Comparing UK Year Groups to US Grades | BISC South Loop

Understanding what grade and stage of education your child will be in can be confusing, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the US system. In this post, we explain your child’s grade and the UK equivalent based on their current age. You can find a table detailing what ages fall into each grade below.

UK Year Groups and US Grades by Age

This table has all the information you need regarding grades and year groups at British International School of Chicago, South Loop. This should allow you to determine what year group your child will be in based on their age.  

 Birth Date
Age 
US Grade 
UK Year Group 
School Stage 

Sept.1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019
 3-4

 Preschool

 Nursery
 Foundation

Sept.1, 2017 – Aug. 31, 2018
 4-5
 Junior Kindergarten
 Reception
 Foundation

Sept.1, 2016 – Aug. 31, 2017
 5-6
 Kindergarten
 Year 1
 Primary

Sept.1, 2015 – Aug. 31, 2016
 6-7
 Grade 1
 Year 2
 Primary

Sept.1, 2014 – Aug. 31, 2015
 7-8
 Grade 2
 Year 3
 Primary

Sept.1, 2013 – Aug. 31, 2014
 8-9
 Grade 3
 Year 4
 Primary

Sept.1, 2012 – Aug. 31, 2013
 9-10
 Grade 4
 Year 5
 Primary

Sept.1, 2011 – Aug. 31, 2012
 10-11
 Grade 5
 Year 6
 Primary

Sept.1, 2010 – Aug. 31, 2011
 11-12
 Grade 6
 Year 7
 Middle School

Sept.1, 2009 – Aug. 31, 2010
 12-13
 Grade 7
 Year 8
 Middle School

Sept.1, 2008 – Aug. 31, 2009
 13-14
 Grade 8
 Year 9
 Middle School

Sept.1, 2007 – Aug. 31, 2008
 14-15
 Grade 9
 Year 10
 IGCSE

Sept.1, 2006 – Aug. 31, 2007
 15-16
 Grade 10
 Year 11
 IGCSE

Sept.1, 2005 – Aug. 31, 2006
 16-17
 Grade 11
 Year 12
 IB

Sept.1, 2004 – Aug. 31, 2005
 17-18
 Grade 12
 Year 13
 IB

Frequently Asked Questions about the US School System

At what age do children start school in the US?

Children begin Preschool at the age of three. For the 2023 – 2024 school year, children who turn three after September 1, 2023 may still enrol in the Preschool program. However, they will need to repeat Preschool with their age-appropriate cohort the following year.

Children must be four years of age by August 31 to enter Reception. All children need to be potty trained prior to starting school.

How old are you in Primary School?

Primary School in the US education system includes Kindergarten and grades 1-5. Students beginning in kindergarten are five to six years old, while those in grade 5 are ten to 11. Therefore, children in Primary School range from five to 11

What is the BISC South Loop Primary School curriculum? 

The BISC South Loop Primary School curriculum is curated to empower children from kindergarten to fifth grade to grow into ambitious, confident, and inspired students who approach learning with a clear focus on progressing their skills.  

Our Primary School curriculum covers a diverse range of topics to ensure students experience a well-rounded education. Subjects include English, Maths, Science, American Studies, Art, Computing, Dance, Music, Physical Education, Games, and World Languages.  

What age are you in Middle School?

After Primary School, children move on to Middle School, which covers grades 6 through 8. Children in sixth grade are typically 11 to 12 years old, while those in eighth grade are 13 and 14. As such, children in Middle School range from 11 to 14 years old.  

How does Middle School prepare you for High School?

Middle School is an integral time in a student’s progress, as they grow physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Our Middle School curriculum introduces students to a wide range of compelling ideas intended to challenge their assumptions and foster their growth.  

Each grade in Middle School builds on what the students have learned to broaden their understanding and prepare them for the subsequent year. Eighth grade students in our curriculum are invited to select an elective of Performance, Art, or Engineering to help prepare them for High School.  

How old are you in High School?

US High School consists of grades 9 through 12 and is where students study their IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate with British International School of Chicago, South Loop. Students in grade 9 are aged 14 to 15, while students in grade 12 are aged 17 to 18. Therefore, High School students are 14 to 18 years old. 

What is the IGCSE and IB curriculum?

The BISC South Loop High School curriculum covers the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate. The High School curriculum is designed to foster academic, social, and personal growth through a robust lesson plan, both in and out of the classroom. 

During the first two years, students are offered a wide range of elective courses to tailor a lesson plan to their interests. In addition to their core learning program, students can select one World Language course, one Social Science course, and one of three pathways to provide a foundation for their Junior and Senior years.  

The Upper High School curriculum prepares students for college and university, ensuring they are well-equipped for success in the world. The IB curriculum follows the course route the students began during their first two High School years.  

 
Parents will find everything they need to know about age requirements and grades on this page. If you have further questions, or if your child is looking to join our family of over 70 schools, you can find more details on our admissions page.