Chinese Schooling

In China kids are required by law to go to school for nine years. Primary school, for children ages 6 to 11, covers the first six years of their compulsory education. After primary school, students continue on to junior middle school. In junior middle school students will complete grades 7, 8, and 9, as well as their compulsory education requirement. If students choose to continue with their education they will advance to senior middle school, the equivalent of high school in the United States, and finish grades 10, 11, and 12. Afterward, they will have the option of attending university or entering the workforce. The school year in China typically runs from the beginning of September to mid-July. Summer vacation is generally spent in summer classes or studying for entrance exams. The average school day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break.