start school

[/stɑːrt skuːl/]
verb phrase
começar a escola / iniciar a escola
1. To begin attending school for the first time or after a break; to enter a new academic year or educational institution
My daughter will start school next September when she turns five years old.
Minha filha vai começar a escola no próximo setembro quando fizer cinco anos.
2. To begin formal education in kindergarten or first grade
All children in the district must start school by age six.
Todas as crianças do distrito devem começar a escola aos seis anos de idade.
In Brazil, children typically start school (pré-escola) around age 3-4 and formal primary education (ensino fundamental) at age 6. The phrase 'começar a escola' is commonly used by parents and educators. In the USA, 'start school' usually refers to kindergarten (age 5) or first grade (age 6). The beginning of the school year is a significant cultural event in both countries, often marked by shopping for supplies and new uniforms.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
begin schoolcommence schoolenter schoolenroll in school
Antonyms / Antônimos
leave schooldrop out of schoolfinish schoolgraduate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
começar a escola / iniciar a escola
most common usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
começar a escola
standard usage with informal variations in speech
São Paulo
começar na escola / iniciar na escola
both forms widely used, slightly more formal in business contexts
Portugal
começar a escola / entrar na escola
Portuguese Portuguese also uses 'entrar na escola' more frequently than Brazilian

Related Words

enrollmentfirst day of schoolschool yearkindergartenacademic calendareducation

Related Idioms & Phrases

back to school
school's in session
first day jitters
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