Middle Schools Around the World

The USA

Middle school in America includes the years from 6th grade to 8th grade; however, middle school is different in every country, and some countries don't even have middle school.

Asia

Korean middle schools are called chung hakkyo and consist of grades 7 through 9. Many middle schoolers in Korea are required to wear uniforms.

In Japan, junior high schools are called chu gakko and also consist of grades seven through nine.

Taiwanese middle schools are three years long as well, and were originally called chuzhong. Since 1981 they have been referred to as guozhong. Today, they are free of charge and compulsory, and have brought about the cancelation of entrance examinations needed to enter senior high school.

Europe and New Zealand

In New Zealand, middle school consists of 7th and 8th grade, but many primary schools teach year 7 and 8 as well. In the United Kingdom, officials wanted to change to the three tiered model of education. Some officials petitioned for 5-8 First Schools, followed by 8-12 Middle Schools, others suggested 5-9 First Schools, followed by 9-13 Middle Schools, and still others wanted 5-10 First Schools, followed by 10-13 Middle or Intermediate Schools. Around 2000 officials decided to put an end to the middle school programs. Although some Middle Schools still exist in various areas, many of these are under threat of closure as well.