High school High school is an institution which provides all or part of secondary education . Other terms such as " secondary school " or " secondary college " are used in different nations or regions . The phrase " high school " often forms part of the name of the secondary institution . History . The term " high school " originated in Scotland , with the world ' s oldest being Edinburgh ' s Royal High School from 1505 . 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 . Usage by country . Australia . 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 11 . 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 . Belgium and the Netherlands . In Belgium and the Netherlands , the term " high school " ( " hogeschool " ) is used for vocational university ; instead the Dutch " Middelbaar " 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 18 , scheduling between 32 and 36 hours of class a week . In Belgium there are 4 levels of " high school " : ASO , TSO , KSO and BSO ( Dutch ) or ESP , EST , ESA and ESG ( French ) . In the Netherlands there are 4 levels of " high school " : ' Praktijkonderwijs ' , VMBO , HAVO and VWO . Brazil . In Brazil , the term for secondary school is " Ensino Médio " ( " Medial education " , or ) , which comprises the last three years of school . It is part of the Brazilian " ensino básico ( , " basic education " ) , which does include early childhood , elementary and secondary education ( the latter 2 mandatory ) , all of those part of the Brazilian public education that should be provided free , as obligations of municipal ( only for early childhood and elementary education ) or state governments , to all its citizens ( including adults ) as defined in the rights of the Constitution of Brazil , and the duration is ideally 18 years if one enters the Day care at its 0 year ( pronounced , in Brazil this term is synonymous with nursery school or preschool ) . Secondary school in Brazil is aimed to prepare students for the entrance exam to universities ( private or public ) called " " Vestibular " " . Every year , students are evaluated by ENEM – " National Exam Educational Meter ' ( National High School Exam ) . The grade obtained in this exam is often used as a part of the " Vestibular " process . The Federal Government of Brazil offers full ( 100 % ) or partial ( 50 % ) scholarships at private Universities for students well graded in ENEM egressed from public high schools in the program called PROUNI – " Programa Universidade para Todos " ( University for Everyone Program ) . The secondary school learning encompasses four fields of knowledge : Recently Philosophy and Sociology , which were banned during the military dictatorship ( 1964 – 1985 ) , became compulsory again . " Educação física " ( " physical education " , or gymnastics ) classes are generally available and may be part of the " Vestibular " ( both write and in practice ) if one is disputing certain university courses . Other foreign languages , such as French or Esperanto , can also be disponible depending on school . " Pc Lab " ( in this case referring to " computer science " ) and " Música " ( " music education " ) are rather rarer . Canada . In Canada , " High School " ( also known as " Secondary school " or " Collegiate Institute " ) generally refers to a school comprising grades nine 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 . Grad , also known as " senior prom " 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 . Czech Republic . In the Czech Republic , the term " high school " ( " střední škola " , literally " middle school " ) can refer to the last four , six or eight years of secondary education . Typically , pupils in the Czech Republic spend 9 years at elementary school before going to high school where they study for 4 more years . However , children can decide to leave elementary school after Grade 5 or , less commonly , Grade 7 to study at a gymnázium ( sometimes translated as grammar school ) , which is considered as a better preparation for tercial education , for eight or six years respectively . Even students aged 11 – 15 who attend a " gymnázium " are considered high schoolers since in this case , " gymnázium " is traditionally a significantly more rigorous equivalent to elementary school . Finland . 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 . France . See Secondary education in France # Lycée Germany . 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 ( age 15 / 16 years ) , and Realschule , that ends at grade 10 ( also age 16 years ) , are often followed by vocational education or the attendance of a technical college . Most primary schools already end with grade 4 ( age 10 years ) but some have grades 5 and 6 ( age 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 ( age 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 ( age 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 . Note that the German word " Hochschule " , the literal translation of " high school " , means " college " or " university " , not " high school " . Greece . Secondary education in Greece comprises two stages : Gymnasio ( variously translated as Middle or Junior High School ) , a compulsory three - year school , after which students can attend Lykeion ( an academically - oriented High School ) or Vocational training . India . Standards ( Grades ) XI to XII are 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 or Higher Secondary School . Usually , students from ages 14 to 18 study in this section . These schools may be affiliated to national boards / Councils like Central Board of Secondary Education ( CBSE ) , Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination ( CISCE ) 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 School with grades 5 to 10 . After senior secondary school , students go to university for higher studies . Indonesia . 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 ( new program wont to add it into twelve year ) . 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 . that test 4 subject for middle school and 5 subject for high school ) held by BSNP ( Badan Standarisasi Nasional Pendidikan ) , an organization under the Department of Education of Indonesia . Iran . In Iran , " High school " is known in Persian as " Dabirestan " . It takes 4 years , after the Middle school ( Rahnamai ) . 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 . Ireland . In Ireland , students attend " Secondary school " between the ages of about twelve and nineteen , following Primary school . There are six years in secondary school , comprising two cycles . The Junior cycle ( first to third year ) , leads to the Junior Certificate . The Senior cycle comprises fifth and sixth years , leading to the Leaving Certificate , as well as an optional ( depending on the school ) Transition Year in fourth year . Italy . Education in Italy is compulsory from 6 to 16 years of age , and is divided into five stages : kindergarten ( Scuola dell ' Infanzia or Asilo ) , elementary school ( Scuola Primaria or Scuola Elementare ) , middle school ( Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado or Scuola Media ) , secondary school ( Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado o Scuola Superiore ) and university ( Università ) . 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 , or , in some cases , to a 4 - 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 or Medicine . Japan . The Japanese word for a high school is " kōtōgakkō " ( ; literally " high school " ) , or " kōkō " ( ) 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 . Lithuania . 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 . Malaysia . In Malaysia , the term " high school " is rarely used . The Malay term for schools providing secondary education is " sekolah menengah " , translated as " secondary school " in English . Some schools , mostly mission schools originally set up by missionaries and Chinese independent high school s , have the term " High School " in their English names , such as the Catholic High School PJ and Foon Yew High School . However , as most of the mission schools had been assimilated into the national education system , they are referred to as " " sekolah menengah " " in Malay . For Chinese independent high schools , their Malay names may contain either " " Sekolah Menengah " " or " " Sekolah Tinggi " " ( literally " High School " in Malay ) depending on the school . Mexico . In Mexico , the term " high school " usually corresponds to " preparatoria " or " bachillerato " , comprising grades 10 – 12 , when the student 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 . New Zealand . 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 approximate 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 with NCEA Level 1 in Year 11 ( previously 5th form ) and continue through to NCEA Level 2 at Year 12 ( previously 6th form ) and NCEA Level 3 at Year 13 ( previously 7th form ) . Some assignments / tests are completed as early as Year 9 or 10 , 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 , Dance , Drama , Art , Graphics , 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 . Norway . High school , ( Norwegian : " Videregående Skole " , English : " Continuational School " ) , in Norway is education and training that lead to general university admissions certification or vocational competence . Nearly all Norwegian students enter high school the year they become 16 , and it is their 11th year of education . 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 . Pakistan . 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 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 . Palestine . 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 % People ' s Republic of China . 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 semester s , 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 , Music , Fine Art s , 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 most provinces , students also need to be examined in either natural sciences , which incoporate Physics , Chemistry and Biology , or social sciences , which incoporate Geography , History and ideology & politics . 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 . Philippines . Originally , In the Philippines , high school was 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 were usually identified as : 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 and a transcript of records ( DepEd Form 137 - A ) . Aside from a few exceptions granted by law , a high school diploma is a requirement to finally proceed to higher education . Classes in the Philippines start in early to late - June and end in mid - March to early April . Core subjects per year level are Mathematics , Science ( General Science , Biology , Chemistry , and Physics for 1st , 2nd , 3rd , and 4th year respectively ) , Filipino ( including Philippine Literature ) , English ( may include Literature ) , History ( Philippine History , Asian History , and World History for 1st , 2nd , and 3rd year ) , and Economics ( 4th year students ) . In selective schools , various languages may be offered as electives , as well as other subjects such as computer programming and literary writing . Chinese schools have language and cultural electives . Preparatory schools usually add some business and accountancy courses , while science high schools have biology , chemistry , and physics at every level . In 2012 , the K - 12 education system has been introduced to all public schools and private school s in the country . Because of this , the name for all the years in high school will become Grade 7 , Grade 8 , and so on , and then by SY 2015 - 2016 , the Grade 12 will then be implemented to those schools which still follow the 10 - year basic education system . As the aim of the new K - 12 curriculum is to help students become employed immediately after schooling , grades 11 and 12 will have components that specialise in this . Implemented in SY 2012 – 2013 : Portugal . Secondary education , known as " Ensino Secundário " in Portugal , consists of the last three years of compulsory school . It follows the " Ensino Básico " ( 1st - 9th grades ) . The secondary education certificates the qualification thus obtained and , in the case of work - oriented programmes , the qualification for specific jobs . It also serves to prepare students for the entrance exams to universities ( private or public ) . Romania . In Romania , high school is commonly referred to as " liceu " ( lyceum in English ) . The students usually enter the lyceum at the age of 14 or 15 , and graduate when they ' re 18 or 19 . In order to graduate and get a baccalaureate diploma , they must pass the BAC exam , and they must have fulfilled the four years ( 9 - 12 ) of post - secondary education . The high school diploma is enough to get a job in various domains . Saudi Arabia . In Saudi Arabia , high school includes grade 10 through 12 , consisting ages from 16 to 18 . Singapore . 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 . Spain . 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 . South Africa . 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 . 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 . South Korea . 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 ake 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 " ) . Taiwan . 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 school s 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 ) , Morrison Academy ( MCA ) , Morrison Academy Kaohsiung ( MAK ) , and Kaohsiung American School . 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 . United Kingdom . England & Wales . 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 term ' s usage varies . In some cases , the phrase is used specifically for girls ' schools ( e . g . Aylesbury 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 . An 11 - year - old is in Year 7 , but then turns 12 during the school terms or holidays . Same for the other years . 14 - to - 16 - year - olds take their GCSEs , in which they receive levels ( or grades ) that they take with them to a Sixth Form . 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 . Scotland . 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 school s , 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 . Northern Ireland . In Northern Ireland a child serves seven years in Primary School labelled as P1 - P7 . Secondary school or high school is compulsory for a further 5 years . This is called First Form to Fifth form or Year 8 to Year 12 . GCSEs are taken in Fifth Form ( Year 12 ) . Lower and Upper Sixth ( Year 13 and Year 14 ) are then years that A Levels are taken in but they are optional . In lower sixth you can also change schools and attend a Technical College with vocational subjects on offer . The school term runs from 1 July to 30 June ( the same as Scotland ) This is different with English and Welsh schools which run from 1 September to 31 August meaning that a child born in the summer months would be the oldest in the year group if born in Northern Ireland or Scotland but would be put into the older class and become the youngest in the year group if born in England or Wales . This means that if a child wanted to go to university after their final year they must be 18 years old before 30 June of that year . In England and Wales the child must be 18 before 31 August . United States . Individual states , counties , and school district s 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 . 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 junior 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 . 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 school s 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 . 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 school s ( VoTech schools ) , magnet school s , 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 school s 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 education al 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 .