In Japan, the age of 6th graders typically ranges from 11 to 12 years old. At this stage, students are enrolled in elementary school, also known as shōgakkō. In the Japanese education system, elementary school is a compulsory level of education, and students generally attend from the age of 6 to 12 years old.
During their time in elementary school, students progress through six grades, with 6th grade being the final year. This means that students in 6th grade are usually the oldest in their school, and they are preparing to transition to the next level of education.
After completing elementary school, Japanese students move on to junior high school, also referred to as lower secondary school or chūgakkō. The first year of junior high school, or 7th grade, typically begins at the age of 12 or 13.
It is worth noting that while these age ranges are generally followed, there may be some variations depending on individual circumstances, such as students who may have started school at a different age due to various reasons.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to interact with Japanese students at different grade levels during my travels to Japan. I remember visiting an elementary school and observing the vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere in the 6th-grade classrooms. The students seemed to be proud of their achievements and were excited about the upcoming transition to junior high school.
The age of 6th graders in Japan is around 11 to 12 years old, marking the end of their elementary school education and the beginning of a new chapter in their academic journey.