Schools range in size from less than 100 to over 2,000 students. On the average, a typical high school has approximately 900 students. In Canada, children are required to stay in high school until they reach 16 years old. A high school year lasts from 180 - 200 days during September to June. Each teacher usually has one or more areas of specialty.
High school prepares students for college or occupational training.
Each of the states in the U.S. and each of the provinces in Canada has established requirements that must be met in order for a student to receive a high school diploma. These requirements usually consist of a core of compulsory courses and a selection of electives. Students select their elective courses that support their future goals, whether they include college, university or direct entry into the workforce. In the U.S. some of the better established public high schools and most of the private ones offer college preparatory programs. The better-established schools offer honor and advance placement courses in addition to the regular ones.