High School or Highschool marks one of the most exciting and transformative chapters in a person’s life. It’s not just a place where students attend classes; it’s where friendships are forged, dreams begin to take shape, and personalities are molded.
From the thrill of first-day jitters to the joy of graduation celebrations, every moment in high school leaves a lasting impression.
It’s acing a challenging exam, participating in sports, or joining clubs, high school provides countless opportunities to explore passions and uncover hidden talents.
What Does “High School” Mean?
Meaning of High School
High school is a noun that refers to a school for students who are typically between the ages of 13 and 18, usually covering grades 9 through 12.
It comes after middle school and before college or university.
Simple Definition
High school is an educational institution where teenagers study before higher education.
Examples in Simple English
- She studies science in high school.
- My brother is starting high school next year.
- High school students often prepare for college exams.
Is “Highschool” a Real Word?
Short Answer: No
Highschool (written as one word) is not correct in standard English.
- ❌ Not accepted in dictionaries
- ❌ Considered a spelling mistake
- ❌ Not used in formal or academic writing
Although you may see “highschool” online, especially in casual posts, it is still incorrect.
High School vs Highschool: Quick Comparison
| Feature | High School | Highschool |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in exams | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary accepted | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Formal writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Winner: ✅ High school
Why Is “High School” Two Words?
Grammar Explanation (Simple)
The term high school is a compound noun made of two words:
- High (adjective)
- School (noun)
In English, many compound nouns remain two separate words, especially when they describe institutions.
Examples:
- Post office
- Police station
- Bus stop
- High school
Not all compound nouns become one word, and high school has never officially merged into a single word.
Correct Usage of “High School” in Sentences
As a Noun
- I go to high school in New York.
- High school can be challenging but fun.
With Articles (a, the)
- She attends a high school near her home.
- The high school has excellent teachers.
With Prepositions
- He graduated from high school.
- She is in high school now.
Using “High School” as an Adjective
Sometimes high school is used to describe something related to that level of education.
Examples
- High school teacher
- High school exam
- High school students
- High school diploma
⚠️ Even as an adjective, it remains two words.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Writing It as One Word
- ❌ I met him in highschool.
- ✅ I met him in high school.
2. Mixing Forms in One Article
Some writers use both spellings in the same article. This looks unprofessional and hurts SEO.
3. Thinking Informal Use Is Acceptable
Even in casual writing, it’s better to use the correct form.
Spelling Tips to Remember
Easy Memory Trick
Think of “high” and “school” as two ideas:
- High = level
- School = place
Since they describe a place together, they stay separate.
Compare With Similar Words
- Middle school ✅
- Elementary school ✅
- Driving school ✅
None of these are written as one word.
High School in British vs American English
Good news:
✅ High school is spelled the same in British English and American English.
There is no regional difference in spelling.
Why Do People Write “Highschool” So Often?
Reasons for the Mistake
- Fast typing
- Autocorrect errors
- Influence from social media
- Assuming compound nouns are always one word
But popularity does not make it correct.
Is “Highschool” Ever Acceptable?
No, Not in Standard English
- Not accepted in academic writing
- Not accepted in professional documents
- Not accepted in exams
Some websites may use it incorrectly, but that does not change grammar rules.
High School in Formal Writing
Always use high school in:
- Essays
- Exams
- Blogs
- Articles
- Academic papers
- Job applications
Incorrect spelling can reduce credibility.
More Examples of Correct Usage
Daily Life Examples
- My sister finishes high school this year.
- Life in high school can be stressful.
- High school teaches basic life skills.
Academic Examples
- He received his high school diploma.
- High school education is important.
Casual Conversation
- We met back in high school.
- Those were my high school days.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Is it high school or highschool?
The correct form is high school (two words). Highschool is incorrect.
Why is high school not one word?
Because it is a compound noun that has never merged into a single word in standard English.
Is highschool accepted in American English?
No. American English also uses high school as two words.
Can I use highschool in informal writing?
It is still considered incorrect, even in informal writing.
Is high school hyphenated?
No. It is written as two separate words without a hyphen.
What about high-school with a hyphen?
Hyphenated high-school is rarely used and generally unnecessary. Stick to high school.
Is high school a noun or adjective?
It can be both:
- Noun: I go to high school.
- Adjective: High school students.
Does Grammarly accept highschool?
No. Grammar tools flag highschool as a spelling mistake.
How do teachers expect it written in exams?
Teachers expect high school (two words).
High School vs Similar Terms
| Term | Correct Form |
| Middle school | ✅ Two words |
| Elementary school | ✅ Two words |
| Driving school | ✅ Two words |
| Night school | ✅ Two words |
This pattern supports high school being two words.
Final Verdict: High School or Highschool?
Let’s be 100% clear:
- ✅ High school is correct
- ❌ Highschool is incorrect
If you want your English to sound natural, professional, and grammatically correct, always use high school as two separate words.
Conclusion
Grammar mistakes can seem small, but they make a big difference in clear communication. The confusion between high school and highschool is very common, but now you know the truth.
Using the correct form improves your writing, boosts your confidence, and helps your content look professional whether you’re a student, blogger, or teacher.
