 Educational path. Elementary school. An elementary school is for children from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students that attend elementary school are usually between five and ten years old. Middle school. A middle school is for children in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Students in middle school are usually eleven to thirteen years old. High school. A high school is for children in ninth to twelfth grade. Students in high school are fourteen to eighteen years old. High school equivalency. A high school equivalency is a credential that can be earned by students who did not complete high school. Students earn this credential by completing an exam. Community college. A community college is a two-year school for higher education. Students that attend community colleges can earn certificates or two-year associate degrees. Technical school. A technical school is a school where students can study in vocational programs. Auto technology, dental assisting and nursing are examples of vocational programs. College. A college or university is a four-year school for higher education. Students who attend college can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Grade. Elementary, middle and high schools have grades. A grade is the level a student is in. In the American school system, grades are identified by ordinal numbers. Graduate. To graduate means to complete high school, college or university. Students who graduate participate in a special graduation ceremony and wear a cap and gown. Certificate. A certificate is a document showing that a student completed a specialized program of study like nursing or medical billing. Certificates are not the same as diplomas. Diploma. A diploma shows that a student completed an academic program. Students who complete high school or an associate or bachelor degree at a college earn diplomas. Degree. A degree is a diploma that is earned for completing a college or university program of study. Students can earn associates, bachelors or master's degrees. The end.