Elementary (Primary) Education

Elementary education is the term used in the United States to describe the educational development of children from the first year of school until the transition to secondary school, which corresponds to what is generally known as the primary level of education. Middle School Education is a component of elementary education that corresponds to what many countries call upper primary education. The duration of the elementary education level depends on the law of each state and U.S. possession. All elementary education starts with the first year of school (grade one) and generally ends at grade 6, 7, or 8 depending on state and local policy. Many states and local authorities divide elementary education into a lower elementary level and a middle school (upper elementary) level.

Professional Staff

Elementary education is considered a professional specialization and teachers, administrators, and support professionals (nurses, counselors, etc.) are required to have at least a bachelor's degree and usually have higher degrees as well. Support personnel, such as teachers' aides, may have associate degrees or diplomas/certificates. Teachers may be certified as general elementary educators or as subject specialists. Other personnel, such as administrators and counselors, are also required to be certified or licensed.

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a professional association serving elementary educators and child development professionals, and provides extensive information on standards, regulations, qualifications, and other resources related to the primary level and children from early childhood through the beginning of adolescence.

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is the national professional association of school principals and headmasters at the primary education level, and provides extensive information on administrative and policy issues plus requirements and standards for becoming an elementary school administrator.

Go to Basic K-12 Information for more general information on professional staffing for primary and secondary education.

Most elementary education is provided via separate, dedicated primary schools. Some U.S. schools still combine elementary and secondary education on a single campus, but the two levels are usually separated within the facility and are separately staffed and managed.

General Resources

ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education provides extensive information and online resources in the area of elementary education for researchers, professionals, and families.

ED Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is the office within the U.S. Department of Education responsible for federal programs in the area of primary education.