School-age child development refers to the physical, emotional, and mental capacities that children between the ages of 6 and 12 are expected to have. This period covers grades 1 through 12 or sometimes called primary education. School-age children are able to understand basic instructions, follow rules, play games, use tools, eat well-balanced meals, and provide care for themselves. They also develop self-confidence as they learn new skills and make friends. Children reach different levels of maturity at different rates. Some 8-year-olds can walk down stairs without falling over while others aren't walking yet. The brain of a 10-year-old is fully developed but the body isn't finished growing yet. Changes happen quickly during this stage of development. Research shows that school-age children who stay in school until they're 13 or 14 years old do better on average than those who leave before then. Those who leave before age 16 are more likely to become involved in crime, use drugs, be sexually active, not attend college, and live in poverty. The school-age period begins when a baby is born and ends when it starts kindergarten or takes its first academic year, depending on where you are in the world.