grade school

noun

1. an elementary school that has its pupils grouped or classified into grades.

grade school

noun

1. another name for elementary school

Word History and Origins

Origin of grade school¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

If you answered “190,” congratulations: You did as well as the average grade school kid by getting it right.

From Los Angeles Times

His transformation has cost him more than one friendship, he said, and he became estranged from a lifelong best friend he had gone to grade school with in Los Feliz.

From Los Angeles Times

“I feel like I’m back in grade school and being forced to sit down and do my homework,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Novachki got his start coding in grade school when he came across a textbook that taught basic concepts without requiring access to the internet.

From Salon

But contrary to Kilmeade’s characterization, they are a means well beyond grade school level.

From Salon

Related Words

• grammar school
• preparatory school
• primary school