HIGH SCHOOL
High school, or Secondary school, is the last segment of compulsory education in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan (Republic of China) (only junior high school) and the United States. It provides a secondary education. The idea was first instituted in France by Napoleon as a way to train future officers for his military.
Canada
Secondary schooling in Canada differs depending on the province in which one resides. Normally it follows the American pattern, however in Quebec, high school is grades 7 to 11. In Quebec most students follow high school by attending a CÉGEP, which is comparable to a two-year junior college and is obligatory for Quebec students wishing to go on to university in Quebec. Vocational CEGEPs are three years. High schools in the remaining provinces (except Maritime Canada and Alberta) use four grades from 9 through 12, with OAC/grade 13 having been recently removed as a requirement for graduation in Ontario. In Maritime Canada, the high school tenure consists of three grades, 10-12. In Alberta, most public high schools have recently adopted a grade 9-12 format, which has caused over-crowding in some schools. B.C. uses a system similar to Alberta (grade 8-12 or 9-12, depending on regional school boards).
United States
In the United States, high school generally consists of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, though this may vary slightly by school district. Students usually graduate and get their high school diploma in the year of their 18th birthday, or the year of their 19th birthday if born in October, late November or December. In some areas, high school starts with tenth grade while a few American high schools still cover grades 7 through 12. This is phasing out however as nearly all high schools in populated areas run grades 9-12. American students are allowed to leave high school at age 16-18, depending on the state, diploma (graduation), acceptance into higher education, or other education settings. This age is usually reached during grade 10 or 11 if the standard curriculum has been followed throughout the student's life, without skipping grades or being held back. Thus, the last two years of high school are not compulsory, but most students complete high school and receive a diploma. A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required for entrance into a two or four-year college or university.
As a practical matter, while laws in most states mandate school attendance at least until graduation or age 16, enforcement of the truancy law is sporadic. Conversely, students who have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18, if they have not graduated on time. The public-funded schools must provide education to everyone; however, if an individual proves a threat to himself and/or others, or reaches the age of 21 without a diploma, then most states allow the school to expel the student.
High School Hub
Academic resources for high school students and teachers.
www.highschoolhub.org
iHigh.Com
Information for student athletes interested in high school.
www.ihigh.com
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