Education Levels and Stages: English Vocabulary List

the formal and informal learning experiences provided to young children, typically between the ages of birth and eight years old, to support their holistic development

"Early childhood education focuses on play-based learning."

"Early childhood education focuses on play based learning and helps young children develop social and motor skills."

the formal educational experiences designed for children before they enter primary school, typically between the ages of three and six

"Pre-primary education includes kindergarten."

"Pre primary education includes kindergarten and prepares children for the academic demands of primary school."

the first stage of formal schooling, typically covering basic academic subjects and foundational skills for children between the ages of five and twelve

"Primary education covers grades one through five."

"Primary education covers grades one through five and teaches basic literacy and math skills."

the stage of schooling that follows primary education, typically involving more specialized subjects and serving students aged approximately 12 to 18

"Secondary education includes middle and high school."

"Secondary education includes middle and high school and prepares students for college or the workforce."

the stage of schooling following primary education and preceding upper secondary education, typically covering the middle school years for students aged approximately 12 to 15

"Lower secondary education is middle school."

"Lower secondary education is middle school and typically covers grades six through eight."

the final stage of schooling, typically for ages 15 to 18, preparing students for higher education or employment

"Upper secondary education prepares students for university or work."

"Upper secondary education prepares students for university or work and covers grades nine through twelve."

educational programs that follow secondary education but are not classified as tertiary education, typically offering vocational or technical training

"Post-secondary non-tertiary education helps students."

"Post-secondary non-tertiary education provides practical skills that prepare students for specific careers."

education after high school, such as college, vocational training, or professional certification

"Tertiary education includes universities and colleges."

"Tertiary education includes universities and colleges and leads to degrees diplomas or certificates."

education at a university or similar educational institution that grants one an academic degree at the end

"Higher education opens doors."

"The cost of higher education has risen dramatically making it difficult for students from low income families to attend university without taking on significant debt."

the academic programs pursued after the completion of a bachelor's degree

"Postgraduate education follows a bachelor's degree."

"Postgraduate education leads to a master's or doctorate degree and requires prior completion of a bachelor's degree."

a period of advanced research and study undertaken by individuals who have completed their doctoral degree

"The postdoctorate researcher works in the lab for two years."

"The postdoctorate researcher works in the lab for two years and hopes to find a tenure track faculty position."