ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

K–12 (education)

Okay kiddo, let me explain what K-12 means. K-12 is short for Kindergarten to 12th grade, which is the whole period of time kids go to school in the United States.

Starting with Kindergarten, this is the first year of formal school for kids, usually at age of 5 or 6 years old. In Kindergarten, kids learn about basic subjects such as the alphabet, shapes, and colors.

After Kindergarten, kids typically go to 1st grade and continue up through 12th grade, which is the last year of high school. Each grade level usually covers different topics such as math, science, literature, and more advanced skills as they move up through the grades.

The K-12 system is important because education is important for kids to grow up and become successful adults. By completing the 12th grade, kids usually have the knowledge and skills they need to go to college or start their careers. So, K-12 is just a way to organize and structure education for kids.
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