In Korea, the highest grade we have for elementary school is 6th, but it seems the grade system is different in America. How many grades are there?

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
That's true! The USA's secondary school system is divided into three parts. The first is elementary, which is kindergarten to grade 5. The second is middle school, grades 6-8. And the third is high school, grades 9-12! So the first year of high school is grade 9 and is referred to as "freshman year," which you may have heard of before! Ex: I'm going to high school next year. I'm so glad middle school is over. Ex: Cathy's a senior in high school, and Tim is starting his freshman year next year.