High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions.
The term "high school" originated in Scotland with the world's oldest being Edinburgh's Royal High School in 1505.[1][2] The Royal High School was used as a model for the first public high school in the United States, the English High School founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1821. The precise stage of schooling provided by a high school differs from country to country, and may vary within the same jurisdiction. In all of New Zealand and Malaysia along with parts of Australia, Bangladesh and Canada, high school is synonymous with secondary school, and encompasses the entire secondary stage of education.
In Australia, the term "high school" refers to secondary school, from Year 7 or Year 8 through to Year 12, varying from state to state. High school immediately follows primary (elementary) school; therefore, a Year 7 Australian high school student is sometimes as young as 12. In Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, the term "high school" generally refers to Years 7–10, whereas the term "College" is used for Years 11–12. In Victoria the term "secondary college" has largely replaced the term "high school" following the reforms of the Labor Government in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some schools have retained the name "high school" (such as Melbourne High School) and many have now dropped the "secondary" and are simply known as "college".
The later years of high school are known as the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in New South Wales for Year 12, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in Victoria for Years 11 and 12 and similar names in other states.
A student's first examination marks in New South Wales and a combination of examination marks and coursework in other states (except Queensland) are indexed into the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This index is usually the sole factor considered when applying for university courses. The ATAR was only introduced in 2009 (in NSW), and previously each state calculated its own final high school rank, such as the Universities Admission Index (UAI) in NSW and Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER) in Victoria.
Victorian students also have an opportunity to complete a high school qualification under the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning which gives students practical experience in a trade or workplace. This qualification generally leads students into a trade or TAFE course.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, the term "high school" is used for vocational university; instead the Dutch "Middelbaar" or "Secundaire school" is used for secondary education schools, or "École secondaire" or "Humanités" in French, which translates to middle or secondary school. Students are required to attend from ages 13 to 19, scheduling between 32 and 36 hours of class a week. In Belgium there are 4 levels of "high school" : ASO, TSO, KSO and BSO.
This system only applies to Belgium.
In Brazil, the term for secondary school is called "Ensino Médio" and compreends the three last years of school.
Secondary school in Brazil is aimed to prepare students for the entrance process to college or university (private or public) called "Vestibular." Every year, students are evaluated by ENEM – Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (National High School Exam), the grade obtained in this exam is often used as a part of Vestibular process. The Federal Government of Brazil offers full (100%) or partial (50%) scholarship in private Universities for students well graded in ENEM egressed from public high school in the program called PROUNI – Programa Universidade para Todos (University for Everyone Program). The secondary school learning is divided in 4 fields of knowledge:
1- Humanities(History, Geography, Philosophy); 2- Natural sciencies(Physics, chemistry and biology); 3- Field of Math; 4- Languages(National language, foreign language and arts).
In Canada, "High School" (also known as "Secondary school" or "Collegiate Institute") generally refers to a school comprising grades ten through twelve, but this can vary between provinces and school districts. Each province and territory of Canada has its own education system, with some provinces having "Junior High", whilst others have post-grade ten secondary school, sometimes known as "Senior High". The majority of high schools in Canada schedule classes running from late August or early September to mid or late June with a summer break during July and August.
Canadian high schools offer many extracurricular activities, including athletics. The most popular sports in Canadian high schools are ice hockey, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football, baseball, basketball, track and field athletics, and volleyball. Senior prom, also known as "grad" or "formal", is a very popular activity amongst graduating students. Many non-sporting extra-curricular activities are offered in Canadian high schools, including drama, yearbook club, and computer club.
An increasing number of international students are attending Canadian high schools. Among all boarding secondary schools in Canada, Columbia International College is the largest, with around 1,400 international students from 66 countries.
After completing nine-year comprehensive school at the age of 16, one has the chance to go to a vocational school (ammattikoulu/yrkesskola) or an upper secondary school (lukio/gymnasium), the latter sometimes translated as "high school" in English. In the vocational school one can study to be an electrician, hairdresser, plumber etc. In upper secondary school students take about 30 courses per year on a variety of different subjects (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, different languages, Psychology, Health Education etc.). Normally they graduate in three years, usually at the age of 19, after taking the national matriculation exam (ylioppilaskirjoitukset/studentskrivningar). Typically students continue to university (yliopisto/universitet) or ammattikorkeakoulu, but some decide not to go to any school after secondary school.
See Secondary education in France#Lycée
Germany has a tripartite school system consisting of Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium but with many variants. The most prominent of these is the Gesamtschule, which is a comprehensive school. Hauptschule, which ends at grade 9 (15/16 years), and Realschule, that ends at grade 10 (also 16 years), are often followed by vocational education or the attendance of a technical college. Most primary schools already end with grade 4 (10 years) but some have grades 5 and 6 (11 and 12 years, respectively); the change between different school types, and thus tracks, remains possible throughout the school years. The German equivalent of the high school are the grades 10 to 12 (16 to 18 years) of Gymnasium, which are called "Oberstufe". To a lesser degree the vocational education in the dual education system could also be seen as an equivalent of high school. Traditionally, the high school grades were the grades 11 to 13 (17 to 19 years). But this has been shortened or is about to be shortened in all federal states to either 10 to 12 or 11 to 12.
In India, high school is a grade of education which includes Standards(Grades) VII to X. Standards(Grades) XI to XII called as Higher Secondary School or Senior Secondary School or Junior college. Some states refer to Standards(Grades) IX and X as High School, while XI and XII are termed as Intermediate. Other states refer to VI, VII, VIII, IX and X (grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) as Secondary school and XI and XII (grades 11 and 12) as Senior Secondary School. Usually, students from ages 14 to 18 study in this section. These schools may be affiliated to national boards like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) or National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or various state boards.
Some states refer Primary School with grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Secondary with grades 5,6,7,8,9,10. After senior secondary school students go to university for higher studies.
Sekolah Menengah Pertama or abbreviated as SMP, and the other part which is senior high school, known locally as Sekolah Menengah Atas and in other terms, Sekolah Menengah Umum which are abbreviated as SMA and SMU respectively. There is also one institution similar to SMA, but they focused on one specific career major which is known as Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan or SMK. Unfortunately, citizens of Indonesia are currently looking down on SMK graduates and are not preferable to be attended by students. Junior high school is a must for all citizens of Indonesia while Senior high school is not compulsory because Indonesia is currently applying nine years of study to all citizens. It is managed by the Department of Education in Indonesia and stated in the Indonesian constitution where every citizen has the right to study. Graduate students from SMP and SMA or SMU and SMK are achieving different educational certificates. All the students of Indonesian high schools must pass in the National Examination (or UN, Ujian Nasional) held by BSNP (Badan Standarisasi Nasional Pendidikan), an organization under the Department of Education of Indonesia.
In Iran, "High school" is known in Persian as "Dabirestan". It takes 3 years, after the Middle school (Rahnamai) and before the University-preparatory school (Pishdaneshgahi). After the first year of high school, students choose their general branch (Mathematics and Physics, Experimental sciences, Social sciences, Arts, etc.).
There is also Technical high school (Fani va Herfehi) for boys and girls.
In Ireland, "High School" is known as Secondary School. Students attend Secondary School (Meánscoil) after Primary School (Bunscoil). There are two cycles, Junior and Senior as well as an optional (depending on the school) Transition Year.
Education in Italy is compulsory from 6 to 15/16 years of age,[1] and is divided into five stages: kindergarten (scuola materna), elementary school (scuola elementare), middle school (scuola media), secondary school (scuola superiore) and university (università).[2] Italy has both public and private education systems. In Italy a state-run school system has existed since 1859, when the Legge Casati (Casati Act) mandated educational responsibilities for the forthcoming Italian state (Italian unification took place in 1861).
In 1999, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Bologna Process, the Italian university system switched from the old system (vecchio ordinamento, which led to the traditional 5-year Laurea degree), to the new system (nuovo ordinamento). The nuovo ordinamento split the former Laurea into two different tracks: the Laurea triennale (a three-year degree akin to the Bachelor's Degree), followed by the 2-year Laurea specialistica (Master's Degree), the latter renamed Laurea Magistrale in 2007. A credit system was established to quantify the amount of work needed by each course and exam (25 work hours = 1 credit), as well as enhance the possibility to change course of studies or to continue studies in a foreign country after the first 3 years. It is now established that there is just a five-year degree "Laurea Magistrale Ciclo Unico" for programmes such as Law.
The Japanese word for a high school is kōtōgakkō (高等学校; literally high school), or kōkō (高校) in short. High school in Japan covers grades 10 through 12. Although it is not mandatory, some 99% of Japanese people attend high school. The third year of high school in Japan is allotted for students to prepare for college exams known as "juken" (受験). Others may wish to settle for a job instead. High schools in Japan are referred to by MEXT as "upper secondary schools." Most English-language newspapers and sources use the term "high school". Many school boards also use "high school"; for instance the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education uses "senior high school". Generally the high school students spent most of the time out of the home. Classes commonly end at 3 or 4. After that the students go for their club activities.
In Lithuanian education system, aukštoji mokykla, which is a literal translation of "high school", actually refers to a college or a university, but not an institution that provides secondary education. Thus, universitetas (university) and kolegija (college) are both covered by the umbrella term aukštoji mokykla.
Secondary education is provided by institutions that are approved by the government for this type of education. There are three types of these institutions:
Pagrindinė mokykla provides only an incomplete secondary education as it is not sufficient if one wants to start studies at a university. People who want to continue their education to obtain the full secondary education diploma, which would allow them to join a university upon completing the pagrindinė mokykla, must either enter a gymnasium, lyceum, or a vidurinė mokykla.
A vidurinė mokykla is the most universal type of these institutions as it offers all levels of pre-college education, starting from elementary level up to the secondary level.
In Malaysia, the term "secondary school" is almost always used in the place of "high school". Seco ndary education is compulsory and it usually begins at the age of 13 in Form One (Tingkatan Satu) and goes on until Form Five (Tingkatan Lima). Students from forms 1 until 3 are referred as lower secondary students meanwhile students of forms 4 until 6 are called upper secondary students. After completing Form Five, the students have a choice of entering Form Six (Tingkatan Enam) before proceeding to further their studies elsewhere.
A number of standardised tests are taken by students throughout their schooling years. To continue onto secondary schools, primary school students must undergo the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (Primary School Evaluation Exam) in their sixth and final year of primary education. At the age of 15 in Form Three (Tingkatan Tiga), the pupils sit for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah exam (Lower Secondary Assessment). Depending on their results in that exam, students can choose to enroll in one of several specific streams available upon entering Form Four (Tingkatan Empat). At the end of secondary education, the pupils sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam (Malaysian Certificate of Education). If they choose to continue to Form Six, they are required to sit for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination (Malaysian Higher School Certificate). Once the pupils have completed Form Five (or Form Six for certain students), they have officially completed secondary school.
It is mandatory for students in secondary schools to wear the school uniforms as allotted by the government. Boys are required to wear white shirts and olive green short trousers; or olive green long trousers; or white trousers (generally for Form Six students alone). On the other hand, Girls are required to wear turquoise pinafores over white shirts (Form One to Form Five); or turquoise or cream-coloured skirts with white blouses (generally only for Form Six students); or white baju kurung (a long tunic that covers the arms) over long turquoise skirts (Form One to Form Six).
In Mexico, the term "high school" usually corresponds to preparatoria or bachillerato, comprising grades 10–12, when the student's age is 15 to 18 years old. It may prepare the student with basic training for a job, and is the required step before enrolment into a college or university.
Preparatoria traditionally consists of 3 years of education, divided into 6 semesters, with the first 4 semesters having a common curriculum, and the latter ones allowing some degree of specialization, either in physical sciences (electricity, chemistry, biology, etc.) or social sciences (commerce, philosophy, law, etc.).
The term preparatoria is most commonly used for institutions that offer a 3-year educational program that "prepares" the student with general knowledge to continue studying at a university. In contrast, the term bachillerato is most often used for institutions that provide vocational training, either in 2 or 3 years, so the graduate can get a job as a skilled worker, for example, an assistant accountant, a secretary or an electronics technician.
The term "high school" is commonly used as a term for secondary school in New Zealand. Secondary education in New Zealand takes up to five years, covering the ages 13 to 18, corresponding to the school years 9 to 13.
The current and most common qualification system implemented throughout New Zealand's secondary schools is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). NCEA 'standards' or tests/assignments begin usually in 5th form (NCEA Level 1) and continue through to NCEA Level 2 at 6th form and NCEA Level 3 at 7th form. Some assignments/tests are completed as early as 3rd form, depending on the school and individual students.
High school students in New Zealand are taught a range of subjects. In year 9, the compulsory subjects are Mathematics, English, Physical Education, Social Studies and Science, as well as optional classes, such as Woodworking, Music, and a choice of languages, being mostly Māori, Spanish, French, German or Japanese, depending on the geographic location of the school and availability of teachers able to teach the respective subjects.
It is common for students in New Zealand to wear uniforms. Uniform styles vary widely between schools and are generally more casual compared to the more 'formal' uniforms worn in Australia's equivalent schools.
High school, (Norwegian: "Videregående Skole", English: "Continuational School"), in Norway is education and training that lead to general university admissions certification or vocational competence. High school is normally provided with 3 years in school or with 2 years in school and 2 years in an enterprise. General studies primarily emphasize theoretical knowledge and lead to general university admissions certification. If you choose general studies courses, you can enter university after 3 years. Vocational education and training leads to an occupation and to vocational competence with or without a craft- or journeyman’s certificate. Choosing vocational education/training allows you to enter working life within 3–5 years. You also have an opportunity to take the supplementary programme for general university admissions certification.
High School in Norway is the most common education level as it provides the theoretical and practical education to work as a skilled worker e.g. a carpenter or chef. There are multiple basic programs to choose from and gives a complete understanding of the craft or profession obtained.
List of programs: 3 general studies
9 vocational
A craftman or journeyman’s certificate is normally the only qualification needed to work in ones chosen profession. Further education is provided through technical school, which gives a more technical education at an advanced level, but is not college.
In Pakistan, the term "high school" isn't often used to describe schools; nevertheless, the term encompasses grades 9 to 10. There are two high school systems prevalent there. First is the local matriculation system which is administered by both Federal[3] and Provincial Boards of Education and includes grades 9 and 10 after which pupils may be admitted into college (Intermediate). The second major education board there is the Cambridge International Exams GCE Ordinary Level conducted by the British Council.
Education in the Palestine refers to the educational system in Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Enrollment rates amongst Palestinians are relatively high by regional and global standards. According to a youth survey in 2003, 60% between the ages 10–24 indicated that education was their first priority. Youth literacy rate (the ages 15–24) is 98.2%, while the national literacy rate is 91.2%[4]
In China, the term 'high school', also 'senior middle school' (高中), often refers to the senior part of the Chinese secondary education, as opposed to the junior part, which is more commonly known as '(junior) middle school'. Normally, students who have finished six years of primary education will continue three more years of academic study in middle schools as regulated by the Compulsory education law at the age of twelve. This is not compulsory for senior secondary education, where junior graduates may choose to continue a three-year academic education in academic high schools, which will eventually lead to university, or to switch to a vocational course in vocational high schools.
Generally, high school years usually have two semesters, starting in September and February. In some rural areas, operation may subject to agricultural cycles. Number of lessons offered by school on a weekly basis is very subjective, largely depends on the school's resource. In addition to normal lessons, periods for private study and extracurricular activity are provided as well. The academic curriculum consists of Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, politics, Music, Fine Arts, PE, Technology, Computing etc. Some schools may also offer vocational subjects. Generally speaking, Chinese, Mathematics and English are considered to be the three main subjects as they will definitely be examined in Gaokao.
In China cities, the majority of high school graduates will go onto universities or vocational colleges. Given the fact that the intensity of the competition for limited university places is unimaginable, most high schools are evaluated by their academic performance in Gaokao by parents and students.
Rural secondary education has undergone several transformations since 1980, when county-level administrative units closed some schools and took over certain schools run by the people's communes. In 1982 the communes were eliminated. In 1985 educational reform legislation officially placed rural secondary schools under local administration. There was a high dropout rate among rural students in general and among secondary students in particular, largely because of parental attitudes. All students, especially males, were encouraged to attend secondary school if it would lead to entrance to a college or university (still regarded as prestigious) and escape from village life.
In the Philippines, high school is a part of a 10-year compulsory education which runs for 4 years after the 6 years education for grade school. The levels for high school are usually identified as:
And informally identified by counterpart names in college:
A notable exception is the University of the Philippines Integrated School (or UPIS) where high school is integrated with elementary school, hence the last 4 years are referred to as grades 6-10.
Children normally enter high school from age 12 or 13 and complete it when they reach age 15 or 16. Everyone who finishes high school normally receives a high school diploma by participating in a graduation ceremony and a transcript of records (DepEd Form 137-A). Aside from a few exceptions granted by law, a high school diploma is a requirement in entering college/university.
Classes in the Philippines starts on June and ends on March with a recognition ceremony (for First Year to Third Year), and a graduation ceremony (for graduating Fourth Year students).
By the year 2011, the government announced that the Philippines will soon be upgrading its education by adopting the K-12 system. The affected students are yet to be clarified.
In Singapore, schooling for those in the age range of 13 to 16 takes place in a secondary school, in accordance with the British system in England and Wales. Certain schools are known as high schools such as the Dunman High School and Singapore American School. This suggests that the school follows a U.S. curriculum and syllabus in addition to British "O"-levels or incorporate core elements of U.S. education system, such as equal emphases in both the sciences and the arts, offering a variety of subject options.
In Spain, after Elementary school, there is secondary school, which are grades 7 to 10. They are called 1º de la ESO, 2º de la ESO, 3º de la ESO and 4º de la ESO. ESO stands for Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, which would be translated as Obligatory Secondary Education. What they call High School in Spain would be the baccalaureate, which are grades 11 and 12. In these two grades there are common subjects to all the students, and the elective subjects which vary depending on the career you want to study in the university. The education is more specialized in different areas: there are the pure sciences, in which you take physics, chemistry and biology (for science careers). You can also choose mixed sciences, in which the elective subjects are physics, chemistry, and technical drawing (for engineering careers and architecture and design), there is also humanities, which involve subjects such as economics and history. The fourth modality is pure letters, specialized in languages (philology careers), and the elective subjects are Greek and Latin. Last, you can choose arts, which you have three different types, depending on the art: dancing, drawing, and drama.
In South Africa, high school begins at grade 8. Students study for five years, at the end of which they write what is known as "matric" (see Matriculation in South Africa).
As of 2008, students sit the National Senior Certificate examinations, which replaced the Senior Certificate and Further Education and Training Certificate. To progress on to university, students must attain a pass in their Home Language, an Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation, as well as at least three electives; see further under National Senior Certificate. (The system previously allowed for an examination at the Higher or Standard grade for each subject. Since 2008, this has been discontinued. Relatedly, some components of the previous mathematics syllabus are now examined as electives.)
An alternative Matric examination is offered by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), a body representing various of the private schools in South Africa. The IEB exams are considered by many teachers, parents, students and universities, both within South Africa and abroad, as more challenging than the state equivalent.
In South Korea, students from grades 10 through 12 attend high schools. Some subjects such as Korean, English, math, etc. are obligatory in high schools, while students may choose the class they wish to take for some other subjects in liberal arts. High schools in South Korea may also have subject specialty tracks. For example, students who have a talent for science, foreign language, physical activity, art, etc. may choose to go to an academic science, foreign language, or other specialty high school (Hangul:특수목적고등학교, Revised:Teuksu-Mokjeok Godeung Hakgyo). These high schools are often hard to get into, especially science and foreign language, which creates competition to go to a good high school.
Academic high schools in South Korea are known to have demanding academic courses and strict discipline. It is usual in South Korea that academic high schools open before 8:00 am starting with one-hour self-study and end around 11:00 pm due to about 5 additional (mandatory) hours of self-study time (자습). While U.S. President Barack Obama stated that U.S. schools should follow the rigorous academic courses of South Korean high schools, some Korean people hold the high school education in Korea to be too competitive.
Most Korean students may choose to go to common high school (Hangul:인문계 고등학교; Revised:Inmungye godeung hakgyo) ; and other students may choose a vocational track high school which emphasizes agriculture, commerce, or technical trade curricula (hangul:전문계 고등학교; Revised:'Jeonmungye godeung hakgyo)
Unlike most developed countries, high schools in South Korea are neither free nor compulsory. However, 97 percent of Korean students do complete high school, according to a 2005 OECD study.
High schools are called 고등학교 (Revised: Godeung Hakgyo, McCune–Reischauer: Kodŭng Hakkyo).
The secondary education in Taiwan includes junior high school, senior high school, vocational high school, military school and complete high school. The traditional secondary education institutions were established during the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945). Today, they include many features from the United States.
After six years in elementary school, the rules typically state that children must enter junior high school, or their parents may be fined. There are three grades in junior high. Children who achieve the third grade can choose to enter senior high school, vocational high school or complete high school. If children want to continue their formal education, they must sit for an exam. Generally speaking, the grade to enter high school and complete high school is highest, while it is lower to go on to vocational high school and military school.
Senior high school has three grades. Graduates from senior high school often continue on to university. Vocational high school has three grades as well. Children who complete vocational high school can then enter a technological university. Complete high school is like that of American high schools, in that it has grades seven to grade twelve.
There are also international schools such as Taipei American School (TAS), Taipei Adventist Preparatory Academy (TAPA), Taipei Adventist American School (TAAS), National Experimental High School (NEHS), Taipei European School (TES), Hshinchu International School (HIS), and Morrison Academy (MCA). These schools offer grades from Kindergarten to grade 12. English is instructed for all courses. Since the curriculum concurs with the corresponding country's curriculum, graduates from these international schools generally do not stay in Taiwan for their undergraduate degree.
Despite the term "high school" being created in Scotland, the education system of the United Kingdom varies by constituent country, so in neighbouring England and Wales the terms usage varies. In some cases, the phrase is used specifically for girls' schools (e.g. Bedford High School). In certain areas, such as Liverpool (e.g. Alsop High School), Manchester (see list of secondary schools in Manchester), Lancashire, Cardiff, and Herefordshire, secondary schools are generally called high schools.
Most of the country adopts a two-tier schooling system, consisting of a "Primary" (Reception & Years 1 – 6 – or ages 4 – 11) and a "Secondary" (Years 7 – 11, often also including a "Sixth Form", aka Years 12 & 13, or lower/upper sixth. Ages 11 – 16 and ages 16 – 18 in the Sixth Form College) school.
Some of the country chooses a three-tier system, with the addition of a "middle" or "junior" (Years 5 – 8) school, while the primary and secondary schools still exist in the areas and just change their age span to Reception – Year 4 and Year 9 – 11 (Plus Sixth Form, usually) respectively. In these areas, secondary schools are often unofficially referred to as "high schools" to avoid confusion, after all, it is not the 'second' school. The term "tertiary" is never used to describe secondary or high schools in such areas.
There are a variety of names used for secondary schools in Scotland, of which High School remains the most popular. Secondary schools in Scotland typically have 6 years, 1st to 6th, with pupils able to leave school from 4th year if they are 16 before a set date. Pupils generally go into 1st year aged 11 or 12, and leave after 6th year aged 17 or 18. In certain independent schools, there is a transitus year for pupils around 10 or 11 between primary and secondary education.
The term is used in both the state and independent school sectors - such as Stirling High School in the former and the High School of Glasgow in the latter. The oldest of such institutions is the Royal High School of Edinburgh. Among state schools, other popular titles for secondary institutions include Academy, Grammar School, College or simply School. Some schools have changed their designations over time - for example, Prestwick Academy in Ayrshire was formerly called "Prestwick High School", and the John Neilson Institution in Paisley, Renfrewshire became the John Neilson High School.
Individual states, counties, and school districts have considerable leeway in how they choose to divide their school levels. Students will generally graduate from high school in the year of their 18th birthday if they were born between January 1 and August 31, but this varies by state depending on the kindergarten cut-off date, which ranges from August 1 in Missouri to January 1 in Connecticut.[5] A few American schools still incorporate grades 7 through 12, but it is usually either grades 9–12 or grades 10–12. Some states split grades 9–10 and 11–12 into a high school and senior high school. For purposes of the Grade Point Average (GPA) and subject requirements used for college admission, grade 9 is usually considered the first year of high school regardless of whether the student is in the last year of a 7–9 junior high program, or the first year of a 9–12 high school program. While high school is generally defined as being grades 9–12, there are some senior high schools that cover only grades 10–12, and typically accept students from a junior high school that includes grades 7–9. Some states consider grades 7–12 to be secondary education, while others consider grades 6–12 to be secondary education.
As a practical matter, while laws in most states mandate school attendance at least until graduation or age 16, many require attendance until age 17 or 18 (unless the student earns a diploma earlier, usually around age 16). Conversely, students who have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18. In general, students over 19 attend remedial classes to receive a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. State laws vary on the cut-off age for students to receive free public education services. Many states have adult high schools for people generally 18 and over. Students can stay in high school past the age of 18 if it is deemed appropriate. They cannot stay past a certain age depending on the state. On average, 71% of American students graduate from high school.[6][7][8][9] A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for entrance into a two or four-year college or university and to other post-secondary education programs.
High schools can usually be sub-classed as general high schools, vocational schools (VoTech schools), magnet schools, and college preparatory high schools (prep schools) and special high schools or alternative high schools. Most high schools are general high schools. These general population schools offer college preparatory classes for advanced students, general education classes for average students, and remedial courses for those who are struggling.
In some school districts exceptionally high-performing students are offered enrollment at a district college preparatory high school. Traditionally "prep schools" in North America were usually private institutions, though most medium or large public (state) school districts now offer university-preparatory schools for advanced students. Public prep schools draw the top students from their district and have strict entrance requirements. All academic classes offered in these schools are classified as honors, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement.
In larger school districts, magnet schools are established to provide enhanced curriculum for one or more areas of study. Magnet schools may be created for a variety of topics such as mathematics, science, fine arts, and music. Admission (usually controlled) to magnet schools varies by school district in order to manage demand and resources. The school admission process may range from competitive admission standards to a lottery system.
Vocational high schools offer hands-on training to students that prepares them for careers in fields such as information technology, marketing, business, engineering and the medical professions. While some graduates of vocational or career and technical education high schools will go directly into a trade, others will pursue post-secondary education. The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to career and technical education.
Special high schools cater for students who have special educational needs, e.g. because of learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Some special high schools are offered for students who have major disciplinary or mental health difficulties that make it problematic to educate them in traditional high school settings. Some special high schools are assigned as security risks, where the school houses students who are not yet old enough to legally leave school and are considered a danger to other students or teachers, but have not been convicted of a crime. Some special high schools are dedicated to students with drug or mental health difficulties and have medical and psychological staff on site. A few of these schools include a nursery and a child care staff so that teen parents can finish their education without having to find child care during the school day. Special high schools have their own campus, but sometimes are located in a section or wing of a general high school.
Another recent form of high school that has emerged is the online high school. Stanford University's own Education Program for Gifted Youth received a generous donation in 2006 and used it to create the first truly complete online high school, with an interactive and advanced program for advanced learners.
High school in the United States usually begins in late August or early September of each year and ends in late May or early June. During the excess two and a half months, the students are given summer vacation to rest from the school year. In some cases schools use a year round schedule.
The first public high school in America was established by the City of Boston in 1821 as The English High School.
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