In the United States, high schools generally consist of
grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, although the inclusion of grade 9 varies by school
district. A student that is not initially enrolled in a pre-kindergarten class
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 [2]. A few American schools still
incorporate grades 7 through 12, but it is usually either grades 9-12 or grades
10-12. For purposes of the 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. While high school is
generally defined as being grades 9-12, there are some senior high schools that
cover only grades 10-12, and typically accept students from a junior high school
that includes grades 7-9. Some states consider grades 7-12 to be secondary
education, while others consider grades 6-12 to be secondary education.
Previous to attending a high school or senior high school, students attend a
junior high school (usually grades 7-9), a middle school (usually grades 5-8.
6-8. or 7-8), or an elementary school (usually grades K-6), which may also be
known as a grammar school. Individual states, counties, and school districts
have considerable leeway in how they choose to divide their school levels.
About 90% of American students complete high school, however in some cities the
graduation rate is much lower (such as in Santa Ana and Los Angeles, California,
where less than 50% of students graduate), and in some much higher (such as
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a graduation rate of 99%). [3] [4] 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.
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.
(However, enforcement of truancy laws is sporadic.) Conversely, students who
have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18. In general,
students over 18 attend alternative classes to receive a GED. State laws vary on
the cut-off age for students to receive free public education services. Many
states have adult high schools for people generally 19 and over.
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