Eighth grade

Eighth grade is the term used for the eighth year of formal education in the US, and is typically the last year of middle school. In England, the equivalent is Year 9. In Brazil, the equivalent is nono ano (ninth grade), and in Scotland the equivalent is S2. Usually, students will be 13–14 years old.

Africa

In Nigeria Grade 8 (JSS2) is the second to last year of Junior high, as there are no Middle Schools in the Nigerian education system, elementary school (primary school) ends in grade 6. Pupils (called learners by the Department of Education) are between the ages of 13 and 14.
In Somalia, the eighth grade, which pupils are between the age of 12 and 14, is typically the final grade before high school.
In South Africa, Grade 8 is the first year of high school.

Asia

In Iran, 8th grade is second year of Highschool A. There are 2 stages of Highschool in Iran, A and B. A ranges from Grade 7 (13 years old) across Grade 8 (14 years old) to Grade 9 (15 years old).
In India, 8th grade is the last grade before High School. 8th grade exam is the last year the respective school will be setting the examination. Thereafter (ninth grade and after) the examinations are conducted by state or national boards. In India, 8th class education falls under the middle education system.
In Sri Lanka, 8th grade is the last grade before High School. 8th grade exam is the last year the respective school will be setting the examination. Thereafter (ninth grade and after) the examinations are conducted by state or national board.
In Pakistan, Grade 8 is one of the years in middle school. Students in this class are thirteen to fourteen years old. 8th grade exams are conducted and managed by the Boards of Education in Pakistan.
In Nepal Grade 8 is last grade before Secondary Education. In Grade 8, District Level Examination is conducted by District Education Office.
In the Philippines, Grade 8 is the second year of Junior High School. Topics mainly discussed are the following subjects like, for the major subjects are Intermediate Algebra (Math in Grade 8), Biology (Science in Grade 8), Filipino subject with Florante at Laura, English and World History (Political Studies in Grade 8). Values Education, World Literature, MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health), Computer and TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education) are some of the minor subjects. Students are usually 13–14 years old.
In Singapore, 8th grade is equivalent of Secondary 2 level.
In Malaysia, 8th grade also known as Form 2 in secondary school. The students at this stage are 14 years old, and it is the second year in the secondary school.
In Indonesia, 8th grade is known as Kelas 2 SMP (Indonesian for the number 2). Pupils usually are aged from 13 to 14 years old and graduate from Kelas 1 SMP in the middle of the year (June 18 but the promotion to the next grade is at June 28).
In Hong Kong, 8th grade is called Form 2.
In Afghanistan, 8th grade is the final year of middle school.
In Oman pupils usually are aged from 14 to 15 years old.

Europe

In Spain, eighth grade was called 8º de EGB (Educación General Básica) and is the last year in a colegio, before being enrolled into an instituto (Spanish for High School) However under the present ESO (educación secundaria obligatoria) system it is now the second year of ESO.
In Denmark, eighth grade is called 8. Klasse being the second last year before being enrolled into a Gymnasium, which is similar to high school.
In France, eighth grade is equivalent to the third year of collège, the Quatrième or '4ème'.
In Germany, eighth grade is called 8. Klasse.
In Greece, aged 14-15 are in the third (last) class of Gymnasium.
In Poland, eighth grade is equivalent to the second year of junior high school (gimnazjum). Pupils are aged 14–15.
In Hungary, eighth grade is called 8. osztály, commonly the last year of elementary school. Other systems to group the grades are also present: for example, six years of elementary school then six years of high school; or four years of elementary then eight years of high school.
In Finland, children aged 14–15 are usually in 8th grade.
In Iceland, eighth grade is called 8.bekkur. Pupils are aged 14–15.
In Ireland, eighth grade is equivalent to 2nd Year. Students are between 13 and 14 years old at the beginning of the year.
In Italy, eighth grade is the final year of middle school. It is equivalent to what is colloquially referred to as terza media or terzo anno delle scuole medie (officially Scuola secondaria di primo grado). Students are usually between 13 and 14 years old.
In Latvia, eighth grade is called 8. Klase and is the last year of elementary school. Children are aged 14–15.
In the Netherlands, eight grade is equivalent to the second year in middle school (known as de tweede klas).
In Norway, the eight grade is the first year of Ungdomsskole (literally Youth School), equivalent to Junior High School. The students enter the eight grade the year they turn thirteen.
In Belgium, eight grade is also equivalent to the second year in middle school (called "2de middelbaar" or "2e secondaire").
In the United Kingdom:
- In the English and Welsh school systems, eighth grade is equivalent to Year 9 (Form 3). These children are aged 13–14.
- In Scotland eighth grade is equivalent to S3 ('S' represents Secondary), or 3rd year. In Scotland students start primary education at an age of 4–5 and then move to high school when 11–12. Children are between 13 and 14 years old in this year.
- In Northern Ireland, children aged 13–14 are in year 10 or 3rd year (secondary school).
In Romania, 8th grade is called "Clasa a VIII-a", and it is the last year of Gymnasium, followed by high school. Children usually aged between 13–14 are in this grade.
In Croatia 8th grade is called "Osmi razred" and it is the last year of primary education before going to gymnasium or another secondary school. Children are ages between 13 and 14. Grades beyond 8th are not called 9th and so on, but rather 1st grade of secondary school.
In Slovenia, 8th grade is the second to last year of primary school, with students 13 - 14 years of age. After primary school, students attend different High Schools.
In Bulgaria, children aged 14–15 are usually in 8th grade.

North America

In Belize, Std. 6 is the last year in elementary school.
In Mexico, eighth grade is equivalent to the second year of middle school for those who are aged 13–14.

Canada and the United States

In the United States, Eighth Grade is most commonly thought to be a child's eighth year of education. However, for some, 8th Grade may be thought of as a child's 9th, 10th, or, possibly, 11th year of education. Though this depends upon whether or not the child attended Kindergarten and Preschool, and for how many years they attended Preschool (usually, a child attends Preschool for one year, but two years is somewhat common as well). Yet, most disagree to this because Preschool and Kindergarten are considered to be years of preparation, rather than actual education. In some parts of Canada (such as Newfoundland), and much of British Columbia, 8th grade is the first year of high school, or secondary school. Students are usually 13-14 years old.

In Quebec, eighth Grade is equivalent to Secondary II (French: 2^e Secondaire ("Seconde")) or Secondary Cycle 1, Year 2.

The eighth grade mathematics curriculum in Canada and the United States usually includes either Pre-algebra or Algebra I. Occasionally, Geometry, or Algebra II are 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, American history is often the primary focus in eighth grade social studies. Other schools may also focus on other subject areas such as geography and world history.

Australia

In most states in Australia, eighth grade is the equivalent of Year 8, which is the second year of high school. In Western Australia and South Australia, Year 8 is the first year of high school.

In New Zealand, Year 9 (formerly Form 3) is the equivalent of eighth grade, with students aged 12 or 13 at the beginning of the year. It is the first year of secondary school and the ninth year of compulsory education. Students in Year 9 typically study English, mathematics, science, social science, health and physical education, the arts, and technology.

South America

In Brazil the minimum age required for eighth grade was recently changed from 12 to 13 years old.
In Chile, eighth grade is equivalent to 8° Básico the last year of Enseñanza básica for those who are aged 13–14.