What's the difference between “high school” and 'highschool'?
by Jon Peterson on Oct 17, 2024
It’s an easy mistake to make - you search for a “high school” and you find “highschool”. It might look the same, but it’s far from it. In this article, we will be discussing the differences between “high school” and “highschool”, two words that can cause confusion in the learners of English for everyone from middle schoolers to college students.
The difference between the two words may be subtle on the surface, but when you start exploring their meanings and contexts, the distinction becomes much clearer.
Knowing the difference between the two varieties of the word “high school” is an essential part of becoming a more proficient English speaker and writer. So grab a notebook and buckle up - the ultimate language primer is here!
What is high school?
High school is an exciting and life-changing period that anyone who attended it can attest to. It is a bridge between the coddled innocence of childhood and the grown-up responsibilities of adulthood.
In high school, one is expected to take greater ownership of their education, as well as their behavior and decisions. It is often the time in which one’s path for their future begins to form and be carved out.
High school brings its own unique set of forms and structures that allows students to attain the skills and knowledge that they need to ensure their success. From the more expansive learning opportunities such as electives, clubs and activities, to the more rigorous classes such as math, science and English, high school allows students to customize and shape an education to best fit them.
Everyone’s high school experience may differ and yet there is a universal bond that every high school student can recognize in one another.
Moreover, in high school, teens gain invaluable skills that prepare them to enter the world as more understanding, responsible, and confident people. On top of that, the relationships and connections that are made in high school are often long-lasting, due to the intense nature of the adolescent social environment.
Through the highs and lows of adolescence, high school creates a sacred space for identity formation, self-discovery, and growth.
What is the origin of the word high school?
The term “high school” has a rather interesting origin story that dates back centuries. In the late 14th century, the people of England used the term “grammar school” to refer to schools designed to teach Latin and the more complicated aspects of language.
Then, in the early 15th century, these same grammar schools began to create curriculums which focused more on the sciences, math, and arts. From this, the term “High School” was used to describe the schools which had the higher level of mindsets.
Interestingly, the spelling of “highschool” is wrong – it should actually be written as two separate words, “high school”. The confusion often arises as people see the one word and assume it is both the adjective and the noun.
In actuality, the first use of the term “high school” dates back to at least 1538, while the single word form of “highschool” wasn’t commonly used until the early 20th century.
Despite the differences in spelling, both versions of the phrase are used to refer to the same education level. High schools educate secondary students of academic age, usually between the ages of six and eighteen.
Furthermore, each type of high school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the needs of a particular age group and prepare students for further learning during their college years.
Ultimately, the difference between “high school” and 'highschool' is simply one of spelling. While the two word version is accepted as the correct spelling, the single word variation is commonly seen and is used by many. Either way, the term is still used to refer to the same level of education.
How many years is high school?
High school is an important part of anyone's educational journey, as it provides a foundation for the rest of their education and sets individuals up for success. But how long does high school last? The answer may vary slightly depending on which type of high school you attend.
High school is typically four years long, usually starting in grade 9 and ending in grade 12. People often refer to this type of secondary education as “high school”. During this time, students learn a variety of academic and life-related skills, as well as participate in extracurricular activities.
Alternatively, “highschool” is an abbreviation that is commonly used in informal settings. This can also refer to the four-year secondary education program, where students are usually between 14 and 18 years old. The shortened version usually implies the process of going through high school, as opposed to a specific timeframe.
Regardless of which of the two terms you use, the underlying concept is the same. The length of high school is four years, and this period of education is an integral part of any individual’s life. During these four years, students learn valuable lessons and develop skills that will serve them well and prepare them for the future.
How old are students in high school?
High school is widely known as the in-between stage of life, a sort of no-woman's land between childhood and adulthood. For most, it falls after elementary and middle school and before college. But how old are students in high school?
In general, high school is significantly different from ‘highschool’. High school is the designation given to educational institutions that provide educational courses in the 11th and 12th grade.
Furthermore, all students enrolled in high school are typically between the ages of 14 and 18. At the same time, 'highschool' is an alternate spelling of high school, and is sometimes used interchangeably with the official spelling.
Getting ready to graduate high school is a truly special moment in many young adults' lives. It's a celebration of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach this milestone. High school offers students a glimpse into the future, a chance to explore their interests, meet new people, and get ready for college and a career.
Plus, the bonds formed during this period will often last for life. High school is the time for exploration, experimentation, and growth. Saying goodbye to high school can be difficult but it's a stepping stone on the way to the next great milestone.
Regardless of what comes next, high school is an unforgettable time—a time that creates lasting memories and lays the groundwork for future endeavors.
Is high school one word or two?
Have you ever wondered if the expression “high school” should be one word or two? Is it “high school” or “highschool”? This is a common query amongst those who are unsure of the right way to write it correctly.
The answer is, indeed, “High School” is two words and not one. When written as “highschool” the word appears to be one, but altogether it’s two.
In fact, the phrase is always written as two individual words, there are no exceptions. Although they appear as one written word, both are fully pronounced as two clear-cut words.
There is no special rule or an exception to this. It doesn’t matter if the phrase is being used in a sentence, an essay, a presentation, or online– it is always two separate words. For example, this is the standard way of expressing the phrase: “He is a student at a high school in the city”.
The same concept applies to other words or phrases with two words that are commonly mistaken as one. For instance, there are “runner-up” and “middle-aged”. Both of those are two-word phrases and not one word.
In the end, it pays to follow the standard spelling and structure for words and phrases commonly used. Do not forget that “high school” is two words, not one - so it should always be expressed as such.
What's the difference between “high school” and 'highschool'?
When it comes to the difference between “high school” and “highschool”, one should be aware the difference is in the spelling and the meaning they convey. The distinction between the two is essential and it's important to understand in order to use the terms correctly.
The spelling of “high school” with a space between the two words implies a secondary school. It is a traditional educational institution intended to provide students with a foundation before they move on to college or vocational training.
On the other hand, one word “highschool” is not a recognized form of spelling and it has a different meaning. It usually refers to the physical building or district where the school is located.
Whether you want to talk about the institution or its physical building, it’s important to know how to spell the terms correctly. Failing to distinguish one from the other can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
Overall, it’s wise to know the difference between “high school” and “highschool” and how to correctly spell each word in order to communicate accurately and make sure your message is heard loud and clear.
Which is correct: "high school" or "highschool"?
High school and highschool are two phrases that are often confused and used interchangeably. However, these two terms have a significant difference, and it is important to understand which one to use for the proper context.
High school is the more formal and accepted phrase - it is a noun that refers to a secondary-level educational institution that leads to either a diploma or a higher degree from a university. "High school" is almost always used when referring to this type of school.
Highschool, on the other hand, is a less formal term, and it is not considered to be grammatically correct. It is simply a combination of the words high and school together, and as such, should be avoided in more formal settings.
Most likely, when someone is searching for information related to higher education and is using the phrase 'highschool', they are either referring to the same thing as high school with an incorrect spelling, or they may be looking for a school specifically focused on providing a high school education.
Ultimately, it is important to understand the grammatical difference between high school and highschool. High school is the correct phrase to use, as it is more formal and accepted. Highschool should be avoided, as it is informal and not grammatically correct.
Knowing which phrase to use is essential to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.
In conclusion, the difference between "high school" and "highschool" lies in punctuation, capitalization, and purpose of use. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, the former is the full and correct name of secondary schools, while the latter is an informal term and should only be used in contexts that do not refer specifically to one's alma mater. No matter what form of the term is used, the overall meaning of the phrase remains the same.