Secondary education in the United States

In education in the United States, secondary education, known as high school, generally consists of grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, though this may vary slightly by school district. In some areas, high school starts with tenth grade; a few American high schools still cover grades 7 through 12. American students are allowed to leave high school at age 16-18, depending on the state, or when they graduate or go on to college or other education. This school-leaving age is usually in grade 10 or 11 if the standard curriculum has been followed throughout 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 generally required for entrance into a college or university, but many colleges accept a small number of students after eleventh grade.

U.S. law mandates school attendance until graduation or age 16, but enforcement of the truancy laws 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.

Secondary schooling is mainly provided by public schools, however there are also private schools, religious schools, and within the public system, special charter schools and magnet schools in some areas. A magnet school might take any qualifed student from throughout the city and teach a specialized curiculum emphasizing college preparatory work or fine arts.

Compare: Primary education in the United States