École primaire is the French term for primary school, which serves as the first stage of formal education for children. Typically, it caters to students aged 6 to 11 years old and focuses on foundational subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The curriculum aims to develop basic skills and knowledge that are essential for further education. In France, École primaire is divided into five grades, known as cours préparatoire (CP) through cours moyen (CM2). Attendance is mandatory, and schools are usually public, although private options exist. The goal is to prepare students for the next level of education, which is collège or middle school.