High school is one of the most memorable stages in a student’s life. It is the time between your elementary and college years, which means that you are no longer a child, but at the same time, you are not an adult.
One of the questions that you may be asking is what age do most students graduate high school. Well, this depends on various factors like the country you live in and when you started kindergarten— some graduate at 16, 17, 18, and 19. However, the average age is 18 years old.
In this post, you will determine the average high school graduation age, if you can graduate early or late, and if it is worthy to graduate early in high school.
What is the Average High School Graduation Age?
What is the Average High School Graduation Age?There are many factors why students’ age varies during high school graduation. Some graduated as early as 16, while others graduated at 17, 18, and 19. However, the average age is usually 18 years old. The factors that affect the age to graduate high school are the following:
- Enrollment age – Usually, the cutoff date is September 1st and October 1st. Some students turn five years old before or on the cutoff schedule.
- Skipped or repeated a grade – If you skip or repeat a grade level, this will affect your high school graduation age.
- The number of units taken or credited – You may have taken lesser or more units than the regular ones. The more units you’ve taken, the earlier you will finish and vice versa.
- The number of failed classes – the more you failed in your subjects, the more you delayed your graduation.
Moreover, below is a common age and high-school grade level of the students:
| Grade Level (Junior High School) | Age |
| Grade 7 | 13 years old |
| Grade 8 | 14 years old |
| Grade 9 | 15 years old |
| Grade 10 | 16 years old |
| Grade Level (Senior High School) | Age |
| Grade 11 | 17 years old |
| Grade 12 | 18 years old |
What is the Oldest Age You Can Graduate High School?
Again, this differs from one country to another. Some states allow you until the age of 19, while the others are until the age of 26. However, in the United States, the age when you can still study in high school for free is until the age of 20-21 only.
What are the options if you cannot graduate high school?
Take the GED
You have an option to take the graduate equivalency degree or general educational diploma if you cannot finish high school. It is for those who don’t have a high school diploma. You can study and take a series of tests to get a certification for your skills, knowledge, and aptitude. When you have the GED, it indicates that you qualify for high school level skills. You can find a local test center near your area for inquiries. However, make sure that you are at least 16 years old.
Enroll in an adult high school
Some students opt to go to an adult high school because once you reach the age of 20 and older, you are now an adult learner. This program helps adults live a quality life by getting back to education and achieving their high school diploma. It is like attending a regular high school. This program will help you get a job that will change the way you live.
What is the Youngest Age Someone Can Graduate High School?
It is possible to graduate high school at a young age. Well, this is feasible as long as you finish all the requirements and achieve a passing mark in your subjects. High school graduation usually commences after the senior years. However, some students start early during kindergarten, which is why they graduate at 16 or 17.
Is Graduating Early in High School Worth It?
When you are young, most probably, you’d imagined yourself graduating from high school at an early age. By just thinking about it, you’d felt ecstatic and excited to jump into a new chapter in your life. However, before that, let us check the advantages and disadvantages when graduating high school early.
The Advantages
You can start early.
Most probably, this is the topmost advantage of graduating high school early. After you graduate, you can create your career early. By then, you will have your income ahead of your batchmates. You have many options, like applying for an internship or getting a bachelor’s degree in college.
There are many opportunities.
Many schools are looking for those who graduate from high school early and offer scholarships. It is an excellent opportunity for you to enter college and pay less. You see to it that you will maintain high grades.
Another opportunity is that you may live in a state where they pay students who graduate early in high school. You will be able to receive your reward or incentives. You can use the extra cash for your other needs when you have both the scholarship and the incentives.
You will save money and time.
By graduating early in high school, you will be able to save more on the expenses for your allowance, school supplies, the events you need to attend, and the class trips. You can spend the money you save for your future next steps.
The Disadvantages
It may be hard for you to have a job.
Because of your age, some companies may not accept you because the child labor law is still applicable even if you have finished high school. Some occupations are hazardous for your age, which hinders you from having a job.
It may pressure you to do the college work.
Early going to college may not be a good idea. There’s a possibility that you are not mature enough to do the college work. It may even pressure you to compete with your classmates who are older than you. The challenges that college awaits you may be too much for you to handle. Hence, you are already stressed about life at a young age, which is detrimental to your health and wellbeing.
You may miss memorable events in life.
High school is a memorable stage in one’s life. It is the time when you create happy memories, enjoy being young, and have fun with your friends. When you graduate early, there may be a lot of school activities that you will miss. Moreover, you will go to a more mature stage in life to go to college or apply for an internship.
Check this guide to read our comprehensive article on the disadvantages of graduating early.
Some Ways to Graduate Early in High School
- Consult your guidance counselor. If you want to graduate early in high school, you must consult your guidance counselor to plan your future career, including your class schedules. After the consultation, it will be clearer for you if you would want to graduate early.
- Enroll in advanced high school courses. You can enroll online for advanced courses. This way will let you earn college credits and enhance your transcript for early graduation.
- Use your summer to take courses. While others may enjoy their summer, you can take this opportunity to study, be ahead of them, and graduate early.
- Take online learning and enjoy its flexibility, particularly in the schedule. It is another way you can earn credits for early high school graduation.
Wrapping Things Up: What Age Do You Typically Graduate in High School?
At what age do you typically graduate in high school? It is usually 18 years old. But you can graduate as young as 16 years old and as old as 21 years old. Many factors affect your high school graduation age, like your enrollment age, whether you skip or repeat a grade level, and if you fail any subjects.
Graduating high school early comes with various advantages and disadvantages, namely:
Advantages:
- You can start early.
- There are many opportunities.
- You will save money and time.
Disadvantages:
- It may be hard for you to have a job.
- It may pressure you to do the college work.
- You may miss memorable events in life.
The final decision is yours! Regardless of what age you will graduate from high school, what matters most is you will get the diploma and learn a lot of knowledge and skills in this stage of your life. Whatever your choice is, make sure that it will help you live a better-quality life.
