Elementary

Overview

Information on key aspects of a country’s education system, including governance, instructional language, and other structural features defined by national or regional regulations.

Ministry Responsible

Local school districts, State and territorial departments of education

Language of Instruction

English

Duration

5 years (ages 6 to 11) (6- to 8-year models also exist)

Grades 1 to 5 (compulsory)

Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment in a specific level of education, regardless of age.

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Gross Enrollment Ratio

Total enrollment in a specific level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the eligible official school-age population corresponding to the same level of education in a given school year.

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

International Benchmarks

TIMSS 2023 Mathematics Grade 4

United States

517

Global Rank

27 of 58

International Average

503

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

TIMSS 2023 Science Grade 4

United States

532

Global Rank

14 of 58

International Average

494

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

PIRLS 2021 Reading Grade 4

United States

548

Global Rank

11 of 57

PIRLS Scale Centerpoint

500

Source: Boston College, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center

Elementary Mathematics: Percentage of Proficient Students

Proportion of students at the end of elementary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in mathematics.

United States

67.8% (2023)

Global Rank

36 of 129

High Income Countries Average

72.0% (2019)

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Elementary Reading: Percentage of Proficient Students

Proportion of students at the end of elementary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading.

United States

94.5% (2021)

Global Rank

19 of 123

High Income Countries Average

92.8% (2019)

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics