What do pre k-4, k-5, pre-school, kindergarten mean?

-I am from another country and I am confused with all these concepts like pre-k, k-4, k-5, etc? I understand (hopefully) that pre-k means preschool and a preschool is different than daycares or early learning centers. Preschool is right before the first grade or elementary school, right? What do k-4, k-5, ...,k-8 stand for? The age issue is another problem. When does a child start preschool or first grade in USA? Are preschools separated or together with elementary schools?

My daughter is almost 4 years old and I need to learn these concept soon, so I can so the right thing for her. If somebody can provide me a source that I can check or explain these issues in details, I will be thankful. Thanks for your help.It sounds like the schools are stating that they offer a Kindergarten through 4th grade (K-4), Kindergarten through 5th grade (K-5), a three and four year old academic pre-kindergarten program (preschool), and Kindergarten is the federally mandated five year old program.



PreK-2, PreK-3, and PreK-4 are the academic preschool programs for two, three, and four year old children. PreK-2 is not a good program. Two year old children shouldn't be subjected to the non-play based "seat work" programs that PreK-2 entails.
Pre K is Preschool, meaning before school. Usually for kids around 3.



K7 would mean 7th Grade. 9th grade is when you start high school :)



Some elementary schools have preschools, and some don't. Usually, first graders are between 6-7. Very few are 5. Your daughter should go to Preschool for about another year, and when she is 5, enroll her in Kindergarten. (: Good Luck (:
Pre-K > Preschool (Ages 3-4)



K-4 > Kindergarten for younger kids suppose to be in Pre-K, because they were higher skilled, so they went in K-4 in stead of Pre-K (Ages 4-5)



K-5 > Is the usual Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)



Hope I helped.. Good Luck (=
You're right that K stands for kindergarten.



K-8 means kindergarten THROUGH eighth grade.



Pre-K stands for pre-kindergarten. This means 1 year before kindergarten.
Pre-k 4 is for 4year olds and Pre-k 5 is for 5 year olds