In the US, pre-university education refers to the period of schooling that occurs before students attend college or university. This includes primary and secondary education. Primary education, also known as elementary education, typically covers kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Students learn basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as social studies and science. Secondary education, also known as high school, typically covers grades nine through twelve. Students take a variety of classes, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and elective courses such as art or music. In addition to completing coursework, students must also fulfill certain requirements in order to graduate, such as completing a minimum number of community service hours or passing standardised tests. After completing high school, students can choose to attend college or university. In the United States, there are two types of higher education institutions: four-year colleges or universities, which award Bachelor's degrees, and two-year community colleges, which award Associate's degrees. Students who complete a Bachelor's degree may choose to continue their education by pursuing a Master's degree or a Doctoral degree. The pre-university education system in the United States is designed to prepare students for college or university and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.