This was German (where „Kindergarten“) comes from, though that word means ~1 or so to 5. Then pre school („Vorschule“) from 5-6 and then, if you pass the test

This was German (where „Kindergarten“) comes from, though that word means ~1 or so to 5. Then pre school („Vorschule“) from 5-6 and then, if you pass the test („Schulreife Prüfung“ — “ripe for school exam”) the following year you start grade 1, which is when school actually begins. There are various neurological theories the teachers have told me why the brain isn’t ready for reading, maths, etc until you’re six and have passed the exam. Hence 5-6 is still playtime and naps with some training on how to behave.