Eighth grade

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For the musical band, see grade 8 (band).

Eighth grade (called Grade 8 in some regions) is a year of education in America and many other nations. The eighth grade is the eighth school year after kindergarten. Students are usually 13–14 years old, but sometimes as old as 17. Traditionally, eighth grade was the final year of elementary school. In the United States and Canada, however, it is now usually part of middle school.

The eighth grade mathematics curriculum in the United States as well as Canada includes either pre-algebra, algebra I, or geometry. Occasionally Algebra II is also taught. In some schools, especially the ones that are witnessing the required Basic Standards Test, basic everyday math skills such as check writing, money management, and geometry are taught as well.

[edit] International equivalents

Many other countries use numerical levels for primary schooling. The U.S. eighth grade is equivalent to Canadian Grade 8 and German Klasse 8. In the Netherlands Groep 8 is the final year of primary school at about 12 in age. The school is entered in group 1 at the age of four. The New Zealand equivalent is Form 2, the final year before High School which would be spent in either a Primary (Elementary) school or Intermediate/Middle/Junior High School. Formal education continues until at least 16 dependent on the type of secondary school; which start counting anew at class-level 1. Grade 8 is not equivalent to Year 8 (form 2) in the United Kingdom school system, which is for students 12–13 years old and is the second year of intermediate school. Eighth grade is actually equivalent to Year 9.

Preceded by Seventh grade

Eighth grade 13–14

Succeeded by Ninth grade