grade school

Also graded 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

Heaven forefend that they be asked to complete multiple assignments in a week—like kids in grade school once were expected to do before schools started banning homework.

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Ofsted's new inspection framework is based on a "traffic light system" which will grade schools on several areas of school life, as well as on safeguarding.

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For Schneider, there was the time a jazz combo played in an assembly at grade school.

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He would occasionally delight friends with an impromptu serenade on the violin, which he’d played since grade school.

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“On a pretty regular basis, we would be sent home from grade school because of the intensity and dangers of smog that settled over the San Fernando Valley,” Padilla said.

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Related Words

• grammar school 
• preparatory school 
• primary school