highschool

High school is a stage of secondary education that follows primary schooling and precedes higher education or entry into the workforce. In the United States it typically covers grades 9 through 12, with students entering around age 14 and graduating around 18. In many other countries, the term refers to the final years of compulsory schooling or to upper secondary education.

Curriculum usually includes core subjects—language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies—plus a range of electives. Foreign languages, arts, physical education, and career and technical education are common components. Graduation requirements vary but commonly involve earning a minimum number of credits and meeting assessment or portfolio standards to receive a diploma or certificate.

Instruction is organized into classes or blocks, and schools offer guidance counseling, tutoring, and college or career planning services. Extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, student government, and volunteering are widespread and can support personal and academic development.

The goals of high school include building foundational knowledge and transferable skills—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy—while preparing students for postsecondary options, vocational training, or entry into the workforce. High schools also play a social and developmental role during adolescence, providing a space for identity formation and peer interaction.

System structures vary globally. Public, private, charter, and alternative schools operate under different governance frameworks, and some students participate in homeschooling or online high school programs as alternatives or supplements to traditional campuses.