Page "High school" Paragraph 68

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 ( unless the student earns a diploma earlier, usually around age 16 ).

Conversely, students who have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18.

In general, students over 19 attend remedial classes to receive a high school diploma or General Educational Development ( GED ) certificate.

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 18 and over.

Students can stay in high school past the age of 18 if it is deemed appropriate.

They cannot stay past a certain age depending on the state.

On average, 71 % of American students graduate from high school.

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.