Realschulen are more academically rigorous than Hauptschulen and offer a broader range of subjects. Students who attend Realschulen typically plan to pursue higher education or vocational training.
Hauptschulen are less academically rigorous than Realschulen and focus on practical subjects. Students who attend Hauptschulen typically plan to enter the workforce after graduation.
Middle schools in Germany are typically divided into two levels:
* Level 1 (Klassen 5-6): This level is equivalent to grades 5 and 6 in the United States.
* Level 2 (Klassen 7-10): This level is equivalent to grades 7 and 8 in the United States.
At the end of Level 2, students take the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) exam. The MSA is a standardized test that determines whether a student is eligible to attend an academic high school (Gymnasium) or a vocational school (Berufsschule).
Middle schools in Germany play an important role in preparing students for their future careers. They provide a strong foundation in both academic and practical subjects, and they help students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.