At the age of five, U.S. children typically begin attending elementary school, specifically kindergarten. Kindergarten serves as an introductory year before they enter the first grade, and its focus is on socialization, basic academic skills, and learning through play. In kindergarten, children usually engage in activities that promote early literacy, numeracy, and social skills, helping them develop a foundation for their continued education in the subsequent grades.
After kindergarten, students generally progress through the grades of elementary school, which usually covers kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the school district.