Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education. It is preceded by pre-school or nursery education and is followed by secondary education. In North America this stage of education is usually known as elementary education.
In most countries, it is compulsory for children to receive primary education, though in many jurisdictions it is permissible for parents to provide it. The transition to secondary school or high school is somewhat arbitrary, but it generally occurs at about eleven or twelve years of age. Some educational systems have separate middle schools with the transition to the final stage of education taking place at around the age of fourteen.
The major goals of primary education are achieving basic literacy and numeracy amongst all pupils, as well as establishing foundations in science, geography, history and other social sciences. The relative priority of various areas, and the methods used to teach them, are an area of considerable political debate.
Typically, primary education is provided in schools, where the child will stay in steadily advancing classes until they complete it and move on to high school/secondary school. Children are usually placed in classes with one teacher who will be primarily responsible for their education and welfare for that year. This teacher may be assisted to varying degrees by specialist teachers in certain subject areas, often music or physical education. The continuity with a single teacher and the opportunity to build up a close relationship with the class is a notable feature of the primary education system.
Traditionally, various forms of corporal punishment have been an integral part of early education. Recently this practice has come under attack, and in many cases been outlawed, especially in Western countries.

Australia
Main article Education in Canada

Canada
Main article Education in France

France
Main article Education in Germany

Germany
Main article Education in Iran

Iran
Main article Education in Israel

Israel
Main article Elementary school in Japan

Japan
Main article Education in the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland
Main article Education in Myanmar

Myanmar
Main article Education in New Zealand

New Zealand
Main article Education in the Palestinian territories

Palestinian territories
Main article Education in Poland

Poland
Main article Education in the United Kingdom
Primary education is provided by state schools run by the government and by independent fee-paying schools. In the state system children are either educated in separate infant and junior schools or in a combined primary school. Schools in the private sector providing primary education are generally known as preparatory schools or prep schools. In the private sector the transfer to the final stage of education often takes place at 14.

England
Main article Primary Education in Wales

Wales
Main article Education in Scotland

United States

Educational stages
Primary school
Elementary school
Category: List of primary and elementary schools by country
List of education articles by country
List of schools by country