A sixth grader vs. a sixth former

Question

Hi,Not sure if I use the terms "grader" and "former" correctly.(1) Take a typical high school in the US."John is a first/second/....twelfth grader" - I guess there are a total of 12 levels there ....and so all these 12 phrases are okay?  What are other ways to express the same idea (= "John is an Nth grader")?Also, there must be some slang words for 1st grader and 12th grader?"freshman" is only applicable to first year university/college students?  (2) Take a typical (state) secondary school in England.I only know that "senior" school students (who are usually 16...17 years old) are called "sixth formers" (lower sixth formers + upper sixth formers).Who do English people call "first formers"? "second formers"...etc., then?Also, if you could explain if phrases such as "he is a seventh-year student" can be used for expressions with "former/grader"?Hope my questions make sense.....mus-te

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

In the US, there are 12 grades as you indicate, but above junior high school (grades 6-8), most students prefer to be called high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, or 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students.

MUSCOVITE · Answer

Thank you Mister Micawber!

And how do you usually address junior high school students (grades 6, 7, and 8)?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Khoff · Answer

MUSCOVITEWhat are other ways to express the same idea (= "John is an Nth grader")?

"John is in third grade."

Prior to first grade, most kids attend kindergarten (at about age 5.) There was no term other than "kindergarteners" when I was growing up, but recently I've heard teachers refer to "kindies."

I went to Junior High School, but it was renamed "Middle School" by the time my kids were in school. (And I think that years ago it comprised 7th, 8th and 9th grades, but now it's 6th, 7th and 8th.) This might vary by state.

And I've never heard American (public) high school students called 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year students -- maybe that's a private school vs. public school thing?

(In the U.S., a public school is one that is supported by taxes and students go there for free. The alternative, a school that parents pay to have their students go to, is called a private school.)

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Take a typical high school in Canada.

I almost always hear eg
John is in Grade 1.
Fred is in Grade 12.
I never hear 'freshman, senior, etc'.

(2) Take a typical (state) secondary school in England.
I only know that "senior" school students (who are usually 16...17 years old) are called "sixth formers" (lower sixth formers + upper sixth formers). Yes. That was my experience, a long time ago.
Who do English people call "first formers"? "second formers"...etc., then? So long ago that I can't remember.

Clive

MUSCOVITE · Answer

Dear Mister Micawber, dear knoff, dear Clive,
Thank you very much for your comments!

A sixth grader vs. a sixth former

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