describe your own past. For example, I loved art class in elementary school. It is a very common, everyday term. You do not need to be a teacher to use it. Just use it like you would talk about a house or a park.

Use it when discussing family life or childhood memories. It fits perfectly in a conversation with a new neighbor. You might use it when filling out official forms for your kids. It is also great for storytelling. 'Back in elementary school, I had a giant backpack.' It works well in casual chats and professional settings alike. Everyone knows what it means.

Do not use it for teenagers or adults. Once a kid hits age 12, they move to middle school. If you call a high school an elementary school, people will be very confused. Also, avoid it if you are in the UK. They usually call it primary school there. Using the wrong term might make you sound a bit out of place. Don't call a university an elementary school unless you are making a joke about how easy a class is!

In the US, elementary school is a time of 'show and tell' and yellow buses. It is a huge part of the American childhood experience. Most kids go to a school right in their neighborhood. This creates a strong sense of local community. Many parents meet their best friends at the elementary school gates. It is also where kids learn about holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween for the first time.

In some parts of the US, people call it grade school. It means the exact same thing. In the UK, Australia, or Ireland, they say primary school. You might also hear grammar school in older books, but that is rare now. In very casual talk, parents might just say the kids are at school. But elementary school is the most standard and clear way to say it.