Academic term
In most countries, the academic year begins in late summer or early autumn and ends during the following spring or summer. In Northern Hemisphere countries, this means that the academic year lasts from August, September, or October to May, June, or July. In Southern Hemisphere countries, the academic year aligns with the calendar year, lasting from February or March to November or December. The summer may or may not be part of the term system.
Ninth grade
Ninth Grade in Spanish is called 3º de ESO (tercero de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), as it is the third year of the compulsory secondary education. Students are usually 14–15 years old. Secondary school in Spain has a four year duration. Students in Spain generally start secondary school at the age of 12, and finish at the age of 16. The school year starts in September and lasts until the next year in June.