elementary school

noun

1. the lowest school giving formal instruction, teaching the rudiments of learning, and extending usually from six to eight years.

elementary school

noun

1. a former name for primary school
2. Also called (in the US)grade schoolgrammar school a state school in which instruction is given for the first six to eight years of a child's education

Word History and Origins

Origin of elementary school¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The Texas State Board of Education approved a new curriculum that will incorporate stories from the Bible into elementary school education.

From Salon

A Los Angeles assistant principal was arrested Friday on suspicion of molesting eight young children while working at a Santa Paula elementary school several years ago, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

When I first started my career, I subbed at elementary schools.

From Science Magazine

Looking back, she laughs as she recalls explaining to her elementary school teacher that “watermelons were not just red, but yellow too.”

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t know whether I would have been identified as gifted when I was a kid, but I certainly was bored out of my mind in elementary school.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grade school
• grammar school