A high school is an educational institution that provides the final stage of secondary education, typically serving students aged approximately 14 to 18 years old. It usually includes grades 9 through 12 in the United States, where students progress after middle school or junior high school

. High schools offer a broad curriculum that often includes general academic courses as well as specialized subjects such as commercial, trade, technical, agricultural, or preprofessional studies. Most high schools in the U.S. are public and tuition-free, funded by the state, though private high schools also exist, often with a focus on college preparation and sometimes affiliated with religious organizations

. Globally, the term "high school" can vary in meaning and age range, but it generally corresponds to upper secondary education, which prepares students for tertiary education or vocational training. In some countries, secondary education is divided into lower secondary (ages 11–15) and upper secondary (ages 15–18), with high school typically referring to the upper secondary level

. In summary, high school is the stage of education following middle or junior high school, designed to prepare teenagers for college, vocational training, or employment, usually covering grades 9 to 12 and ages 14 to 18