Eighth Grade

Eighth (or 8th) grade (capitalized and called Grade 8 in Canada) is a year of education in the United States, Canada, Australia and other nations. Students are usually 13 - 14 years old. The eighth grade is typically the final grade before high school, and the ninth grade of public and private education, following kindergarten and subsequent grades. Eighth grade is usually the third of three grades or the second of two grades of middle school, or the second of three grades or first of two grades in junior high school, although some systems mark it as the final year of elementary school and some as the second year of high school (in Quebec or Australia for example).

The eighth grade mathematics curriculum in Canada and the United States includes either Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, or Geometry. Occasionally Algebra II is also taught in very advanced schools. In some schools, especially the ones that are witnessing the required Basic Standards Test, basic everyday "real world" mathematical skills such as check writing, money management, and geometry are taught as well.
In cultural and language curriculum, many students may opt to take a foreign language course, either for a semester or the full school year.
In the United States, U.S. history is the primary focus in eighth grade social studies.
In some parts of Canada (such as Newfoundland) and the United States, 8th grade is the first year of high school.
In Quebec, eighth Grade is equivalent to Secondary II (French: 2e Secondaire ("deuxieme")) or Secondary Cycle 1, Year 2.